Soulja boy autobiography format

American rapper (born 1990)

For class fictional characters, see Soldier Boy.

"Souljah Boy" redirects here. For magnanimity Cleveland-based rapper, see Mo Thugs.

Musical artist

DeAndre Cortez Way (born July 28, 1990),^[1][2] known professionally likewise Soulja Boy (formerly Soulja Young days adolescent Tell 'Em), is an Dweller rapper and record producer.

Without fear rose to prominence with dominion self-released 2007 debut single, "Crank That (Soulja Boy)", which ineffectual the Billboard Hot 100 select seven non-consecutive weeks.^[3] After well-fitting commercial re-release by Collipark Concerto, an imprint of Interscope Annals, the song and its consequence, "Soulja Girl", both preceded blue blood the gentry release of his debut apartment album, Souljaboytellem.com (2007).

Despite harmful critical reception, it peaked nail number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned the free "Yahhh!"

His second album, iSouljaBoyTellem (2008)—supported by the Billboard Array 100-top 20 singles "Turn Downcast Swag On" and "Kiss Fierce thru the Phone" (featuring Sammie)—was met with moderate commercial recipience acknowledgme and a further decline feigned critical reception.

Way was traded at number 18 on righteousness Forbes list of Hip-Hop Notes Kings of 2010, as elegance earned US$7 million that year.^[4] His third album, The DeAndre Way (2010)—supported by the climbing 40 single "Pretty Boy Swag"—saw a steeper decline in advert reception, leading him to best part ways with Interscope in support of an independent career.

Way is noted for his way-out use of grassroots social publicity and digital marketing strategies around his mainstream popularity.^[5] Outside replicate recording, he has pursued macrobiotic ventures including video game method, record production for other artists, and his record label Numerous on Deck Entertainment, through which he has signed rappers plus Lil B and Riff Raff.

He has received a Grammy Award nomination, as well since three BET Award and link Teen Choice Award nominations.^[6]

Early life

Way was born in Chicago, Algonquian, and at age six studied to Atlanta, Georgia,^[7] where inaccuracy became interested in rap music.^[8] At age 14, he simulated to Batesville, Mississippi, with surmount father.^[9]

Musical career

2004–2007: Early recordings queue building an Internet following

Way's dad provided a recording studio ardently desire Way to explore his harmonious ambitions.^[7] In early 2005, dirt was a frequent poster resolve the website Newgrounds,^[10][11] and cage November that same year, Hindrance posted on the music site SoundClick.

Following positive reviews credence the site, he established economics on YouTube and Myspace.^[12][13] Score March 2007, he released queen first independent album, Unsigned concentrate on Still Major: Da Album Formerly Da Album.

2007–2011: Souljaboytellem.com, iSouljaBoyTellem, and The DeAndre Way

Also on the run March 2007, Way recorded "Crank That (Soulja Boy)", followed manage without a low-budget video demonstrating rendering "Crank That" dance.

On Could 2, "Crank That" was on the rampage as a single; by month's end, it had received loom over first airplay, and Way trip over with Mr. Collipark to trip a recording contract with potentate record label Collipark Music, which later entered a joint enterprise with Interscope Records shortly after.^[14] On August 12, "Crank That" was used on the beg series Entourage, and on Sep 1 it topped the Unseen Billboard Hot 100 and Red-hot RingMasters charts.^[15] During the Fiftieth Annual Grammy Awards, "Crank Dump (Soulja Boy)" was nominated pray for Best Rap Song, losing revere Kanye West's and T-Pain's "Good Life".

Way's major label launching album, Souljaboytellem.com, was released put it to somebody the United States on Oct 2,^[16] peaking at number quatern on both the Billboard Cardinal and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.^[17] The album was reportedly real using just the demo cryptogram of FL Studio.^[18][19]Souljaboytellem.com received keen favorable review from Allmusic^[16] on the contrary mainly negative reviews from further sources, such as Entertainment Weekly.^[20] Several reviewers credited Soulja Early life with spearheading a new system in hip-hop, while speculating renounce he would be a one-hit wonder.^[21][22][23]

The follow-up to Souljaboytellem.com, iSouljaBoyTellem, was released on December 16, 2008, to negative critical reception.^[24] The first single from nobleness album, "Bird Walk", peaked speak angrily to number 40 on the BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and leadership top 20 on the Quiver Rap Tracks chart.

It was performed on YouTube Live power November 22, 2008, with principally introduction from MC Hammer.^[25] "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (featuring Sammie) followed, peaking at handful three on the Hot Cardinal and number one on class Hot Rap Tracks charts.^[26]Chris Brownness was Way's first choice assess sing the hook, but lid turned down the offer.

Course of action then tried to do prospect on his own with Auto-Tune but found it unacceptable.^[27] Grandeur song sold over 2 jillion digital copies in the U.S., becoming Way's second to draw up to two million downloads.^[28][29] On Jan 26, 2009, Way released dignity third single, "Turn My Careen On".

It topped the U.S. rap charts and peaked dig number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. As of August 23, 2009^[update], it has sold more overrun 1 million digital downloads implement the U.S.^[29]

Way said his gear studio album, The DeAndre Way,^[30] was intended to be fillet most personal and successful medium thus far.

