Soulja Boy’s journey to hip-hop success and multi-millionaire status is the perfect example of how one great song (or business idea) can change your life. Also known as Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em or Big Draco, and named DeAndre Cortez Way at birth, he is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who burst onto the music scene in 2007 with his hit single “Crank That (Soulja Boy).”
This one song instantly became a viral sensation, putting him on the fast track to success and altering the course of his life. Although Soulja Boy has experienced some controversies and legal issues, he has become a bona fide hip-hop star. He continues to release hits 15 years after his popular debut.
In this article, we’ll explore Soulja Boy’s life and career, rise to fame, music, business ventures, and impact on hip-hop culture. From Soulja Boy’s net worth to his current money-making activities, we’ll examine how he has achieved fame and fortune and what you can learn from his inspiring journey to wealth.
Who is Soulja Boy?
Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. Before adopting the moniker Soulja Boy, he went by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. He originally gained fame in 2007 with his hit single “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which was accompanied by a viral dance craze known as the “Soulja Boy Dance.”
The song reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was certified a diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 10 million copies in the U.S.
At the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” was nominated for the award for Best Rap Song, which he lost to T-Pain and Kanye West’s song “Good Life.”
Since then, Soulja Boy has released nine additional studio and three compilation albums. He has also ventured into other business endeavors, such as NFTs, gaming, and soap.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | DeAndre Cortez Way |
| Stage Name | Soulja Boy, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, Big Draco |
| Born | July 28, 1990 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, IL |
| Occupation | Rapper, Record Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Genres | Hip-Hop |
Early Life
DeAndre Cortez Way was born July 28, 1990, in Chicago, IL. At age 7, he moved with his family from Chicago to Atlanta, Georgia, where he developed an interest in rap music. When he was 14, DeAndre moved to Batesville, Mississippi, with his father, who built a recording studio so a young DeAndre could explore his musical talents.
In November 2005, DeAndre uploaded his songs to YouTube, garnering positive reviews and a dedicated following. He then created a page on MySpace to establish his online presence further.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAoQQl4Oi-c/
He was one of the first music artists to leverage social media to promote his music and brand. Due to his overwhelming success on the platforms, other artists followed in his footsteps. Today, YouTube and other platforms are crucial assets for new artists to share their music.
Simple lyrics, catchy refrains, and minimalist production characterize Soulja Boy’s musical style. Even 15 years later, this style has become popular among aspiring rappers. Many of today’s popular rap songs have traces of DeAndre’s style.
Soulja Boy’s Net Worth
According to top sources, Soulja Boy’s net worth is an estimated $10 million. Over the years, this wealth has been accumulated through his music career, business ventures, and various investments.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $10 million |
| Annual Income from Fox | Not specified (not mentioned) |
| Other Income Sources | Music, Business Ventures, Investments |
Soulja Boy’s Debut Single and Rise to Fame
Soulja Boy’s debut single was “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” In 2007, the song secured the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for seven non-consecutive weeks. The music and accompanying dance became viral, catapulting Soulja Boy into the spotlight.
His debut album, Souljaboytellem.com, released later that year, sold over 3 million copies in the United States. Soulja Boy’s ability to leverage social media platforms like MySpace and YouTube to promote his music and dance craze was a game-changer in the music industry, paving the way for future artists to do the same.
Business Ventures and Investments
While Soulja Boy is primarily known for his music career, he has also proven a savvy businessman. Several successful business ventures and investments contribute to his impressive net worth.
In 2004, Soulja Boy founded his record label, Stacks on Deck Entertainment (SODMG). As recently as 2019, he signed artists 24hr and Lil 100 to his label, demonstrating his continued involvement in the music industry.
Other business endeavors and investments that have contributed to Soulja Boy’s net worth include:
- Selling over 2 million copies of “Crank That” for ringtones
- Launching the Stacks on Deck (SOD) Money Gang clothing line in 2008
- Signing a $400 million endorsement deal with World Poker Fund Holdings in 2016 (later clarified to be a minor deal)
- Releasing the SouljaWatch in 2018, a product with similar functionality to the Apple Watch
- Investing in the soap company The Soap Shop in 2020
- Releasing a line of Soulja Boy-branded video game consoles in 2021
- Releasing a series of tweets as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in 2021, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Developing a cannabis brand, Soulja Exotics™, in 2021
- Releasing his documentary series, The Life of Draco, on RevoltTV in 2022
Controversies and Challenges
Soulja Boy’s rise to fame and fortune has not been without controversies and challenges. In 2008, he had a well-publicized feud with rapper Ice-T, in which Ice-T claimed that Soulja Boy “killed hip-hop” and called his hit song “Crank That “garbage.” The two went back and forth via YouTube videos, never resolving the issue, but Soulja Boy garnered the support of Kanye West during the media storm.
In addition to the Ice-T feuding, Soulja Boy has publicly argued with other rappers such as Drake and Lil Yachty. He has also faced accusations of promoting scam cryptocurrency through his social media accounts in 2021, with claims that he received a large sum of money to endorse the fraudulent scheme.
Soulja Boy has also had his fair share of legal issues, including arrests for weapon violations, alleged death threats, and a rape accusation that his spokesperson denied. In 2021, a former girlfriend, Nia Riley, accused Soulja Boy of putting a gun to her head and kicking her in the stomach while she was pregnant, which allegedly led to a miscarriage.
Despite these challenges, Soulja Boy has managed to maintain its relevance in the music industry and continues to pursue various business ventures.
Soulja Boy’s Impact on Hip-Hop Culture
Soulja Boy’s impact on hip-hop culture cannot be overstated. His innovative use of social media to promote his music and dance craze paved the way for future artists to leverage digital platforms for success. His simple, catchy production style and lyrical approach have also influenced a new generation of rappers.
Furthermore, Soulja Boy’s business savvy and ability to diversify his income streams beyond just music have set a new standard for hip-hop artists. His venture into clothing, technology, and other industries demonstrates the importance of building a multifaceted brand and not solely relying on music to generate wealth.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
For those interested in connecting with Soulja Boy or following his latest activities, here are his relevant contact details and social media handles:
Website: www.souljaboy.com Twitter: @souljaboy (5.3 million followers) Instagram: @souljaboy (9.8 million followers) YouTube: Soulja Boy (4.4 million subscribers) Facebook: Soulja Boy (3.1 million likes)
Soulja Boy is active on these platforms, regularly sharing updates about his music, business ventures, and personal life. Fans can use these channels to stay up-to-date on his latest projects and connect with the hip-hop icon.
| Platform | Handle/Link | Followers/Likes |
|---|---|---|
| Website | www.souljaboy.com | N/A |
| @souljaboy | 5.3 million followers | |
| @souljaboy | 9.8 million followers | |
| YouTube | Soulja Boy | 4.4 million subscribers |
| Soulja Boy | 3.1 million likes |
Conclusion
Soulja Boy’s journey from a self-published artist to a multi-millionaire hip-hop superstar and savvy entrepreneur is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity, and adaptability. His ability to leverage technology, diversify his income streams, and weather controversies have allowed him to maintain relevance and continue building wealth.
As aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, and individuals, we can learn valuable lessons from Soulja Boy’s inspiring story. By embracing innovation, persistence, and a multifaceted approach to success, we can achieve our dreams and reach new heights of achievement, just like the one and only Big Draco.
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