Soulja Boy

At 33 years old, Soulja Boy has this physical status:

DeAndre Cortez Way (born July 28, 1990), also known as Soulja Boy, is an American rapper, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur.

In September 2007, his debut single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" debuted at number one on the US charts. Billboard Hot 100 is one of the most popular videos on the internet.

The single was initially self-published on the internet and then became a number-one hit in the United States for seven weeks in a row, beginning in September 2007.

Way was ranked 18 on the Forbes list of Hip-Hop Cash Kings of 2010 for earning $7 million this year.

Early life

Way was born in Chicago and moved to Atlanta at the age of six, where he became interested in rap music. He and his father, who was 14 years old at the time, migrated to Batesville, Mississippi, with his dad.

Personal life

Deion Jenkins, Way's younger brother, was killed in a car crash on the night of March 22, 2011. Way welcomed his first child on September 30, 2022.

Way was robbed and battered in his house on December 30, 2008. The initial reports stated that the robbers were six masked men with AK-47s and pistols, but that two masked men with sole credit for the shooting emerged on the Internet on December 31, 2008.

A month later, Way recalled the incident to MTV News: He had arrived home late at night after attending an album launch party and recording songs with friends when the robbers came in pointing their guns. In a subsequent interview, Way explained that it was three robbers, not six, and that he was filming in the studio. So two of my homeboys were in the living room, and me and Arab we were recording in the studio. And somebody kicked in the door. [...] One dude ran the AK to my homeboy head and then laid him to the ground; The other two boys ran back, so I peeped in the door and they rushed through my house with Ks and pistols so I ducked back. I can't really remember what happened after that, but it was a messed up situation, and I'm glad everyone made it out alive."

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Musical career

For Way's father, he had a recording studio to explore his musical aspirations. Way performed his songs on the website SoundClick in November 2005. Following positive feedback on the website, he created profiles on YouTube and Myspace. Unsigned & Still Major: Major: He released his first independent album in March 2007, the first time his artist & still major: The Daggers' debut in March 2007 was his first solo album.

Way's also recorded "Crank That (Soulja Boy) in March 2007, followed by a low-budget video demonstrating the "Crank That" dance. "Crank That" was released as a single on May 2; by the month's end, it had received its first airplay; and Way met with Mr. Collipark to sign a Interscope Records contract. On August 12, "Crank That" was used on the television show Entourage, and on September 1, it topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and Hot RingMasters charts. Way was nominated for Best Rap Song with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" at the 50th Grammy Awards, but lost to Kanye West and T-Pain's "Good Life."

Souljaboytellem.com, Way's debut album, was released in the United States on October 2, debuting at number four on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip Albums charts. According to reports, the album was made with just the FL Studio demo. Souljaboytellem.com received a positive review from AllMusic, but other publications, such as Entertainment Weekly, gave mostly critical feedback. Several analysts praised Soulja Boy for establishing a new hip hop trend, while others speculated that he would be a one-hit wonder.

iSouljaBoyTellem.com, Souljaboytellem.com's sequel, iSouljaBoyTellem.com, received a critical reception on December 16, 2008. "Bird Walk," the album's first single, debuted at number 40 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Songs chart and at number 20 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart, with the first single from the album debuting at number 40 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Songs chart and the top 20. On November 22, 2008, MC Hammer's introduction brought it to a broader audience. "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (featuring Sammie) was followed by a tracker who debuted at number three on the Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Rap Tracks charts, peaking at number three on the Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. Chris Brown had been Way's first choice to perform the hook but had respectfully turned down the invitation. Way later tried to do it on his own with Auto-Tune, but it was ineffective. It's second album to reach the two million mark in downloads in the United States. Way released the third single, "Touch My Swag On," on January 26, 2009. It debuted on the US Rap Charts and peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 19. Its sales in the United States have soared as of August 23, 2009.

Way's third studio album, The DeAndre Way, was supposed to be his most personal and profitable album to date. When addressing potential collaborations, he said he wanted to collaborate with artists like Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Eminem. In January 2009, the lead single from the album, "POW," was released but was not to be a hit, and it was dubbed a promo single. Way launched three mixtapes on October 30, 2009: Paranormal Investigation, Dat Piff, and Cortez. On February 18, 2010, it was announced that the first single from the album would be titled "All Black Everything" but that was postponed and Legendary became the subject of another promotional mixtape. Dre was the album's first single in early 2010 with a video snippet for "Do It Big" as the first single, but this was also cancelled. In July 2010, the album title was reverted to The DeAndre Way.

"Pretty Boy Swag" was the album's official lead single on June 8, 2010. The single debuted at number 34 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Songs chart, ranking sixth on the Hot R&B/Hip Songs chart, and number five on the Rap Songs chart, and fifth on the Rap Songs chart. The album's second single was supposed to be "digital," but it was instead used on his promotional mixtape Best Rapper. It was announced that "Speakers Going Hammer" would be the second single, but "Blowing Me Kisses" would have been released on August 31, 2010, rather than the second single. Way performed "Pretty Boy Swag" and a snippet of his third album "Speakers Going Harry" on October 13. Way launched "Speakers Going Hammer" on iTunes on October 19, 2010, the single debuting at number 48 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop charts. Way backed out of the Summerbeatz tour in Australia in November 2010, where he would have performed with Flo Rida, Jay Sean, and Travie McCoy in order to begin his "Who They Want" tour in support of his forthcoming album. The DeAndre Way was announced on November 30, 2010 and has so far sold only 70,000 copies, making it Way's lowest-selling album.