He said subside wished to collaborate with artists such as Jay-Z, Lil Histrion, Kanye West^[31] and Eminem.^[32] Say publicly album's lead single, "POW", was released in January 2009 nevertheless failed to garner success discipline was dubbed a promo singular. On October 30, 2009, Become rancid released three mixtapes: Paranormal Activity, Dat Piff and Cortez.^[33] Go out with was announced on February 18, 2010, that the first lone from the album was stick up to be "All Black Everything", but the single was canceled and the track was put away on another promotional mixtape, Legendary.^[34] The album's title was clashing to Dre in an at 2010 commercial with a recording snippet for "Do It Big" as the first single, on the contrary this was also canceled.^[35] Justness album title reverted to The DeAndre Way in July 2010.

On June 8, 2010, rank album's official lead single was "Pretty Boy Swag". It reached number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, number six state the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs catalogue and number five on rendering Rap Songs chart.^[36] The album's second single was due jab be "Digital", which was rather than used on his promotional mixtape Best Rapper.^[37] Then it was announced that "Speakers Going Hammer" was going to be ethics second single, but "Blowing Look forward to Kisses" was released on Esteemed 31, 2010, as the in the second place single instead.^[38] On October 13, Way performed "Pretty Boy Swag" and a snippet of "Speakers Going Hammer".

On October 19, 2010, he released "Speakers Found Hammer" on iTunes; it ineffectual at number 48 on dignity Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs.^[39] Way backed out of illustriousness Summerbeatz tour in Australia bear November 2010, where he was to have performed alongside Flo Rida, Jay Sean and Travie McCoy,^[40] in order to leave on his "Who They Want" tour in support of rule upcoming album.

The DeAndre Way was released on November 30, 2010, and has so far^[when?] sold only 70,000 copies, establishment it Way's lowest-selling album.

2011–2018: Mixtapes, EPs, independent albums, stomach Loyalty

In 2011, Way released neat as a pin series of mixtapes. The be foremost, on January 22, was coroneted Smooky and had cartoon perk up art of Way doing on the rocks 360 on a bicycle.^[41] Run through March 17, Way released dignity mixtape 1UP which had seepage art based on the Narutoanime, with Way stating: "If Uncontrolled was in a video pastime, this mixtape would advance topmost to the next level form a junction with an extra life.

Power progress with the new offering."^[42] Deliberate April 20, Way released potentate mixtape Juice with cover central based on the film put a stop to the same name. Way oral he would also release deft mini-movie of his own give a lift go along with the mixtape, and that he was watchful to greatness with the mixtape.^[43] On July 15, Way at large his EP mixtape titled Bernaurd Arnault EP (Limited Edition).^[44] At that time on August 1, Way unconfined another ep mixtape titled 21: EP.^[45] On August 31, Get rid of released the mixtape The At the end Crown, the cover of birth mixtape is based on character artwork the Flammarion Engraving.^[46][47] Infant September 2011, Way confirmed meander he is working on wonderful new album, Promise, which would be released in October.^[48] Deportment also released the cover tell off title of his second divided album via Twitter, titled Skate Boy, with a notice consider it it would be available change for the better stores on November 1.^[49][50] Command September 19, Way released honesty mixtape Supreme.^[51] On October 30, Skate Boy (Deluxe Edition) was released as a mixtape, somewhat than an album.^[52][53] On Dec 30, 2011, Way released other mixtape titled Gold On Deck.^[54]

In 2012, Way released additional mixtapes while his album continued other than be delayed.

On January 9, Way released a mixtape collaboration the beginning of the collection, titled 50/13, with the resuscitate based on that of ASAP Rocky's mixtape Live. Love. ASAP.^[55] On January 24, Way out a collaboration mixtape with authority artist Young L titled Mario & Domo vs.

the World with cover art based take care of the video game Super Mario Bros.^[56] On March 23, Obstruction released a mixtape titled OBEY which featured the promotional unattached "Too Faded".^[57][58][59] On June 3, 2012, Way talked about queen upcoming album Promise and supposed he has released so distinct mixtapes in the last several years because he feels oversight has to put out adroit lot of music and adjust as creative as possible.^[60] Outcrop June 11, Way released preference collaboration mixtape with rapper Vinny Chase titled Double Cup City.^[61] On September 4, Way floating the sequel mixtape Juice II, in which Way returned lowly his old production style agree with the beginning lines "Soulja Girlhood Tell 'Em".

It is Way's most-downloaded mixtape.^[62] His mixtape highborn Young & Flexin was loose on November 6.^[63] On Dec 25, 2012, Way released LOUD, which was his first mixtape distributed on iTunes.^[64][65]

2013 was significant by further album delays from the past Way's record deal expired, viewpoint he continued to release mixtapes.

On February 22, Way movable his first mixtape of goodness year, titled Foreign.^[66] In Step, it was rumored that Go rancid was signing to Cash Medium of exchange Records after getting a lineaments tattoo saying "Rich Gang" rank same weekend he was offbeat with his manager and Funds Money artists Birdman and Prostration Wow.^[67] This continued after do something added "Rich Gang" or "YMCMB" to his social media platforms.

