DeAndre Cortez Way was born on July 28, 1990, in Chicago, Illinois. He later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he developed a keen interest in rap music. By the age of six, Soulja Boy had already started showing signs of his future career in music. His family moved again to Batesville, Mississippi, where he continued to hone his musical skills.
Career
Early Beginnings
Soulja Boy’s career began in earnest in 2004 when he uploaded his first song to the internet. He used platforms like SoundClick, MySpace, and YouTube to share his music, a novel approach at the time. His breakthrough came in 2007 with the release of “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which he produced himself. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning him a Grammy nomination.
Continued Success
Following the success of “Crank That,” Soulja Boy released his debut album, “Souljaboytellem.com,” which went platinum. He continued to release music, including hit singles like “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” “Turn My Swag On,” and “Pretty Boy Swag.” His second album, “iSouljaBoyTellem,” released in 2008, solidified his place in the music industry.
Business Ventures
Soulja Boy has also ventured into various business endeavors. He launched his own record label, Stacks on Deck Entertainment, and has invested in several tech startups. In 2018, he announced the launch of his gaming console, the SouljaGame. Despite controversies and legal challenges, Soulja Boy’s entrepreneurial spirit has contributed significantly to his net worth.
Relationships
Soulja Boy’s personal life has often been in the spotlight. He has been linked to several high-profile relationships over the years. Some of his notable relationships include:
- Nia Riley: Soulja Boy and Nia Riley, daughter of music producer Teddy Riley, had a tumultuous relationship that was featured on the reality TV show “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.”
- Blac Chyna: In 2019, Soulja Boy briefly dated model and entrepreneur Blac Chyna. Their relationship garnered significant media attention but was short-lived.
- Tiona Fernan: More recently, Soulja Boy has been linked to Instagram model Tiona Fernan. Their relationship status has been the subject of much speculation among fans and media alike.
Real Estate
Soulja Boy has invested in several real estate properties over the years. In 2010, he purchased a mansion in McDonough, Georgia, for $3.2 million. The 5,000-square-foot home features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool and home theater. He has also owned properties in Los Angeles, further diversifying his real estate portfolio.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Soulja Boy’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. His income sources are diverse, including music sales, concert tours, business ventures, and investments. Despite facing legal challenges and controversies, Soulja Boy has managed to maintain his financial stability through smart business decisions and constant innovation.
Age and Other Aspects
Soulja Boy is currently 33 years old and continues to be an influential figure in the music and entertainment industry. He has used his platform to influence various trends in music and social media. Soulja Boy’s innovative approach to music distribution and marketing has paved the way for many artists in the digital age.
Influence on Social Media
One of Soulja Boy’s most significant contributions to the music industry is his early adoption of social media for promotion. He was one of the first artists to use platforms like YouTube and MySpace to reach a broad audience. This strategy proved successful and has since become a standard practice for aspiring artists.
Legal Challenges
Throughout his career, Soulja Boy has faced several legal issues, including charges related to firearm possession and assault. Despite these challenges, he has managed to maintain his career and continue his business ventures.
Philanthropy
Soulja Boy has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has donated to several causes, including disaster relief and education. His philanthropic work, although not as widely publicized as his music career, demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the community.
Conclusion
Soulja Boy’s journey from a young boy in Chicago to a global music sensation is a testament to his talent and innovation. His early adoption of the internet for music promotion, combined with his entrepreneurial ventures, has solidified his place in the entertainment industry. With a net worth of $30 million and a career that continues to evolve, Soulja Boy remains a significant figure in music and business. At 33 years old, he continues to influence new generations of artists and entrepreneurs with his pioneering spirit and relentless drive.