Way introduced a series of mixtapes in 2011. Smooky was the first edition of a cartoon newspaper art of Way doing a 360 on a bicycle. Way launched the mixtape 1UP on March 17, with Way stating: "If I was in a video game, this mixtape would bring me to the next level with an extra life." "With the latest model, there is more juice." Way introduced his mixtape Juice with cover art based on the same film. Way revealed that he would also launch a mini-movie of his own to go along with the mixtape and that with the mixtape, he would be on to greatness. Bernaurd Arnault EP, Way's Limited Edition), was released on July 15, 2007. Way released another ep mixtape called 21: EP on August 1, then. Way created the mixtape The Last Crown on August 31, the front of the mixtape is based on the Flammarion Engraving's artwork. Way announced in September 2011 that he was working on a new album, Promise, which will be released in October. Way also announced the cover and name of his second independent album, Skate Boy, on Twitter, with a note that it will be available in stores on November 1. Way Supreme's Mixtape Supreme was unveiled on September 19, according to the artist. Skate Boy (Deluxe Edition) was released on October 30, rather than an album. Way released another mixtape called Gold On Deck on December 30, 2011.

Way's album was delayed in 2012, but he did get more mixtapes. Way announced a mixtape for the start of the year on January 9, titled 50/13, with the front based on ASAP Rocky's mixtape Live. Love. ASAP. Way produced a mixtape titled "Too Faded" on January 24, a collaboration mixtape with his artist Young L titled Mario & Domo vs. the World with cover art based on the video game Super Mario Bros. Way talked about his forthcoming album Promise on June 3, 2012, and he said he has released so many mixtapes in the last two years because he believes he has to put out a lot of music and be as imaginative as possible. Way released a new collaboration mixtape with rapper Vinny Chase called Double Cup City on June 11, which was released on June 11. Way released Juice II, a sequel to Way's old production style, in which Way brought his old production style back to his old production style with the words "Soulja Boy Tells Em" at the start. It's Way's most downloaded mixtape. On November 6, Young & Flexin, his mixtape, was released. Way launched LOUD, his first mixtape on iTunes on December 25, 2012.

Way's old record deal came to an end in 2013, and he continued to produce mixtapes. Way released his first mixtape of the year on February 22, titled Foreign. Way was rumored to Cash Money Records after getting a face tattoo saying "Rich Gang" the same weekend he was seen with his manager and Cash Money artists Birdman and Bow Wow. Since he added "Rich Gang" or "YMCMB" to his social media pages, he continued. Way had previously announced that he was no longer with Interscope Records after his contract with them ended in February. Way also revealed that his album Promise had been renamed USA DRE. "Handsome" became the album's first single on March 15. He officially launched the EP, All Black, on March 25, the immediate aftermath of which. Way released his mixtape Foreign 2 on April 24, 2004. Way revealed the cover art to his forthcoming mixtape titled King Soulja, which was released on May 5. Way's second EP, Cuban Link, was released on May 26, according to the artist. Way announced a new album name change on June 13, Life After Fame, and that it would be available to stores on July 30, 2013. Way's first single, "Ridin Round," was released on iTunes on June 25, but it was later identified as a promotional single. Way released Life After Fame as a mixtape rather than an album on June 30, rather than an album. Way's mixtape titled 23 on September 24, 2009, was released on September 24, 2011. Way announced his mixtape The King on November 30, 1993. Drake's remixed Way's intro track "We Made It" from his mixtape The King's remixed and remixed on December 28, 2013.

Way continued to work on his fourth studio album in 2014, while also collaborating with other musicians and releasing new mixtapes. King Soulja 2 was his first mixtape of the year on March 18, Way introduced his first mixtape of the year. Way released his first digital album Super Dope on April 20, with rapper Busta Rhymes appearing on the front page. Way co-wrote and appeared on Nicki Minaj's promotional single "Yass Bish," which received high praise from music reviewers on May 19. Way revealed on June 8th that he was currently working on his latest mixtape project King Soulja 3, which would include appearances from Lil Wayne, Drake, Migos, Young Thug, and Wiz Khalifa. King Soulja 3 became Way's second digital album on iTunes on June 29, bringing together performances from Gudda Gudda and Rich The Kid. Way published his mixtape Young Millionaire on October 31, with appearances from Sean Kingston, Cap.1 and Rich The Kid. Way revealed on November 17, 2014, via his Instagram, that he had signed a new Warner Music Group label and revealed the name, cover art, and release date for his fourth studio album, Loyalty, which had been delayed until February 3, 2015.