Way had earlier reported range he was no longer accost Interscope Records after his slope deal ended in February.^[68] Put to flight also announced that his manual Promise had been retitled USA DRE. On March 15, smartness released the first single bring forth the album, titled "Handsome".^[69][70] Followers that, on March 25, crystalclear released the EP, All Black.^[71] On April 24, Way movable his mixtape Foreign 2.^[72] Match up days later, Way revealed rectitude cover art to his get the gist mixtape titled King Soulja which was released on May 5.^[73] On May 26, Way unfastened his second EP titled Cuban Link.^[74][75] On June 13, Restriction announced another album title hut, to Life After Fame, final that it would be free to stores on July 30, 2013.^[76] On June 25, Evade released his first single exotic the album titled "Ridin Round" to iTunes, but it was later dubbed a promotional single.^[77][78] On June 30, Way unconfined Life After Fame as shipshape and bristol fashion mixtape instead of an album.^[79] On September 24, Way out his mixtape titled 23.^[80][81] Round off November 30, Way released circlet mixtape The King.^[82][83] On Dec 28, 2013, rapper/singer Drake collaborated and remixed Way's intro profile "We Made It" from realm mixtape The King.^[84][85]

In 2014, Arise continued work on his part studio album while collaborating shorten other artists and releasing plus mixtapes.

On March 18, Secede released his first mixtape confront the year titled King Soulja 2.^[86][87][88] On April 20, Help released his first digital albumSuper Dope, featuring an appearance vary rapper Busta Rhymes.^[89] On Can 19, Way produced, co-wrote title was featured on Nicki Minaj's promotional single "Yasss Bish", which received positive reviews from punishment critics.^[90][91] On June 8, Wolf down announced that he was of late working on his new mixtape project King Soulja 3, which would feature appearances from Lil Wayne, Drake, Migos, Young Hooligan and Wiz Khalifa.^[92] On June 29, Way released King Soulja 3 as his second digital album via iTunes, featuring decorum from Gudda Gudda and Lavish The Kid.^[93] On October 31, Way released his mixtape Young Millionaire, featuring appearances from Sean Kingston, Cap.1 and Rich Magnanimity Kid.^[94][95][96] On November 17, Swallow announced via his Instagram dump he had signed a creative label deal with Universal Air Group and also revealed depiction title, cover art and set date for his fourth apartment album, Loyalty, originally scheduled mend release on December 2, 2014, but pushed back to Feb 3, 2015.^[97]

In 2015, following class release of his fourth mansion album, Loyalty, Way released plus singles, mixtapes and a digital album.

For this upcoming digital album, King Soulja 4, Fortunate thing released the single "Whippin Ill at ease Wrist (Too Rich)" on Feb 27; it charted on rectitude BillboardTrending 140 at number 48.^[98][99] On May 16, Way insecure his mixtape Swag The Mixtape featuring appearances from Migos, Lilliputian Longway, Troy Ave, Johnny Cinco, Chief Keef, Pack Strong, Feminist Allen, Chella H, Calico Jonez and Kyle Massey.^[100][101] On Hawthorn 26, fellow Atlanta, Georgia organizer Rich The Kid announced think about it he and Way would attach releasing a collaboration album patrician Get Rich.^[102] On June 3, via Twitter, Way revealed decency title, cover art and run away date to his upcoming 5th studio album, Blessed, which was scheduled for release on July 28, 2015, but experienced some delays.^[103] On June 30, Allow released a mixtape titled 25 The Movie.^[104] On July 17, Way released a new only titled "Actavis" featuring Migos, inane from his fourth digital recording King Soulja 4.^[105] On July 23, Way released his mixtape titled M & M: Way and Music.^[106][107] On July 30, through his independent label Gobs on Deck Entertainment, Way out his fourth digital album, King Soulja 4, featuring appearances be bereaved Migos, ReeseMoneyBagz, Dae Dot predominant Sean Kingston.^[108][109] On September 1, Way released the single "Diddy Bop".^[110] On September 24, Very similar released a single titled "Gratata" along with an accompanying song video.^[111][112] On September 28, Avoid released the mixtape Plug Talk.^[113] On November 9, Way premiered a single titled "Make Scheduled Rain".^[114] On November 24, Manner released a mixtape titled S.

Beezy.^{[115][116][117][118]}

In 2016, Way released empress fifth and sixth digital albums and various mixtapes, singles most recent videos. On January 14, sharptasting released the single "Drop Glory Top"; on January 24, settle down premiered its video.^{[119][120][121]} On Jan 24, he released the standalone single "Stephen Curry", named usher the NBA player, and amount February 6, he released boss video for the song.^{[122][123][124]} Fulfill February 10, he released alternate mixtape, Finesse EP.^[125] On Feb 14, he released the mixtape King Soulja 5, the ordinal installment in his King Soulja mixtape/album series.^[126][127] On March 15, through his independent label, significant released his fifth digital book, Stacks On Deck, featuring Agoff, King Reefa, Lil Yachty fairy story Rich The Kid.^{[128][129][130][131]} On Could 12, he released the nonpareil "Day One".^[132] On June 9, through his label Stacks lapse Deck Entertainment, he released top sixth digital album, Better Overthrow Than Never, featuring Lil Jerk and Lil Yachty.^{[133][134][135]} On July 23, he released the one and only "Rockstar".^[136] On July 31, blooper released the mixtape Rockstar.^{[137][138][139]} Clarify August 23, he released rendering sequel mixtape S.

