Personal Details :
- Full Name: DeAndre Cortez Way
- Stage Name: Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em (or simply Soulja Boy)
- Date of Birth: July 28, 1990
- Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Raised In: Atlanta, Georgia & Batesville, Mississippi
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Rapper, Record Producer, Entrepreneur, Actor
- Genres: Hip hop, Crunk, Pop rap, Trap
- Years Active: 2004 – present
- Record Labels: Interscope Records, SODMG (Stacks on Deck Money Gang)
- Known For: Viral hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” and pioneering online rap promotion
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @souljaboy
- Twitter: @souljaboy
- YouTube: Soulja Boy
- TikTok: @souljaboy
- Facebook: Soulja Boy
- OnlyFans: Soulja Boy
Career Overview :
Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, emerged as a trailblazer in the digital music era. He gained early fame through self-promotion on platforms like SoundClick, YouTube, and MySpace, becoming one of the first rappers to leverage the internet for music distribution and fan engagement. His approach to virality and direct-to-audience marketing paved the way for future internet-driven artists.
In 2007, he exploded onto the mainstream scene with his debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” The song, accompanied by its signature dance, became a pop culture phenomenon. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks, earning a Grammy nomination and multi-platinum certification. The song’s success led to the release of his debut album Souljaboytellem.com, which included other popular tracks like “Soulja Girl” and “Yahhh!”
He followed up with his sophomore album, iSouljaBoyTellem (2008), featuring hits like “Kiss Me Thru the Phone” (with Sammie) and “Turn My Swag On,” both of which further cemented his mainstream appeal and ability to craft viral anthems. “Turn My Swag On” in particular became a major internet meme and was later sampled by Beyoncé in a remix of “Hold Up.”
In 2010, he released The DeAndre Way, which included the single “Pretty Boy Swag,” another club hit that kept him relevant in the shifting music landscape. Though the album underperformed commercially, it contributed to his image as a fashion-forward, swagger-driven icon among youth audiences.
Throughout the 2010s, Soulja Boy focused on mixtapes, independent releases, and collaborations with up-and-coming rappers. He maintained relevance by embracing social media trends and meme culture. He released dozens of mixtapes, including King Soulja series, Big Draco, and more, showcasing his relentless work ethic and commitment to staying active in hip-hop.
He also became known for launching careers through his label, SODMG (Stacks on Deck Money Gang), helping artists like Lil B, Riff Raff, and Famous Dex early in their careers. In 2021, he re-signed and relaunched SODMG with a new generation of artists, positioning himself as both a mentor and label executive.
Soulja Boy returned to the spotlight in 2019 with a now-legendary viral interview on “The Breakfast Club,” where he claimed credit for influencing modern rappers and famously exclaimed “Drake?!” — sparking countless memes. The interview reignited public interest in his contributions to the genre, particularly in internet marketing, YouTube rap, and viral dance culture.
In 2021, his track “She Make It Clap” became a viral TikTok hit, demonstrating once again his understanding of internet trends. The song charted on Billboard and proved his ability to adapt to new platforms and audiences.
Outside of music, Soulja Boy ventured into tech entrepreneurship, launching products like the SouljaGame Console, SouljaWatch, and even dabbling in cryptocurrency with “SouljaCoin.” Although some products were criticized for being reskinned versions of existing devices, they sparked discussions about celebrity entrepreneurship in tech spaces.
In recent years, he has also appeared in TV shows such as VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood and continues to be a fixture on social media. His ability to remain culturally relevant across two decades is a testament to his influence and adaptability.
Today, Soulja Boy is widely regarded as a digital pioneer in hip-hop. His early use of the internet, viral marketing, and dance-driven singles reshaped how music is promoted. Artists like Lil Nas X, DDG, and many others cite him as a major influence, not only musically but also in terms of strategy and self-branding in the internet age.
Personal Life & Interests :
Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, has lived much of his personal life in the public eye. He was born in Chicago but raised in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving to Batesville, Mississippi. His early exposure to Southern rap heavily influenced his musical style, combining crunk and catchy hooks with a strong sense of youth culture.
Known for his flashy lifestyle, Soulja Boy has frequently shared insights into his daily life on social media, from expensive jewelry and cars to luxury vacations. He has owned multiple properties, including homes in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Atlanta.
In terms of relationships, Soulja Boy has been linked to several public figures over the years, including Blac Chyna, Nia Riley (daughter of singer Teddy Riley), and Tiona Fernan. His tumultuous on-and-off relationship with Nia Riley was featured on the reality series Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, showcasing both romantic highs and emotional challenges.
Soulja Boy is a passionate gamer and has openly discussed his love for video games. This interest led him to launch his own branded consoles and handhelds under the “SouljaGame” brand. Though controversial, it reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and genuine interest in tech and gaming culture.