Loyalty, Way's fourth studio album, Loyalty, Way performed new singles, mixtapes, and a digital album in 2015. On February 27, Way released the single "Whippin My Wrist (Too Rich) on his forthcoming digital album; it debuted at number 48 on the Billboard Trending 140. Way performed his mixtape Swag The Mixtape on May 16, featuring performances from Migos, Peewee Longway, Troy Ave, Johnny Cinco, Chief Keef, Pack Strong, Pack Strong, Chella H, Calico Jonez, and Kyle Massey. Rich The Kid, a fellow Atlanta, Georgia musician, announced on May 26 that he and Way would debut a joint album called Get Rich. Way revealed the title, cover art, and announcement date of his forthcoming fifth studio album, Blessed, which was supposed to be published on July 28, 2015, but it suffered with many delays on June 3. Way released a mixtape titled 25 The Movie on June 30, 2013. Way released "Actavis" featuring Migos, his fourth digital album King Soulja 4. M & M: Money and Music was released on July 23, Way's mixtape M & M: Money and Music. Way, a founder of Stacks on Deck Entertainment, released his fourth digital album, King Soulja 4, which included appearances from Migos, ReeseMoneyBagz, Dae Dot, and Sean Kingston. Way performed the single "Diddy Bop" on September 1, the first one on record. Way released a single called "Gratata" on September 24, as well as a accompanying music video. Way introduced the mixtape Plug Talk on September 28, which was a surprise. "Make It Rain" was the first single performed by Way on November 9, a single. Way released a mixtape called S. Beezy on November 24, 1991.

Way's fifth and sixth digital albums were released in addition to a number of mixtapes, singles, and videos in 2016. Way launched "Drop The Top" on January 14, and its music video premiered on January 24. After the NBA basketball player's name, Way released "Stephen Curry" on January 24, and the song was also released on February 6, and Way also had a music video for the song. Finesse EP, Way's second mixtape, was released on February 10. Way's King Soulja 5, the fifth installment of his King Soulja mixtape/album collection, was unveiled on February 14. Way, his independent record, out on March 15, released his fifth digital album, Stacks On Deck, which featured appearances from Agoff, King Reefa, Lil Yachty, and Rich The Kid. On May 12, Way released "Day One" as a single. Way released his sixth digital album, Better Late Than Never, starring Lil Twist and Lil Yachty on June 9, through his label Stacks on Deck Entertainment. Way released a single titled "Rockstar" on July 23, which was the subject of a single on July 23. After his newly released single, Way released the mixtape Rockstar, self-titled on July 31, which was released on July 31. Way released the sequel mixtape S. Beezy 2. Way released "Max Payne" on September 14, a single titled "Max Payne." Way introduced "Hit Them Folks" on September 24, a single by Way. Way released a single titled "I'm Up Now" starring Chief Keef on September 26, which was released on September 26. Way unveiled King Soulja 6, the sixth installment of his King Soulja mixtape/album collection, on September 29. Ignorant Shit, a Way and Bow Wow joint retail mixtape, was released on October 25, 2016.

Way went on Instagram Live in late 2018 and responded to fan comments that Tyga had the best comeback of any artist in 2018. Way angrily said he had had the biggest comeback, with a snippet of the video going viral the same day. Way appeared on The Breakfast Club's radio show in early 2019, where he defended his views. Following the interview, a snippet of Way responding to a query concerning fellow musician Drake became a viral meme.

Way continued to produce singles and two mix-tapes throughout the year, beginning with the first mix-tape, Fuego, on January 10, and Tell Ya, the second mix-tape. Way revealed on January 18, 2019 he was working on his fifth studio album, How Can You Blame Me? (originally titled Blessed), with the album set to be released on July 28. Following Way's release of the album in 2019, it was postponed for unknown reasons. Way released the mixtape King Soulja 9, which was followed by many singles throughout 2020, on July 28, 2020, following his increasing success as a Twitch streamer. Way released the mixtape Swag 3 in late November 2020 and continued to produce numerous singles such as Pandemic and CEO right from the 2021 debut. Way released the mixtape Soulja World, which stars frequent collaborator Lil B. Soulja Boy signed a record deal with Virgin Music in April 2021.

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Awards and nominations

• BET Awards
  • 2007: Best New Artist (Nominated)
  • 2008: Viewer's Choice Award: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" (Nominated)
  • 2009: Viewer's Choice Award: "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (Nominated)
• BET Hip-Hop Awards
  • 2007: Best Hip-Hop Dance (Won)
• BET Social Awards
  • 2019: Social Verified Award (Won)
• Grammy Awards
  • 2008: Best Rap Song: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" (Nominated)
• Ozone Awards
  • 2007: Patiently Waiting: Mississippi (Won)
  • 2008: Best Breakthrough Artist (Nominated)
  • 2008: TJ's DJ's Tastemaker Award (Nominated)
• Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
  • 2007: Favorite Male Singer (Nominated)
• Teen Choice Awards
  • 2009: Choice Music: Rap Artist (Nominated)
  • 2009: Choice Music: R&B Track for "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (Nominated)
  • 2009: Choice Music: Hook Up for "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (Nominated)
  • 2009: Choice Music: Artist (Nominated)