As of 2024, Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, has a net worth of $5 million. The rapper, producer, and entrepreneur first gained widespread fame with his 2007 smash hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks.
Though his later albums did not achieve the same commercial success as his debut, Soulja Boy continued to build his wealth through music, business ventures, and social media branding. At his peak in 2012, he earned over $7 million, ranking among the Hip Hop Cash Kings of the year.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on July 28, 1990 (age 33) in Chicago, Illinois, Soulja Boy moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at age six, where he developed an interest in rap music. By 14, he relocated to Batesville, Mississippi, where his father set up a home recording studio to support his musical aspirations.
Soulja Boy’s first major breakthrough came when he uploaded his music to SoundClick in 2005, receiving positive feedback. This led him to establish accounts on YouTube and MySpace, where he cultivated a loyal fan base.
In March 2007, he released his single “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”, which was accompanied by a viral dance routine. By September 2007, the song had reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning him a Grammy nomination and a record deal with Interscope Records. His debut studio album, Souljaboytellem.com, was released in October 2007 and was certified platinum.
Music Career and Notable Albums
Following his debut success, Soulja Boy continued releasing music:
- iSouljaBoyTellem (2008) – Featured hits like “Turn My Swag On” and “Kiss Me Thru the Phone”.
- The DeAndre Way (2010) – Included “Pretty Boy Swag” but failed to match his debut’s commercial success.
- Loyalty (2015) – Marked his return after a hiatus.
- How Can You Blame Me (2019) – Delayed due to legal issues but eventually released.
- Soulja World (2021) – Featured collaborations with Lil B.
Despite fluctuating chart success, Soulja Boy has maintained relevance through mixtapes, singles, and collaborations with artists like Gucci Mane, Sammie, and Shawty Lo.
Business Ventures and Financial Controversies
The $55 Million Private Jet Hoax
In 2011, Soulja Boy’s management team claimed he had purchased a $55 million Gulfstream G5 private jet as a 21st birthday gift to himself. The upgrades reportedly included custom Italian leather seats, multiple bars, and high-end entertainment systems. However, the claim was later debunked by his representatives as an “elaborate rumor.”
The $400 Million Contract Controversy
In 2016, Soulja Boy claimed he had signed a $400 million record deal. The deal, however, was not with a record label but with World Poker Fund Holdings, a company that was developing a social network and online casino. At the time, the company’s market cap was $50 million, making the $400 million claim highly questionable.
Record Label and Entrepreneurial Pursuits
In 2004, Soulja Boy founded Stacks on Deck Entertainment (SODMG) while signed to Interscope Records. Over the years, he signed and dropped multiple artists. In 2019, he re-signed Lil 100 and signed 24hr, a rising Atlanta rapper.
In April 2021, Soulja Boy secured a record deal with Virgin Music, continuing his career as an independent artist and label head.
Feuds and Controversies
Feud with Bow Wow
In 2009, Soulja Boy and Bow Wow engaged in a public feud over their Lamborghinis. Soulja Boy alleged Bow Wow’s car was rented, leading to a Twitter exchange and diss tracks. The two later reconciled and collaborated on a mixtape, “Ignorant Shit” (2016).
Feud with Chief Keef
In 2013, Soulja Boy posted death threats to Chief Keef on Facebook, escalating tensions between the two. He later claimed his account had been hacked. The feud has since been resolved.
Legal Issues and Jail Time
In 2019, Soulja Boy was sentenced to 240 days in jail for violating probation after failing to complete community service. His album How Can You Blame Me was delayed due to his incarceration.
Influence on Social Media and Digital Marketing
Soulja Boy is recognized as one of the first rappers to leverage the internet and social media for self-promotion. He pioneered:
- YouTube marketing before it became an industry norm.
- MySpace and SoundClick uploads to build a fanbase.
- TikTok dance challenges, which have inspired modern viral trends.
Recent Musical Releases and Future Plans
Soulja Boy remains active in the music industry, consistently releasing new projects. In 2021, he released the mixtape “Soulja World”, followed by singles such as “Pandemic.”
With an evolving career and continued influence on internet culture, Soulja Boy remains one of hip-hop’s most unconventional success stories.