Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way on July 28, 1990, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his work as a rapper, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. With a net worth of $5 million, Soulja Boy’s journey to fame began with his groundbreaking single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which was released in 2007. This song not only topped the charts but also inspired a dance craze that captured the attention of millions.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Soulja Boy’s interest in music started at a young age when his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. By the time he was 14, he had relocated to Batesville, Mississippi, where his father set up a recording studio in their home to support his musical ambitions. In November 2005, Soulja Boy began posting his songs on SoundClick, receiving positive feedback that encouraged him to expand his reach to YouTube and MySpace.
In March 2007, he recorded “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” and released his first independent album, “Unsigned and Still Major: Da Album Before da Album.” The low-budget video he made for the song showcased the “Crank That” dance, which quickly gained popularity. By May 2007, the song was being played on the radio, and Soulja Boy signed a deal with Interscope Records. By September 2007, “Crank That” had reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven consecutive weeks, earning Soulja Boy a Grammy nomination.
Musical Success and Subsequent Releases
Following the success of “Crank That,” Soulja Boy released his major-label debut album, “Souljaboytellem.com,” in October 2007, which reached number four on the U.S. Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. His subsequent albums, “iSouljaBoyTellem” (2008) and “The DeAndre Way” (2010), while not as commercially successful as his debut, still produced notable tracks and kept him relevant in the music industry.
Soulja Boy continued to release music, including his fourth studio album, “Loyalty” in 2015, and several mixtapes and singles in the following years. His collaborations with other hip-hop artists such as Gucci Mane, Sammie, Shawty Lo, and Arab further solidified his presence in the industry. His fifth studio album, “How Can You Blame Me,” was set for release in 2019 but was delayed due to his incarceration.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
In addition to his music career, Soulja Boy ventured into various business endeavors. He launched his own clothing line and explored digital and social media platforms to promote his music and personal brand. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to claim in 2016 that he had signed a $400 million record contract with World Poker Fund Holdings to promote an online game called CelebrityWorld.com. However, this claim was later clarified to be based on a forward-thinking valuation rather than a fully cash transaction.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Soulja Boy’s career has not been without its controversies. In early 2009, he engaged in a public feud with rapper Bow Wow over their sports cars, leading to diss tracks from both artists. They eventually reconciled and released a collaborative mixtape in 2016. In mid-2013, he issued death threats to rapper Chief Keef, which he later claimed were the result of his social media accounts being hacked.
Personal and legal troubles also plagued Soulja Boy’s life. In 2008, he was robbed and beaten in his home, and in 2011, his younger brother was killed in a car crash. Soulja Boy faced multiple legal issues, including weapon violations, alleged death threats, and accusations of rape. In February 2022, he was named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit filed against the cryptocurrency company SafeMoon, alleging it was a pump-and-dump scheme.
Real Estate and Financial Highlights
Soulja Boy’s real estate ventures have seen mixed results. While there were reports of him purchasing various homes in Los Angeles, many of these turned out to be rentals. He did own a home in McDonough, Georgia, which he bought for $330,000 in 2008 and sold in 2010 for $132,000.
Financially, Soulja Boy had significant earnings at the peak of his career. In 2012, he earned over $7 million, placing him among the Hip Hop Cash Kings for the year. He also claimed that the number 678-999-8212 from his song “Kiss Me thru the Phone” earned him $100,000 a month in the late 2000s.
Conclusion
Soulja Boy’s journey in the music industry is marked by early success, business ventures, and numerous controversies. Despite facing various challenges, he has managed to maintain a presence in the industry and continues to explore new opportunities. His story is a testament to the impact of digital platforms on modern music careers and the importance of adapting to changing landscapes in the entertainment industry.
For more detailed information on Soulja Boy’s career and financial ventures, you can visit Celebrity Net Worth and Forbes.