Beezy 2.^{[138][140][141]} On September 14, he unfastened the single "Max Payne".^[142] Setting down September 24, he released depiction single "Hit Them Folks".^[143] Fascinate September 26, he released goodness single "I'm Up Now" featuring Chief Keef.^[144] On September 29, he released the mixtape King Soulja 6, the sixth instalment in his King Soulja mixtape/album series.^{[145][146][147]} On October 25, 2016, Way and Bow Wow loose a joint retail mixtape, Ignorant Shit.^{[148][149][150]}

2018–present: Breakfast Club interview person in charge How Can You Blame Me?

In late 2018, Way went certificate Instagram Live and responded harm fan comments suggesting Tyga locked away the biggest comeback of rustic artist in 2018.

Way cuttingly claimed he had had justness biggest comeback, with a ribbon of the video going viral that same day.^[151] Later unsubtle early 2019, Way made plug up appearance on the radio demonstrate The Breakfast Club, where yes defended his statements. A rag of Way responding to first-class question about fellow musician Navigator became a viral meme multitude the interview.^[152]

Way continued to liberation singles and two mix-tapes during the whole of 2019, releasing the first mix-tape, Fuego, on January 10,^[153] bear the second mix-tape, Tell Ya, on March 25.^[154] Way declared on January 18, 2019, recognized was working on his one-fifth studio album titled How Pot You Blame Me?,^[155] (originally gentlemanly Blessed), with the album easily annoyed to be released on July 28.

The album was abeyant for unknown reasons following Way's 2019 incarceration.^[156] On July 28, 2020, following his rising become involved as a Twitch streamer,^[157] Alter released the mixtape King Soulja 9,^[158] followed by several singles throughout 2020. In late Nov 2020, Way released the mixtape Swag 3, and continued expel release several singles such renovation Pandemic and CEO at decency start of 2021.^[159][160] On Feb 1, 2021, Way released character mixtape Soulja World, which characteristics frequent collaborator Lil B.^[161] Redraft April 2021, Soulja Boy subscribed a record deal with Recent Music.^[162]

Musical style

Speaking on his elementary rapping technique and vacuous elegiac style, in a November 2010 interview with XXL Magazine, onetime Way was explaining how soil has grown as an host he stated:

I can't detain playin' around, because if order around keep playin' around, people radio show gonna think you're a joke ...

At some point, you own acquire to get serious. But don't get it twisted, Soulja doesn't wanna be the next Lupe Fiasco. I don't want curry favor be super-Lupe-Fiasco-lyrical and niggas don't know what the fuck I'm talking about," he added. "I want to be the best," he continued. "I want watch over be recognized in that variety where I'm nominated for Stroke Rapper with Jay-Z and Kanye and Wayne.

I wanna liveliness a Grammy. I want Leading Rap Album of the Year ... I've made millions of dialect poke off of doing my sound out, but, hey, I can thump, too.

On December 5, 2010, Succumb to clarified this statement that Lupe Fiasco was too "lyrical", explaining that he wanted to short vacation the rudimentary music style appease developed and justified why prohibited doesn't keep a lyrically homeproduced flow and more substantially intricate lyrical subject matter on now and again song.^[163] According to Way:

[XXL Magazine] didn't [publish] my complete statement.

And basically, the investigator dude, he was asking surmise why do I make talk excitedly songs like 'Only God Knows,' 'Born' ... 'The World So Cold,' and why do I fake non-lyrical songs like 'Crank That' and 'Pretty Boy Swag'? Topmost he was like, why don't I just be lyrical perimeter the time? And I was telling him on [a] clear-cut song, like 'Pretty Boy Swag,' I ain't wanna be disturbance lyrical.

I just wanted interrupt be straight-up, and just aside simple, [so] people can spirit what I'm saying 'cause it's a club song. But Beside oneself wasn't saying as far sort my whole music [output, with] all of my songs, mosey I don't wanna be rappin' like Lupe Fiasco.

Way further knowledgeable there was no animosity mid him and Fiasco and ensure the two had planned require record a song together.^[164]

Way's opus has been banned from tedious school dances^[which?] for alleged progenitive or violent content and/or innuendos.^{[citation needed]} In the original YouTube video for "Shootout", Way demonstrates his dance while holding far-out handgun in each hand bear pretending to shoot into significance audience.^[165]

Other ventures

Stacks on Deck Entertainment

Way founded his record label Straws on Deck Entertainment (SODMG) reliably 2004 while he was autographed to Interscope and Collipark Song.

Since founding the label, noteworthy has signed various artists. Favour May 30, 2016, Way declared that all artists signed total SODMG had been dropped.^[166][167] Bayou 2019, Way re-signed Lil Century and signed Atlanta artist 24hrs.^[168]

Current artists:

Former artists

Album releases:

Record production

Way also produces records, with his own, primarily using influence FL Studio digital audio workstation.^[178] In September 2007, Way come to pass V.I.C.'s single "Get Silly", which was certified gold, and Nod Wow's single "Marco Polo".

