As of 2025, Soulja Boy’s net worth stands at $5 million, and he is 34 years old. Born DeAndre Cortez Way, the rapper made an explosive entrance into the music world with his 2007 breakout hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” a cultural phenomenon that launched his career—and a dance craze. But behind the viral success is a story filled with highs, controversy, hustle, and reinvention, with Soulja making moves in music, fashion, tech, and even cryptocurrency.
How Did Soulja Boy Get Famous?
Soulja Boy built his own buzz. Long before TikTok or Reels, he was mastering the early internet. At just 14 years old, he began uploading songs to SoundClick, YouTube, and MySpace, growing a fanbase before social media fame was a common strategy.
Then came “Crank That” in 2007—a catchy, self-produced anthem that dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for seven straight weeks and earned a Grammy nomination. The homemade music video showing off the dance went viral, and suddenly, Soulja Boy was the name on everyone’s lips.
His debut studio album, Souljaboytellem.com, hit number four on the Billboard 200 and went platinum. He followed up with iSouljaBoyTellem and The DeAndre Way, although neither matched his debut’s impact.
What Other Business Ventures Has Soulja Boy Explored?
Soulja Boy isn’t just about music. He’s been trying to secure the bag from every direction. In 2012, he made $7 million from music, endorsements, and ventures—enough to land him on Forbes’ Hip-Hop Cash Kings list that year.
He launched a clothing line, created gaming consoles, and even tried his hand in cryptocurrency promotions. In 2016, he signed a deal with World Poker Fund Holdings, claiming it was worth $400 million. That figure turned out to be inflated and based on speculative future valuation, but it got people talking—and that’s always been part of his playbook.
Did Soulja Boy Really Buy a $55 Million Jet?
In 2011, news spread that Soulja had bought a $55 million private jet for his 21st birthday—$35 million for the jet, plus $20 million in upgrades. Think Italian leather seats, liquor bars, flat-screen TVs, and luxury flooring.
But not long after, his rep clarified that the rumors were exaggerated. There was no private jet purchase—just a moment of youthful hype and marketing.
How Did His Music Career Evolve After His Debut?
Although Soulja’s initial success was hard to replicate, he continued to release mixtapes, singles, and albums. Projects like Loyalty (2015) and Soulja World (2021, featuring Lil B) kept him in the mix.
His music continued to get attention thanks to social media virality and his knack for staying culturally relevant. He also collaborated with artists like Gucci Mane, Sammie, and Shawty Lo, showing that while he may not always dominate the charts, he remains part of hip-hop’s broader fabric.
What Is Soulja Boy’s Record Label?
In 2004, Soulja founded Stacks on Deck Money Gang (SODMG), his own record label. Over the years, he signed several artists, dropped them all in 2016, and restarted by signing fresh talent like Lil 100 and Atlanta’s 24hr. In April 2021, he inked a new record deal with Virgin Music, marking yet another chapter in his evolving career.
Has Soulja Boy Faced Legal or Personal Controversies?
Yes, and quite a few. From Twitter feuds with Bow Wow, to a 2013 death threat scandal involving Chief Keef, Soulja’s had a turbulent history online and offline.
In 2019, he was accused of kidnapping ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers during a violent altercation. In 2023, a Los Angeles court ordered him to pay Myers $471,000 in damages. Following the ruling, the LA Sheriff’s Department was authorized to seize luxury cars, jewelry, and cash from his Bell Canyon property.
He’s also faced accusations of domestic violence, weapons charges, and was listed in a class-action lawsuit in 2022 related to cryptocurrency promotions, including SafeMoon.
What About His Personal Life and Relationships?
Soulja Boy has had several public relationships and breakups. In 2022, he welcomed his first child with girlfriend Jackie. His emotional life has also been impacted by tragedy—his younger brother, Deion Jenkins, died in a car crash in 2011.
In an effort to pivot to a more serious acting career, Soulja removed all his face tattoos in 2020. He’d talked about it for years, saying he didn’t want to be typecast in roles involving gangs or crime. It was a rare, mature move that reflected a changing vision for his career.
What Is Soulja Boy’s Real Estate Story?
Despite claims of lavish purchases, most of Soulja’s real estate stories are… complicated. In 2016, he claimed to have bought a $6 million Hollywood penthouse—turns out it was an Airbnb rental, not an actual purchase.
He has mostly rented homes around Los Angeles, including a Malibu rental where a domestic dispute reportedly took place in 2019. He also rented a mansion in Northridge, CA, for about $8,000/month.
Soulja Boy did own a property in McDonough, Georgia, which he bought in 2008 for $330,000. He sold it two years later for just $132,000, taking a major loss.
What’s Next for Soulja Boy?
Despite all the drama, Soulja Boy is still relevant. Whether it’s music, tech products, social media antics, or new ventures, he knows how to keep his name trending. At 34, he’s shifting focus to acting, entrepreneurship, and brand-building while continuing to release music for his loyal fanbase.
From viral sensation to hip-hop outlier, Soulja Boy’s career has been anything but ordinary. And if history’s any guide, he’s far from finished.
