5 Times Soulja Boy Proved His Influential Impact On Hip-Hop

December 21, 2022 507 79 4

Long before dances were fun, challenges and songs went viral, one rapper from Illinois, Soulja Boy told them. He put artists onto the YouTube hustle and changed how artists created and promoted music.

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Soulja Boy was trending on Twitter after comparisons were made between the “Crank That” hitmaker and late West Coast rapper Nipsey Hussle.

There seems to be no room to deny the impact Soulja Boy has had on contemporary hip-hop. Here’s a look back at just how influential Soulja was for the modern day music culture:

First To Go Viral On YouTube

During a time when people were just figuring out the then-new video-sharing website YouTube, Soulja capitalized on the platform to upload his music videos. The one that put him on the map, “Crank That,” became an overnight sensation.

Before long, his music video would rake in millions of hits, and everyone would create their own dances. These included Cali Swag District’s “Teach Me How to Dougie” and Lizzo’s “Bout Damn Time.” As of now, the video has garnered over 530 million views and 4.2 million likes.

Did He Discover Nicki Minaj & The Migos?

While it’s become a bit of a meme for the “Pretty Boy Swag” artist to put his stamp on any and everything, this claim may have some merit to it. He’s been candid in interviews and online about how he not only produced beats for Nicki and the Atlanta trap trio, Migos, before their rise to prominence but also created Nicki’s Twitter.

To this day, songs he’s made featuring both musical acts dating all the way back to 2012 and found on his YouTube channel — so it doesn’t sound so farfetched for him to play a role in their superstardom.

Released His Own Gaming Console

While many rappers from the Wu-Tang Clan to 50 Cent have lent their likenesses to create their own video games, none have made their own consoles as of yet. In December 2018, he released SouljaGame– a sleek, white handheld game system that boasted over 800 built-in games and sold for $199.99.

The system never received much favorable reception compared to its contemporaries like Sony’s PSP or Nintendo’s line of products but Vince Staples was in the works to release a game that offered a free pair of sneakers to anyone who purchased it. The SouljaGame was eventually discontinued after Nintendo threatened legal action for its similarity to their devices.

Using Fruity Loops To Be A One-Man Band

Soulja, born DeAndre Way, is considered a pioneer in the hip-hop genre in many ways. Another was his complete writing, production, and composition of his work.

Long before streaming artists relied on software to promote and create their work, DeAndre was way ahead of the curve. In a 2008 vlog, he showed his creative process from music selection and beats to match it with the right words and rhymes.

Soulja Boy Made Grammy History

At just 18 years old, Soulja Boy made Grammy history. In 2008, his hit single “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” was nominated in the category for “Best Rap Song” at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, becoming one of the youngest rap artists to earn a nod from the Grammy team.

Young hip-hop veteran Soulja Boy is dropping jewels on game. The Chicago native went online to dish out some motivation about trusting the process.

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Written by: jarvis

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