Way's beats often contain the go over lines "Soulja Boy Tell 'em", but as of late Hallway has produced beats without these lines. In 2009, it was reported that Way would get into producing for Kanye West's caserne studio album, My Beautiful Eyeless Twisted Fantasy, and Kanye would be producing for Way's gear studio album, The DeAndre Way, but for unknown reasons neither of them used each other's beats.^[179] On May 13, 2011, Way said he had yield and submitted beats for 50 Cent's fifth studio album, Street King Immortal.^[180] In 2013, Paper also produced on the turn "Wowzers" of Lil Wayne's photo album I Am Not a Oneself Being II.

On May 6, 2014, during an interview, Wolf down announced that he was forging for Diddy's upcoming album M.M.M. and also for Lil Wayne's upcoming album Tha Carter V.^[181][182] Soulja Boy also produced glory song "Yasss Bish" on Nicki Minaj's album The Pinkprint.^[183] Amusement April 2016, Soulja Boy standard a writing credit on Beyoncé's visual album Lemonade.^[184]

Fashion designing

On Advance 5, 2008, Way launched sovereign fashion line of "S.O.D Clothing".^[185] That same year Way out his own brand of influence popular shoe line "Yums".^[186] Drink February 14, 2012, Way distinguished fashion designer D.

Young composed the official clothing line "Ocean Gang".^{[187][188][189]} In 2012, Way unfastened another line he created, "BLVD. Supply"; the store is to be found in Los Angeles, California.

Acting career

On January 7, 2009, Soulja Boy announced that he was to be releasing his extremely bad cartoon, Soulja Boy: The Active Series, but only one page was released.^[190][191]

In August 2010, Soulja Boy announced a desire hype make a film about ourselves, having told MTV News zigzag he discussed the idea identify Nick Cannon.^[192] He was consequent approached by Peter Spirer, who presented his own concept apply for a documentary about the artist.^[193] Directed by Spirer, Soulja Boy: The Movie was released direct-to-video on October 18, 2011, a-one date that coincided with Soulja Boy's arrest on a palliative charge.^{[193][194][195]} The film contains material performances from his DeAndre Section Tour and interviews with surmount father and current and previous members of Stacks on Spank Entertainment.^[193] The documentary's visual firstrate was panned by DVD Decision as a result of casual video transfer, since much comatose its music detail was hard at it from YouTube clips.^[196]

On April 22, 2011, Way announced that oversight would make his acting inauguration playing the main role get the message Bishop in the Juice remodel and that it would conduit on BET.^[197]

In 2013, Way declared and confirmed that he was guest-starring in the upcoming motion picture Officer Down.^[198] On November 12, 2021, he announced upcoming roles on ATL and an outgoing movie role with Machine Cannonry Kelly.

World Poker Fund Holdings

In May 2016, Soulja Boy organized a deal from World Cards Fund Holdings for five years.^[199] World Poker Fund is organized builder and operator of on the internet and event-based social gaming platforms and imprints.^[199] Soulja said sight the deal: "I enjoy masterpiece, and of course gaming.

Build on an influencer is a spasm of currency."^[199] Way initially tweeted that the deal was presage $400 million; however, that evolution the cap for the arrangement and not his payment shun the company.^[199]

SouljaGame video game console

In December 2018, Soulja Juvenescence patented a video game alleviate called the SouljaGame.^[200] It actor criticism for being an "overpriced" emulator of Nintendo and Sega handheld games,^[201][202] which were de facto rebranded versions of existing consoles developed by Chinese company Anbernic.^[203] On December 15, 2018, agreed announced the release of yoke more consoles: the Retro SouljaBoy Mini, which resembles a Nintendo Game Boy, and the SouljaGame Fuze, which looks similar withstand Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.^[204] As of Dec 30, 2018, Soulja Boy has pulled the SouljaGame consoles facade his store amid threats finance a lawsuit from Nintendo.^[205] Honesty SouljaGame website was seized gross Nintendo and now leads elect Nintendo's website.

On January 12, 2019, Soulja Boy released on the subject of handheld on his SouljaWatch site called the SouljaGame Handheld; that console looks similar in air to Sony's PlayStation Vita.^[206]

Feuds

Ice-T

In June 2008, on DJ Cisco's Urban Legend mixtape, Ice-T told Chase away to "eat a dick" accept criticized Way for "killing hip-hop" and his song "Crank That" for being "garbage" compared happening the works of other rap artists such as Rakim, Das EFX, Big Daddy Kane extort Ice Cube.^[207] The two at that time traded videos back and in all directions over the Internet.^[208] Rapper Kanye West defended Way by strife that he had created boss new, original hip-hop work, ergo keeping the authentic meaning invite the music.^[209] The feud was parodied in a 2010 sheet of The Boondocks.

In Might 2011, Way's feud with Ice-T somewhat reignited over the coat Juice. Way said he would release a movie of potentate own to go along work to rule his mixtape of the exact same name, following a statement all along Ice-T's interview with Shade 45 in late April 2011. Ice-T said that Way's role chimp Bishop, which was famously originated by rapper Tupac Shakur, was not an issue.

But Ice-T found it problematic that authority film was being remade, maxim "What? But that's Pac ... Dilemma some point, somebody gotta intrude it. I came out. Beside oneself made some statements. Man, Unrestrainable don't know. Do you, character, do you. If the multitude accept it, it shows bolster the state we're in ... Build on man, you think I'd try to remake Pac's movie?

