Around the mid-2000s, a jazzy beat from Chicago produced by a teen quickly made big waves in hip-hop. His name? Soulja Boy Tell’ Em is more often known as Soulja Boy.
Thanks to the hit “Crank That (Soulja Dance),” his legal surname is DeAndre Cortez Way. He became well-known across the nation in a very short time. Despite the flashy lyrics and fame, the young man had to handle the ups and downs of his newfound fame, family, and romance.
The piece explores the life, achievements, source of income, spouse, appearance, age, and experiences of Soulja Boy—an internet figure who made internet culture tried and tested.
How he achieved celebrity and notoriety in the first years of his life
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | DeAndre Cortez Way |
| Stage Name | Soulja Boy / Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em |
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1990 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
As a kid, Soulja Boy was very interested in music and technology. He started using computers and software in his youth from a modest household. At only 13, he started using FL Studio to create beats, later playing a big role in his musical career.
At age 15, he went to Atlanta to pursue his ambition. He started putting his music on MySpace and YouTube much earlier than TikTok entered the scene.
And that’s when everything was turned upside down.
The song “Crank That (Soulja Dance)” became a huge hit online in 2007. Because so many people downloaded it, “Mi Gente” was the first YouTube song to go viral. It encouraged millions of views and many funny parodies and copycat dances. The track climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and spent several weeks there.
Soulja Boy was not just in hip hop—he became a cultural icon.
| Year | Milestone |
| 2007 | “Crank That” hits #1 on Billboard |
| 2008 | Releases sophomore album “iSouljaBoyTellem” |
| 2010 | Launches own game console, “SouljaGame” |
| 2017 | Returns with mixtape “SouljaBoyTellem” |
| 2020 | Re-enters spotlight with new music and fashion ventures |
| 2023 | Collaborates with younger artists, stays relevant in pop culture |
His influence spread beyond making music. He knew how to use digital tools to help him build his brand before most. In 2010, he made a name for himself in tech by introducing his SouljaGame game console, although it never really caught on because it was mainly a concept product.
With each passing year, he has released numerous albums, collaborated with stars like Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, and Meek Mill, and kept attracting attention through his online presence and choice of clothing.
At present, Soulja Boy’s total wealth is thought to be about $10 million, although it has sometimes changed due to various legal problems and business activities.
The Life and Relationships of the Recording Artist
Music and crazy shows may describe Soulja Boy, but his life offstage is practical and down-to-earth.
He grew up in a very close-knit family. From the beginning, Lisa Smith, his mother, backed him and helped him reach his dreams. She appears in many of his interviews and videos, demonstrating their special connection.
Along with Soulja Boy, his family includes a brother named Marcus, who is sometimes featured in his online posts.
His most important relationship offstage is with his wife.
Campbell covers the private aspects of how Soulja Boy loves and mixes family and relationships.
| Detail | Info |
| Spouse | Brittany Ishibashi |
| Wedding Year | 2014 |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Two daughters |
In 2014, Soulja Boy tied the knot with Brittany Ishibashi, a Japanese-American model and social media celebrity. They started dating, and it soon became a whirlwind romance that led to marriage after a short while.
It surprised many fans at that time. Soulja Boy had set himself up as a rapper who loved to party, though becoming a married man shifted those priorities.
Brittany has steadily been present in his life. Most of the time, she stays away from publicity and works to raise the girls, also helping behind her husband’s scenes.
Trouble has entered their lives more than once. Like other famous couples, they have experienced rumors, extra interest from paparazzi, and the stress that comes with celebrity life. Even through the struggles, the couple has not lived apart, which is a clear sign of how committed they are to each other.
Soulja Boy Leads a Double Life as Both a Celebrity and a Regular Person
Soulja Boy is known by the world for being full of energy and unique, but those who live with him say he is another person at home.
In interviews, he has discussed how fatherhood changed him. Being stable and spending time with his children are now his main priorities.
“At one point, I thought the most important thing was making money and being famous,” he told an interviewer. It’s clear now that they need to feel loved and comfortable.
She, too, mentioned the need for privacy and finding a good balance at home during the rare times she was interviewed.
Even though people used to think differently about him, Soulja Boy has turned into a thoughtful person and is still growing in his life and career.
Fashion, Tech, and Entrepreneurship are not only things a rapper can discuss; they are important topics in their own right.
Soulja Boy has always defied being put in one group. Music is the main part of his work, but he’s also played around with these roles:
He launched SouljaWorld, his clothing line that includes streetwear and accessories.
- Technology: Soulja Boy backed the Shinji Crank That Soulja Boy PC case, a tribute to his hit single.
- Gaming: He also introduced his game system, which combined technology and fun unlike any other.
It is not just about music for Avicii; he likes to post hints about upcoming work on social media to involve his followers.
Despite what critics say, Soulja Boy remains relevant and shows that he is more than a one-hit wonder.
Obstacles and Debates: When Things Don’t Go Smoothly
Soulja Boy has, like many celebrities, experienced adversity.
Gun-related arrests and sometimes big differences in his financial health make up some of the challenges he’s encountered.
His comments and actions online have caught criticism, leading to some opposition from fans and other musicians.
No matter what, Harmon has responded positively and used failure as a means to keep going.
He recently posted on Instagram, “It’s impossible to make everyone happy.” So just be who you are and keep working hard every day.
Legacy and Impact: What Soulja Boy Has Done That Sets Him Apart
Few people have made as big a difference to music and internet culture as Soulja Boy.
He recognized the internet’s influence on music much earlier than most. Before Drake, Travis Scott, or Lil Nas X, Soulja Boy had already uploaded music on MySpace, shot his music videos, and became famous before it was called “going viral.”
Thanks to him, artists can now handle their careers and reach people worldwide without needing record companies.
Still, to fans who remember his hit songs, he remains very beloved.
Now in his 30s, Soulja Boy is creating, innovating and inspiring people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the real name of Soulja Boy?
The real name of Young Thug is DeAndre Cortez Way.
How tall is the rapper Soulja Boy?
He is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
Q: What amount of money has Soulja Boy earned?
His net worth is thought to be approximately $10 million.
Who does Soulja Boy call his wife?
Brittany Ishibashi, a Japanese-American model, is his wife.
Is Soulja Boy a parent of any children?
Yes, he is the father of two daughters and his wife.
What is the Shinji Crank That Soulja Boy PC mod?
It is a case built by Shinji, a modder, who wanted to match the iconic shapes from the Soulja Boy music video.
Did Soulja Boy produce a game console?
Yes, that same year, he launched SouljaGame, a concept gaming system.
Is Soulja Boy still in the music business today?
Yes, both of these things are still happening with him.
What is Soulja Boy doing nowadays?
He is always active in music, fashion, and tech and interacts with fans online.
Final remarks: Soulja Boy’s Lasting Influence
The story of Soulja Boy’s life, from making beats as a young man in Chicago to becoming an international star, tells of his inventiveness, perseverance, and constant change.
A catchy hook and simple dance helped him move past industry rules, confirming that talent and the internet could shape the future of music.
The famous actor does not forget that his family is his life’s most important thing. Although his journey has always been a bit twisted, he manages to adjust and stay important, proving what kind of person he is.
There’s no doubt that Soulja Boy is still on his path moving forward.
Drake mixes music, technology, and family time while living as he wants.
Therefore, his name will always be spoken for that song and being one of hip-hop’s original transformers.
