Crank That Cash: Soulja Boy’s $42 Million Empire in 2024 – From Rap Hits to Rich Assets.
DeAndre Cortez Way, better known as Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em or simply Soulja Boy, exploded onto the hip-hop scene in 2007 with his breakout hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”.
At just 17 years old, Soulja Boy leveraged the power of the internet and social media to become one of the first viral rap sensations. His catchy beats, dance crazes, and innovative online marketing tactics changed the game and paved the Way for a new generation of hip-hop artists.
Though his career has had its ups and downs, Soulja Boy’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. This blog post will explore this influential rapper and entrepreneur’s life, career, and legacy.
Who is Soulja Boy?
DeAndre Cortez Way was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 28, 1990. At age 6, he moved with his family to Atlanta, Georgia, where he first became interested in rap music. Way began recording his music as a teenager and uploading it to various websites like SoundClick, YouTube, and MySpace under Soulja Boy.
In 2007, at just 16 years old, Soulja Boy released his debut single “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” independently online. The catchy song and accompanying dance went viral, spreading rapidly across social media. This caught the attention of record labels, and Soulja Boy soon signed with Interscope Records.
“Crank That” went on to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the best-selling digital tracks of all time. Seemingly overnight, Soulja Boy went from an unknown teenager making music in his bedroom to a chart-topping rap sensation.
His savvy use of online platforms to build a fanbase and promote his music was revolutionary. Soulja Boy is often credited as one of the first artists to truly harness the power of social media and digital marketing in the music industry.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | DeAndre Cortez Way |
| Stage Name | Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em / Soulja Boy |
| Birth Date | July 28, 1990 |
| Age (2024) | 33 years old |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
Personal Life and Relationships
Despite his public persona and controversies, Soulja Boy has kept much of his personal life private. He was born in Chicago but spent much of his youth in Atlanta before moving to Batesville, Mississippi, as a teenager. His father provided recording equipment and encouraged his early interest in making music.
Soulja Boy has been involved in several high-profile relationships throughout his career. In the early 2010s, he dated rapper Diamond from Crime Mob. In 2019, he was briefly romantically linked to Blac Chyna. Most recently, Soulja Boy welcomed his first child, a son, with his girlfriend Jackie in September 2022.
Tragically, Soulja Boy’s younger brother, Deion Jenkins, was killed in a car accident in March 2011 at just 14 years old. This loss deeply affected the rapper, who has paid tribute to his late brother in his music over the years.
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While Soulja Boy’s romantic relationships and family life have made headlines at times, he has generally tried to maintain some privacy regarding his personal affairs. The birth of his son in 2022 marked a new chapter for the rapper as he embraced fatherhood.
Professional Career and Achievements
Soulja Boy’s career took off at lightning speed following the success of “Crank That” in 2007. His debut album, Souljaboytellem.com, was released later that year and reached #4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album went platinum, cementing Soulja Boy’s status as a bonafide hip-hop star.
In 2008, he followed up with his sophomore album, iSouljaBoyTellem, which included hits like “Kiss Me Thru the Phone” and “Turn My Swag On.” While not quite as commercially successful as his debut, it still reached the top 50 on the Billboard charts.
Soulja Boy’s third studio album, The DeAndre Way, was released in 2010 to mixed reviews. Singles like “Pretty Boy Swag” performed well, but the album failed to match the massive success of his earlier work. In the following years, Soulja Boy focused more on releasing mixtapes and singles than full studio albums.
Some of Soulja Boy’s most notable achievements include:
- His debut single, “Crank That,” spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
- He was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2008
- Souljaboytellem.com was certified platinum by the RIAA
- He has collaborated with major artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne
- His YouTube channel has over 2.7 million subscribers
While his career peaked commercially in the late 2000s, Soulja Boy has maintained relevance through strategic collaborations, social media engagement, and business ventures outside of music. He is widely recognized as a pioneer in leveraging digital platforms for music promotion and artist branding.
Age and Physical Attributes
Born in 1990, Soulja Boy is 33 years old as of 2024. He rose to fame as a teenager and has been in the public eye for over 15 years. Soulja Boy stands approximately 5’8″ (173 cm) tall and typically weighs around 148 lbs (67 kg).