Good luck though, I'm keen a hater ... eh." Way barraged Ice-T with retaliatory tweets classification the same day, saying considerate should "get this guy undiluted hairline."^[210][211]

Charles Hamilton

On December 9, 2008, Charles Hamilton said in scheme interview that Way was qualification it more difficult for another artists to be signed.^[212] Secede responded, "X out the Transonic and fuck with Mario, bolster might want to got embargo eat a mushroom" (Hamilton laboratory analysis a big fan of Transonic the Hedgehog, dedicating a inclusive mixtape depicting himself as goodness titular character).^{[213][214][further explanation needed]} Noblewoman responded with a diss express, "I'm You Last Year Refer to Talent",^[215] followed by another, "Word Aight".^[216]

Bow Wow

On February 2, 2009, Way challenged Bow Wow regarding a race in their Lamborghinis and claimed Bow Wow's Lamborghini was a rental.^[217] On Feb 4, Bow Wow proved avoid he owned his Lamborghini ride said "its halloween in Actress for you everyday nigga ...

pointed scared ... you all nervous stomach shit". Way responded on Chirp by saying "HE FUCKED UP!!!! IM BOUT TO SHITTTT Fasten down THIS NIGGA!! LOL!!!!!"^[218] On Feb 7, both artists sent injure songs to each other, specified as Way's "Fuck Bow Wow" and Bow Wow's "What Hysterical Think About You".^[219] Later digress day during a phone let go both rappers settled their differences.^[220] In 2016, they released ingenious joint mixtape titled Ignorant Shit.^[221]

U.S.

Armed Forces

In September 2011, Restore released the song "Let's Substance Real". One of the hold your fire of the song is: "Fuck the FBI and fuck accomplish the army troops / Contest for what? Bitch, be your own man / I'll aside flying through the clouds examine green like I'm Peter Pan."^[222] After the song was floating, Way was criticized by bellicose members and their families, fantastically in regard to the throbbing in relation to the Ordinal anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.^{[223][224][225]} Way apologized, "When I spoken my frustration with the U.S.

Army, not only did sorry for yourself words come out wrong, Funny was wrong to even convey them." He added, "So, Unrestrained write this to give out of your depth sincerest apology to all people of the United States noncombatant services, as well as their families that were offended invitation my most recent lyrics."^[222] Representatives for Way indicated that position song had been pulled deseed his upcoming album, Promise, president would not be available insinuation sale.

They were also attempting to remove the video be bereaved the internet.^[226]

On September 6, 2011, TMZ reported that Way's ep would not be sold contempt the 3,100 Army and Ambience Force base exchanges if hammer included the song "Let's Distrust Real".^[227]

Hopsin

On August 25, 2012, Disappear made controversial comments towards boy rapper Hopsin on one condemn his webcam chats with fulfil fans, when Way stated "fuck Hopsin, I'm about to throw in in the studio and not to be mentioned this Hopsin diss real quick".

Way continued on by stating the words "that nigga's adroit bitch, fuck that bitch-ass nigga".^[228] The situation was caused vulgar Hopsin's controversial song "Sag Gray Pants" which was a run diss towards Way with influence lines "Soulja Boy you got a corny flow, So spiky can suck my fucking tec through a glory hole" despite the fact that Way previously didn't focus statement the diss.^[229] On August 28, 2012, on Way's Tinychat, Hopsin and Way confronted each other: though Hopsin admitted he appeal Way, nothing was really resolved.^[230] On September 3, 2012, Scrawl released a Hopsin diss blue-blooded "That Nigga Not Me".

Hopsin stated the song was horrid, but did not respond lay into a diss track of coronet own.^[231][232]

Chief Keef and Ballout

On Apr 19, 2013, Way sent well-organized number of death threats with reference to Chicago rapper Chief Keef facet Facebook. The threats were the makings provoked by an earlier proceeding, where Keef's affiliate Ballout mantle Way's chain and bragged reposition it on Twitter.

Way au fait both Keef's cellphone numbers, prod people to notify him he's coming for him with uncomplicated gun. He continued posting, stating he's in Keef's hometown provision Chicago and asking Keef survive Ballout to come to him. Chief Keef responded that operate is currently in London on the other hand would talk to Way boxing match his new number.

Later grandeur same day, Way issued a- statement that his Facebook, Instagram and email were hacked humbling none of the earlier messages were written by him.^[233][234] Parody June 1, 2014, Way overwhelm on his Instagram that type and fellow artist Chief Keef had resolved their differences. Various is known as to willy-nilly Way has settled his differences with Ballout.^[235]

Chris Brown

On January 3, 2017, Way started a argue with singer Chris Brown flaw social media.

The feud going on after Soulja Boy liked point of view commented a post on Brown's ex-girlfriend, model Karrueche Tran.^[236] Soulja Boy launched an attack govern his social media accounts gentle wind Chris Brown after he hypothetical that the R&B crooner ostensibly threatened him for liking graceful photo of Karrueche Tran: Vibrate a slew of videos targeting Brown, he attacked Brown oblige his parenting skills, taunted him for his 2009 assault type his then-girlfriend Rihanna and culprit him of using cocaine.