He is also an avid sneaker collector and has a strong interest in streetwear and fashion. Over the years, he’s worked with various brands and launched his own merchandise and fashion labels, including the “S.O.D. Money Gang” apparel line.
In recent years, he has expressed interest in mentoring new artists and investing in industries like cannabis through his brand “Soulja Exotics.” His personal interests now extend beyond entertainment into tech, crypto, and real estate — areas where he hopes to continue growing his influence.
Soulja Boy remains active on Twitch and Instagram Live, often using those platforms to connect with fans, freestyle, or promote upcoming projects. His direct engagement with fans is one of his strongest traits and has helped maintain his relevance in a fast-changing music industry.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Soulja Boy’s estimated net worth is approximately $30 million. This wealth is attributed to his diverse income streams, including music royalties, business ventures, and investments.
Income Sources
- Music Revenue: Earnings from streaming platforms, digital downloads, and live performances.
- Business Ventures: Profits from his record label, SODMG (Stacks on Deck Money Gang), fashion lines, and tech products.
- Real Estate Investments: Income from rental properties in California, New York, and Texas.
- Endorsements and Sponsorships: Deals with brands and companies, including a notable partnership with World Poker Fund Holdings.
Assets
- Real Estate: Ownership of over 15 luxury properties valued at approximately $20 million.
- Luxury Vehicles: A collection of high-end cars, including a Bugatti, Porsche 991, Bentley Mulsanne, and Audi R8.
- Jewelry: Valued at around $18,000.
- Stock Holdings: Approximately $50,000 in stocks.
Notable Business Ventures
- Gaming Industry: Launch of the SouljaGame Console and Handheld, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
- Fashion Lines: Introduction of clothing lines such as S.O.D. Clothing, Ocean Gang, and BLVD Supply.
- Tech Investments: Engagement in tech ventures, including cryptocurrency projects and online gaming platforms.
Despite facing legal challenges and controversies, Soulja Boy’s diverse business endeavors and investments have contributed to his substantial net worth.
Awards & Achievements :
Soulja Boy has been recognized over the years for his contributions to hip-hop and digital culture. While he hasn’t accumulated a large number of major awards, his influence and pioneering use of internet platforms have earned him both industry respect and cultural relevance.
- Grammy Award Nomination (2008): Nominated for Best Rap Song for “Crank That (Soulja Boy).”
- BET Hip Hop Awards:
- Nominated for Best New Hip Hop Artist (2007)
- Nominated for Rookie of the Year (2007)
- Ozone Awards:
- Won Patiently Waiting: Mississippi (2007)
- Won Best Breakthrough Artist (2008)
- Teen Choice Awards:
- Nominated for Choice Music: Rap Artist (2008)
- YouTube Milestone: First rapper to go viral via YouTube, with “Crank That” becoming one of the earliest music videos to reach over 100 million views on the platform.
- XXL Magazine: Named one of the most influential internet rappers of all time in retrospective features.
- Viral Trendsetting: Credited with pioneering the use of dance trends and memes as marketing tools in hip-hop.
- Influence Recognition: Frequently cited by artists like Lil Nas X, Chief Keef, and even Drake as an innovator in internet-era rap.
Soulja Boy’s true achievement lies in his legacy as a digital music pioneer — being among the first to turn viral fame into a long-term career. His entrepreneurial mindset and use of online platforms redefined how rap music is discovered, distributed, and monetized.
Fun Facts
- Internet Pioneer: Soulja Boy was one of the first artists to go viral on YouTube. His breakout hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” became a YouTube sensation and helped change how music is promoted online.
- Dance Icon: He created the “Crank That” dance, which was one of the first viral hip-hop dances, paving the way for TikTok-era dance challenges.
- Game Console Entrepreneur: In 2018, he launched his own gaming console brand called SouljaGame. Though it sparked controversy for rebranding existing hardware, it showed his unique business ambition.
- “Drake?!” Moment: His 2019 interview on “The Breakfast Club,” where he loudly questioned Drake’s originality, went viral and became a major meme — reviving his pop culture relevance.
- Guinness World Record Holder: He was once recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the first U.S. artist single to sell over 3 million digital copies.
- Animated Influence: Soulja Boy voiced himself in an episode of Cartoon Network’s The Boondocks, highlighting his pop culture status.
- Young Millionaire: He became a millionaire before the age of 18 thanks to ringtone sales, digital downloads, and merchandise tied to his early singles.
- Frequent Trendsetter: He’s credited with popularizing terms like “swag” in mainstream rap culture and influencing the fashion choices of late 2000s hip-hop fans.
- Huge Jewelry Collection: Soulja Boy is known for owning dozens of custom diamond chains, grills, and watches — including a video game controller chain and a remote-shaped pendant.
- TV Appearances: He’s appeared on several reality shows, including Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, Marriage Boot Camp, and Growing Up Hip Hop.