Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, is a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur who gained widespread fame with his hit single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" in 2007. Here are some interesting facts about him and the song:
Internet Sensation: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" became a viral sensation on the internet before it hit the mainstream. Soulja Boy uploaded the song to platforms like MySpace and YouTube, helping it gain popularity.
Young Achievement: Soulja Boy was just 17 years old when he recorded "Crank That." This made him one of the youngest artists to achieve a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Dance Craze: The song is closely associated with a dance called the "Soulja Boy Tell 'Em" dance. The dance became a cultural phenomenon, with people of all ages learning and performing it.
Debut Album: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" was featured on Soulja Boy's debut album "Souljaboytellem.com," which was released in 2007. The album was certified platinum and featured other hits like "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" and "Turn My Swag On."
Guinness World Record: In 2008, Soulja Boy set a Guinness World Record for the most downloaded single in history at that time, with over 3 million digital downloads of "Crank That (Soulja Boy)."
Influence on the Music Industry: Soulja Boy's success marked a shift in the music industry, showcasing the potential for independent artists to gain fame and recognition through online platforms and social media.
Entrepreneurship: Beyond music, Soulja Boy has ventured into various entrepreneurial pursuits. He launched his own record label, SODMG (Stacks On Deck Money Gang), and created a line of successful branded products, including SouljaPods (a competitor to Apple's AirPods) and gaming consoles.
Legal Troubles: Soulja Boy has faced legal issues throughout his career, including copyright infringement claims related to his music. In 2019, he was arrested for probation violations but was released later.
Comebacks: Despite ups and downs in his career, Soulja Boy has managed to make comebacks and remain relevant in the music industry, often through internet engagement and social media presence.
Influence on Hip-Hop: Soulja Boy's unique approach to music and self-promotion has left a lasting impact on the hip-hop and rap industry. He's been credited with pioneering the "internet rapper" model and influencing a generation of artists who leverage online platforms for success.
While Soulja Boy's career has had its share of controversies, there's no denying the cultural impact "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" had and continues to have on the music and entertainment world.