Challenges in the Life of Soulja Boy in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Soulja Boy faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

DeAndre Cortez Way, known as Soulja Boy, is an American rapper and record producer who gained fame with his 2007 hit "Crank That," which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Self-releasing the song initially, its success led to a commercial re-release and his debut album, Souljaboytellem.com. While the album received negative reviews, it achieved commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard 200, and also included the single "Yahhh!".

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1933: Reference to the Securities Act of 1933

On February 18, 2022, the day Soulja Boy was named in the SafeMoon lawsuit, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.

1996: Creation of the 'Souljah Boy' Stage Name by William Lyons

In December 2007, William Lyons sued Soulja Boy, stating that he created the stage name 'Souljah Boy' back in 1996.

December 9, 2007: Lawsuit by William Lyons (Souljah Boy of Mo Thugs Family)

On December 9, 2007, Soulja Boy was sued by William Lyons, also known as Souljah Boy of Mo Thugs Family, who claimed to have created the stage name Souljah Boy in 1996.

December 16, 2008: Release of iSouljaBoyTellem Album

On December 16, 2008, Soulja Boy released his second studio album, iSouljaBoyTellem, to negative critical reception.

December 30, 2008: Robbery and Battery in Home

On December 30, 2008, Soulja Boy was robbed and battered in his home by masked men. Initial reports indicated multiple robbers with AK-47s and pistols, but later videos surfaced claiming the crime was committed by only two masked men.

December 31, 2008: Videos Surface Claiming Responsibility for Robbery

On December 31, 2008, videos surfaced on the Internet showing two masked men claiming sole credit for the robbery and battery of Soulja Boy in his home the previous day.

October 7, 2009: Arrested for Obstruction in Atlanta

On October 7, 2009, Soulja Boy was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, and charged with one count of obstruction (a misdemeanor) after he ran from police when ordered to stop while filming a video in an abandoned house. He was later released on a $550 bond.

2009: Mention of Chris Brown's 2009 assault on Rihanna

In January 2017, during a social media feud with Chris Brown, Soulja Boy taunted Chris Brown for his 2009 assault on his then-girlfriend Rihanna.

November 30, 2010: Release of The DeAndre Way Album

On November 30, 2010, Soulja Boy released his third studio album, The DeAndre Way, which became his lowest-selling album.

2010: Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings and The DeAndre Way Album

In 2010, Soulja Boy was ranked number 18 on Forbes' Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, earning US$7 million. His third album, The DeAndre Way, was released but had poor commercial performance. This led to him leaving Interscope Records to pursue an independent career.

May 2011: Lawsuit by Pennsylvania Promoter

In May 2011, Soulja Boy and his labels were sued by a local Pennsylvania promoter for failing to make promised payments related to a rescheduled concert.

September 6, 2011: Album Ban at Military Exchanges

On September 6, 2011, TMZ reported that Soulja Boy's album would not be sold at Army and Air Force base exchanges if it included the song "Let's Be Real".

September 2011: Controversy over "Let's Be Real" Lyrics and Apology

In September 2011, Soulja Boy faced criticism for lyrics in his song "Let's Be Real" that were perceived as disrespectful to the military, leading to an apology and the song being pulled from his album.

October 18, 2011: Release of Soulja Boy: The Movie

On October 18, 2011, Soulja Boy: The Movie was released direct-to-video, coinciding with Soulja Boy's arrest on a drug charge. The film, directed by Peter Spirer, contains live performances and interviews.

April 19, 2013: Death Threats to Chief Keef and Denial of Messages

On April 19, 2013, Soulja Boy sent death threats to Chief Keef via Facebook, reportedly after Ballout stole his chain. He posted Keef's phone number and urged people to notify him, stating he was coming for him with a gun. Later that day, Way claimed his Facebook, Instagram, and email were hacked and denied writing the messages.

January 22, 2014: Arrested for Firearm Possession

On January 22, 2014, Soulja Boy was arrested after a loaded handgun was found in his vehicle when the driver ran a stop sign in the San Fernando Valley, California. Way was sentenced to two years' probation.

February 15, 2014: Announcement of Imminent Jail Time

On February 15, 2014, Soulja Boy announced on Twitter that he was going to jail in five days, but he did not specify the reason. He ultimately did not turn himself in to authorities and the details of his charges remain unknown.

October 2016: Lawsuit by Skrill Dilly and Probation Extension

In October 2016, Soulja Boy was sued by the musician Skrill Dilly for allegedly making death threats in a video filmed by the rapper. He also received additional probation time after police found weapons at his home.

January 3, 2017: Social Media Feud with Chris Brown

On January 3, 2017, a feud erupted between Soulja Boy and Chris Brown after Soulja Boy liked and commented on a post by Brown's ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran. Soulja Boy accused Brown of threatening him and attacked Brown's parenting skills and past assault on Rihanna. The feud escalated with diss tracks and a proposed boxing match.

February 21, 2017: Cancellation of Boxing Match with Chris Brown

On February 21, 2017, Chris Brown announced the cancellation of the planned boxing match with Soulja Boy, citing interference from middlemen and other parties seeking to profit from the event. Brown stated the situation had become immature.

December 30, 2018: SouljaGame Consoles Pulled from Store

As of December 30, 2018, Soulja Boy pulled the SouljaGame consoles off his store amid threats of a lawsuit from Nintendo.

February 2019: Lawsuit Filed by Kayla Myers

In February 2019, ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers filed a lawsuit alleging kidnapping and assault at Soulja Boy's Malibu home.

March 15, 2019: Arrest for Probation Violation

On March 15, 2019, Soulja Boy was arrested for violating his probation, leading to a subsequent sentencing.

2019: Lawsuit by Kayla Myers for Abuse and Kidnapping

In 2019, Soulja Boy was sued by ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers for abuse and kidnapping. She alleged he yelled profanities, kicked her, stomped on her stomach, and hit her head with a large gun.

January 21, 2021: Lawsuit by Former Personal Assistant

On January 21, 2021, Soulja Boy was sued by an unnamed former personal assistant who alleged physical, verbal abuse, and rape. His spokesperson denied the allegations.

2021: Accusation of Assault by Nia Riley

In 2021, model Nia Riley accused Soulja Boy of assault during their relationship, alleging an incident where she was kicked in the stomach while pregnant, resulting in a miscarriage.

February 18, 2022: Named as Defendant in SafeMoon Lawsuit

On February 18, 2022, Soulja Boy was named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit against the cryptocurrency company SafeMoon, accused of promoting the SafeMoon token on his social media with misleading information as part of a pump-and-dump scheme.

2023: Ordered to Pay Damages to Ex-Girlfriend Kayla Myers

In 2023, Soulja Boy was ordered to pay his ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers $471,800 in damages due to abuse and kidnapping allegations, and she was authorized to seize some of his property such as cars and jewelry.

November 2024: Plies Sues Way, Megan Thee Stallion, and Glorilla

In November 2024, Rapper Plies sued Way, Megan Thee Stallion, and Glorilla over his song "Me & My Goons" for sampling it while the track was still infringed on Way's "Pretty Boy Swag."

April 10, 2025: Found Liable in Lawsuit

On April 10, 2025, Soulja Boy was found liable in the lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant and ordered to pay a $4 million judgment to the plaintiff. However, he was cleared of false imprisonment and constructive discharge.