U.S. rapper and music producer Soulja Boy was arrested in Los Angeles early Sunday morning on suspicion of weapons-related offenses, according to multiple U.S. media reports. The arrest adds to a history of legal troubles for the artist, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed to CBS News that Soulja Boy was taken into custody at approximately 2:35 a.m. local time in the Melrose area of Los Angeles. Police reportedly conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle in which the rapper was a passenger. During the stop, officers discovered that Way was allegedly in possession of a firearm, which led to his arrest.
The rapper, who is 35 years old, was booked on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm — a serious charge given his criminal history. As of now, it remains unclear whether he was released on bail or remains in custody. There has been no official statement from his legal team or representatives regarding the incident.
History of Legal Issues
This is not the first time Soulja Boy has faced legal complications involving firearms. In the past, he has been arrested for gun-related offenses and probation violations, contributing to a turbulent public image. In 2014, he was arrested in Los Angeles for carrying a loaded firearm, and again in 2016 for a probation violation related to weapons possession.
In 2019, he was sentenced to jail time after violating his probation — again tied to weapons charges — and failing to complete court-ordered community service. These incidents have continually put him under legal scrutiny, despite his ongoing music and business ventures.
Musical Career and Cultural Impact of Soulja Boy
Soulja Boy rose to fame in 2007 with his viral hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” a track that took the internet by storm with its accompanying dance trend. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and played a key role in shaping the early landscape of music promotion via social media and digital platforms like YouTube.
The success of “Crank That” made Soulja Boy one of the first artists to harness the internet to launch a mainstream music career. He became a symbol of how viral trends could influence the music industry, and he inspired a generation of artists who followed similar paths to stardom.
Over the years, Soulja Boy has remained a prominent figure in pop culture — not only as a musician but also as an entrepreneur. He has launched several business ventures, including gaming consoles, fashion lines, and even cryptocurrency projects. His outspoken personality and frequent appearances on social media platforms have kept him in the public eye.
At the time of writing, no official charges have been formally filed, and the investigation is ongoing. CBS News, a U.S. affiliate of the BBC, reported that they reached out to Soulja Boy’s representatives for comment but had not yet received a response.
If charged and convicted, the rapper could face serious legal consequences due to his prior convictions. Being a felon in possession of a firearm is a federal offense that may lead to significant prison time, depending on the circumstances of the case and any prior sentencing history.
Reactions to the arrest have been mixed across social media. While some fans expressed concern and support for the rapper, others criticized his recurring legal issues and questioned his decision-making, particularly given his prior history with weapons offenses.
As the story continues to develop, more details will likely emerge regarding the circumstances of the arrest and Soulja Boy’s legal strategy moving forward. For now, the rapper once again finds himself in legal trouble that could impact both his personal freedom and professional future.