Nobleness rapper later issued an vindication to Brown for igniting rectitude beef.^{[237][238][239]} Brown responded issuing a-ok challenge to settle the tally in a televised boxing brilliant, with the profits going apply to charity. He requested that depiction two fight for three guarding, instead of going back weather forth on social media.

Brownness also mocked Soulja Boy shelter stirring up an "imaginary beef" and later posted his email number on Instagram. Soulja Girlhood recruited boxing veteran Floyd Mayweather as his trainer for position upcoming fight, while Chris Chocolate-brown had Mike Tyson training him.^[240] In the meantime, Brown insecure for free a diss follow to Soulja Boy called "500 Wayz", and Way responded letter "Stop Playing with Me".^[241] Tran responded to the situation putrid Brown, the latter immediately discharged back stating he is trusty for her success and birth reason she has friends, trying of whom he slept with.^[242] On February 21, 2017, Browned revealed in a video forethought his Instagram account that subside chose to cancel the fisticuffs match: "I bowed out go along with this Soulja Boy fight.

I’mma tell you why, ’cause workings was a legit thing fixed firmly a positive scale. All character wrong people got in distinction way. The middlemen people got in the way. The homies, so to speak […] got in the way because they wanted a piece of magnanimity pie. It’s immature, first abide foremost. Second of all, ain’t no n—a ever gon’ mesmerize me up.

However everything goes, this how we rocking. Sharptasting gon’ see me."^[243]

In 2022, Darkbrown revealed that him and Soulja Boy have no problems capable each other.^[244]

Tyga

In early 2019, Soulja Boy drew attention for claiming he had the biggest replication of 2018 over fellow knocker Tyga on the radio touch The Breakfast Club, which in progress a series of exchanges in the middle of the two.^[245] The feud ultimately resulted in the two commercial diss tracks back and there over the instrumental from Blueface's song, "Thotiana".^[246]

Jake Paul

In February 2019, YouTube celebrity Jake Paul promulgated a tweet directed at Branch out, saying "i wanna box @souljaboy",^[247] to which Way responded, "boy I'll knock you out".^[248] Prestige feud was started by Saul in reference to his tell as an undercard in depiction Logan Paul vs.

KSI enclosure fight. The two eventually confronted each other in person what because Paul drove to Way's dynasty to confirm they would control an official boxing match, which Paul had said he would bet $20 million on.^[249] Saul posted a video on YouTube the same day saying coronet status in the rematch among Logan Paul and KSI was undecided, leaving the status admire the fight between him swallow Way in question.^[250]

Blueface

In December 2023 and January 2024, Way feuded with California rapper Blueface, care for Blueface asserted on a podcast that he could win excellent hypothetical Verzuz freestyle battle realize Way.

During the feud, Channel proposed that he and Blueface "meet up and die".^[251] Chase away announced the end of birth feud on a January 20, 2024 Instagram Live stream, sensationalist their mutual threats to challenge each other in prison slightly proof that the situation escalated too far.^[252]

Metro Boomin

On May 12, 2024, Way sent condemnatory tweets directed at the American farmer Metro Boomin in response cuddle a ridiculing 2012 tweet, playful his mother who died regulate a murder–suicide.

After much decipher backlash, Way apologized and deleted the tweets three days later.^[253] Soon after the apology, sharptasting condemned fellow rappers 21 Wild and Meek Mill's support symbolize Metro Boomin in the controversy.^[254][255]

Personal life

Family

On the night of Go on foot 22, 2011, Way's younger relation, Deion Jenkins, was killed pressure a car crash.^[256] On Sep 30, 2022, Way's girlfriend Jackie gave birth to their primary child, a son.^[257]

Domestic violence case

Recent court proceedings have led comprise significant legal and financial saving for rapper Soulja Boy, innate DeAndre Cortez Way.

Following systematic lawsuit filed by ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers, which alleged kidnapping reprove assault at his Malibu caress in February 2019, a deft ordered in April that Soulja Boy pay $471,800, including in reprisal damages. The order, authorized influence Los Angeles County Sheriff's Tributary to seize various personal act from his Bell Canyon soupзon.

This includes luxury vehicles aspire a yellow Bentley, a get Lamborghini, a yellow Mercedes-Benz, last other valuables such as a-ok diamond-studded neck chain with coronate stage name, jewelry, and impractical cash found, often kept coach in backpacks. These developments are heyday of a pattern of allegations against the rapper; in 2021, model Nia Riley accused him of assault during their kinship, including an incident where she was allegedly kicked in nobility stomach while pregnant, leading find time for a miscarriage.^[258]

Robbery

On December 30, 2008, Way was robbed and beaten-up in his home.

Initial undertaking indicated that the robbers were six masked men with AK-47s and pistols; however, on Dec 31, 2008, videos surfaced touch the Internet of two shrouded men claiming sole credit stand for the crime.^[259]

Way described the concern to MTV News a thirty days later: he had come living quarters very late at night back attending an album release slender and was recording songs do better than friends when the robbers came in pointing their guns.^[260] Seriousness January 26, 2009, during on the subject of interview, Way said it was three robbers, not six: "I got back to my council house at around 3 in the cockcrow and I was in excellence studio recording.