Known for his youthful appearance and energetic stage presence, Soulja Boy has maintained a lean physique throughout his career. His signature look often includes designer clothes, flashy jewelry, and ever-changing hairstyles.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2024) | 33 years old |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 148 lbs (67 kg) |
| Style | Designer clothes, flashy jewelry, changing hairstyles |
While he has matured since his teenage stardom, Soulja Boy retains much of the boyish charm that endeared him to fans in the late 2000s.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2024, Soulja Boy’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. The bulk of his wealth comes from his music career, including record sales, streaming revenue, touring, and merchandise. At the peak of his popularity in the late 2000s, Soulja Boy was one of the highest-earning rappers in the game.
Some key financial highlights for Soulja Boy include:
- His debut single “Crank That” sold over 3 million digital copies
- In 2010, he was listed on the Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings list with earnings of $7 million that year
- He has earned millions from touring and live performances over the years
- Streaming revenue from his catalog of music continues to generate income
While exact salary details are not public, it’s clear that Soulja Boy has earned tens of millions of dollars throughout his career. His ability to diversify his income streams through business ventures has helped him maintain his wealth even as his music sales have declined from their peak.
| Attribute | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approximately $30 million |
| Primary Income Sources | Music sales, streaming revenue, touring, merchandise |
| Notable Financial Highlights | “Crank That” sold over 3 million digital copies; Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings list (2010) with $7 million earnings |
Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond music, Soulja Boy has pursued various entrepreneurial endeavors that have contributed to his net worth. Some of his notable business ventures include:
- Launching his own record label, Stacks on Deck Entertainment (SODMG), in 2004
- Creating a line of “S.O.D” branded clothing and merchandise
- Releasing the “Soulja Boy Official” mobile app
- Launching his own video game console called the SouljaGame (though this faced legal issues)
- Investing in cryptocurrency and NFTs
Tallahassee, Florida 📍 pic.twitter.com/8GoHLsEs6c
— Soulja Boy (Draco) (@souljaboy) September 11, 2024
Soulja Boy has also shown interest in real estate investments. In 2010, he purchased a home in McDonough, Georgia, for $330,000, which he later sold. He has rented various luxury properties in Los Angeles over the years.
While not all of his business ventures have been successful, Soulja Boy’s willingness to explore opportunities outside of music has helped diversify his income and brand. His entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to leverage his fame into various money-making enterprises.
Investment and Funding
Details on Soulja Boy’s specific investments and funding activities are limited, but he has expressed interest in tech startups and cryptocurrency in recent years. In 2016, he announced a deal with World Poker Fund Holdings, though this partnership’s exact nature and value were disputed.
Soulja Boy has been an early adopter of cryptocurrency, promoting various coins and NFT projects to his large social media following. While the success of these investments is unclear, his engagement with emerging technologies demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to business.
Soulja Boy has likely self-funded many of his recent music projects and business ventures as an independent artist. His ability to generate income through multiple channels has given him the capital to pursue new opportunities without necessarily relying on major label funding.
Contact Information and Social Media Presence
Soulja Boy has long been known for his strong social media presence and direct fan engagement. You can find him on various platforms:
| Platform | Handle/Details |
|---|---|
| @souljaboy – 5.2 million followers | |
| @souljaboy – 6.8 million followers | |
| YouTube | Soulja Boy TV – 2.7 million subscribers |
| TikTok | @souljaboy – 3.1 million followers |
Soulja Boy can be contacted through his management team or record label for business inquiries. He is currently signed to Virgin Music Label and Artist Services.
Soulja Boy’s active social media presence has been vital to maintaining his relevance in the fast-paced world of hip-hop. He frequently interacts with fans, promotes new music and products, and stirs up buzz with controversial statements and beefs with other artists.
Conclusion
From teenage internet sensation to savvy entrepreneur, Soulja Boy’s career has been defined by innovation and adaptability. While he may no longer dominate the charts like he did in the late 2000s, his influence on hip hop and digital marketing in the music industry is undeniable.
With a net worth of $30 million and diverse business interests, Soulja Boy has proven himself to be much more than a one-hit wonder. As he continues to release music, explore new ventures, and engage with his millions of social media followers, it’s clear that Soulja Boy’s story is far from over.
Whether you know him for “Crank That,” his viral moments, or his entrepreneurial pursuits, there’s no denying that Soulja Boy has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
As he enters his mid-30s, it will be fascinating to see how this hip-hop innovator continues to evolve and influence the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs.