Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, is an American rapper, producer, entrepreneur, and actor with a net worth of $5 million. Rising to fame in 2007 with his breakout hit Crank That (Soulja Boy), he quickly became a household name. Over the years, he has ventured into multiple industries, including fashion, technology, and cryptocurrency. Despite controversies and legal troubles, he has remained a significant figure in the music industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on July 28, 1990, in Chicago, Illinois, Soulja Boy moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at age six, where he developed an interest in rap music. At 14, his family relocated to Batesville, Mississippi, where his father provided him with a recording studio to develop his craft.
In 2005, Soulja Boy uploaded his early tracks to SoundClick, receiving positive feedback. This encouraged him to expand to YouTube and MySpace, where he built a substantial online presence. His breakthrough came in March 2007 with Crank That (Soulja Boy), a viral hit that led to a record deal with Interscope Records.
Rise to Fame: Crank That (Soulja Boy) and Mainstream Success
By September 2007, Crank That (Soulja Boy) had reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven consecutive weeks. The song sparked a dance craze and earned him a Grammy nomination.
His debut album, Souljaboytellem.com, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. He followed this success with iSouljaBoyTellem in 2008 and The DeAndre Way in 2010. Though these albums did not match his debut’s success, they featured hit singles such as Turn My Swag On and Kiss Me Thru the Phone.
Business Ventures and Investments
Fashion and Technology
Soulja Boy ventured into the business world, launching his own clothing line and experimenting with tech products. He attempted to release gaming consoles and tech devices, though many of these ventures faced scrutiny for potential copyright issues.
$55 Million Private Jet Rumor
In 2011, reports claimed Soulja Boy had purchased a $55 million Gulfstream G5 jet as a birthday gift to himself. However, his management later clarified that these reports were exaggerated.
$400 Million Contract Controversy
In May 2016, Soulja Boy claimed he signed a $400 million endorsement deal. The agreement was with World Poker Fund Holdings for promoting CelebrityWorld.com, an online social gaming platform. However, company representatives later clarified that the deal was not a full cash transaction but rather a promotional agreement with a maximum value of $400 million.
Record Label and Music Evolution
In 2004, Soulja Boy founded Stacks on Deck Entertainment (SODMG). Initially signed to Interscope, he eventually went independent. In 2016, he dropped all his signed artists, but in 2019, he revived the label, signing Lil 100 and 24hr.
His fifth album, How Can You Blame Me, was set for release in 2019 but was delayed due to legal issues. He has since continued releasing mixtapes and singles, including Pandemic and Soulja World in 2021.
Personal Life and Family
Soulja Boy has had several high-profile relationships. In September 2022, his girlfriend, Jackie, gave birth to their first child, a son.
He has been involved in feuds with fellow rappers, including Bow Wow and Chief Keef, though many of these disputes have been publicly resolved. In 2020, he had his face tattoos removed to transition into acting, fearing that his previous image would limit his opportunities in Hollywood.
Legal Issues and Controversies
Criminal Incidents
- 2008 Robbery: Soulja Boy was robbed at gunpoint in his home. Initially, reports stated that six masked men were involved. However, only two individuals later claimed responsibility.
- 2009 Arrest: He was arrested in Atlanta for obstruction after fleeing from police while filming a music video in an abandoned house.
- 2019 Allegations: He allegedly kidnapped and assaulted an ex-girlfriend, Kayla Myers. A court later ordered him to pay $471,000 in damages after a lawsuit.
Cryptocurrency Lawsuit
In 2022, Soulja Boy was named in a lawsuit against SafeMoon, a cryptocurrency company accused of operating a pump-and-dump scheme. Other celebrities involved included Jake Paul and Lil Yachty.
Earnings and Financial Highlights
Music Revenue
At his peak, Soulja Boy was earning millions annually. His 2012 income exceeded $7 million, placing him among Hip-Hop’s Cash Kings that year.
Royalties and Streams
His 2008 hit Kiss Me Thru the Phone reportedly generated $100,000 monthly due to ringtone sales.
Financial Challenges
Despite his early success, Soulja Boy’s net worth has fluctuated due to legal expenses, unsuccessful business ventures, and financial mismanagement. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $5 million.