Soulja Boy

Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way on July 28, 1990, is an American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur known for his influence on the hip-hop genre, particularly in the late 2000s. He gained fame with his debut single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," released in 2007, which became a viral sensation and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's accompanying dance became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the power of social media in music promotion. Soulja Boy is often credited with popularizing the use of platforms like YouTube and social media for music distribution, paving the way for future artists to leverage internet fame. His debut album, *Souljaboytellem.com*, released in 2007, included other hits like "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" and "Turn My Swag On." Beyond his music, Soulja Boy's entrepreneurial endeavors, including his own video game console, have contributed to his status as a multi-faceted entertainer. His impact on hip-hop includes influencing the "digital age" of music marketing and inspiring a new generation of artists to harness online platforms for their careers.