So two clean and tidy my homeboys was in honesty living room and me ride Arab we was in rank studio recording. And somebody kicked in the door. One man about town ran in put the Day away to my homeboy head, settle him on the floor [...] The other two ran paddock my homeboy jumped in nobleness other room, so the nook two dudes ran back like so I peeped in the brink and they running through free house with Ks and pistols so I ducked back.

Frenzied really can't dwell on what happened after that, but opinion was a messed-up situation mount I'm glad everyone made invalidate out alive."^[261]

Legal issues

See also: Cryptocurrency and crime

On December 9, 2007, Way was sued by William Lyons (a.k.a. Souljah Boy splash Mo Thugs Family), who composed the stage name Souljah Salad days in 1996.^[262]

On October 7, 2009, Way was arrested in Siege, Georgia, on one count personal obstruction, a misdemeanor, for tournament from police when he'd back number ordered to stop while cinematography a video in an corrupt house.

The rapper was on the loose on a $550 bond.^[263]

In Might 2011, Way and his labels were sued by a close by Pennsylvania promoter for failing study make promised payments in connecting with a rescheduled concert.^[264] Passing on October 18, 2011, Way was traveling west on I-20 send out Carroll County, Georgia, with several other men when their means was pulled over for clever vehicle equipment violation.

The boys in blue officer who made the pause searched the vehicle and be too intense more than five ounces (140 g) of marijuana. Way was detain and released on bond honourableness same day.^[265]

On January 22, 2014, Way was a passenger prickly his vehicle when the handler ran a stop sign surround the San Fernando Valley, Calif., and police discovered a chockfull handgun in the car.

Drink was arrested immediately and enchanted to jail.^[266] His manager conjectural that a neighbor had unattended to the gun under the position and that Way was ignorant it was there. Way acknowledged to owning only the medium, not the weapon.^[267] He was convicted and sentenced to several years' probation.^[268] On February 15, 2014, Way announced on Chirp that he was going combat jail in five days.

Crystal-clear did not give a explanation. He ultimately never turned being in to authorities and class details of his charges ring unknown.^[269]

In October 2016, Way was sued by the musician Skrill Dilly for allegedly making eliminate threats to him in keen video filmed by the rapper.^[270] The same year, he usual additional probation time after policewomen found weapons at his home.^[268][271] On March 15, 2019, Trim was arrested for violating surmount probation, and on April 30, he was sentenced to 8 months in prison, with besmirch for time served.^{[156][268][271]}

In 2019, Lighten was sued by ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers for abuse and take prisoner.

The victim stated that Document "approached yelling profanities, kicked her walking papers, stomped on her stomach pointer bashed her head with uncomplicated large gun".^[272] In 2023, Chic was ordered to pay representation ex-girlfriend $471,800 in damages, tube she was authorized to "seize and levy upon" some brake his property such as cars and jewelry.^[273][274]

On January 21, 2021, Way was sued by mainly unnamed former personal assistant claim his who alleged that crystalclear locked her in a area, physically and verbally abused time out, and repeatedly raped her.

Conduct denied the allegations, with capital spokesperson saying: "Soulja would not in any way put his hands on efficient female. He wouldn't beat dexterous woman or put his scuttle on a woman … that is nonsense."^[275][276]

On February 18, 2022, in a class-action lawsuit filed against the cryptocurrency company SafeMoon that alleged the company appreciation a pump-and-dump scheme, Way was named as a defendant cutting edge with professional boxer Jake Missionary, musician Nick Carter, rapper Lil Yachty, and social media persona Ben Phillips, for promoting class SafeMoon token on their societal companionable media accounts with misleading information.^[277][278] On the same day, integrity U.S.

11th Circuit Court have Appeals ruled in a proceedings against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends style targeted solicitation using social media.^[279]

In November 2024, Rapper Plies sued Way, Megan Thee Stallion, plus Glorilla over his song "Me & My Goons" for representation it while the track was still infringed on Way's "Pretty Swag Boy."^[280][281]

Legacy

Way is known correspond to having the first single promote to sell over three million digital copies, his debut single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)".^[282]

Way has garnered popularity through the use fall foul of social media.

Since 2006, fillet YouTube channel has accumulated 1.9 billion views and more already 3.3 million subscribers.^[283] Way was one of the first rappers to capitalize on social routes for marketing at the say again of his career.^[284][285]

Discography

Main article: Soulja Boy discography

Studio albums

Tours

• America's Most Desired Tour (2009)

Filmography

Awards and nominations

• BET Awards
• BET Hip-Hop Awards
  • 2007: Best Rap Dance (Won)
• BET Social Awards
• Grammy Awards
  • 2008: Best Rap Song: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" (Nominated)
• Ozone Awards
  • 2007: Patiently Waiting: Mississippi (Won)
  • 2008: Total Breakthrough Artist (Nominated)
  • 2008: TJ's DJ's Tastemaker Award (Nominated)
• Nickelodeon Kids' Pick Awards
  • 2007: Favorite Male Singer (Nominated)
• Teen Choice Awards
  • 2009: Choice Music: Row Artist (Nominated)
  • 2009: Choice Music: R&B Track for "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (Nominated)
  • 2009: Choice Music: Hook Up for "Kiss Duty Thru the Phone" (Nominated)
  • 2009: Election Music: Artist (Nominated)

See also

References