Soulja Boy Arrested Again — Is the 'Crank That' Star's Net Worth Built on a Lie?

Rapper and entrepreneur Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested in the early hours of 3 August 2025 in Los Angeles. The 35-year-old was taken into custody after police discovered a firearm in a vehicle during a routine traffic stop at the intersection of Melrose and Genesee Avenues in the Fairfax District.

The incident occurred around 2:50am, shortly after the artist had celebrated his birthday at a nearby nightclub. He was formally booked at approximately 6:18am at the LAPD's Wilshire Division jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Repeat Offender: Details Behind the Latest Arrest

According to law enforcement officials, Soulja Boy was a passenger in the vehicle when officers conducted the stop. A firearm was found during a subsequent search, leading to his arrest on felony weapons charges. The reason for the stop has not been disclosed, and his legal team or representatives have issued no statement. This marks another addition to the artist's history of legal troubles involving weapons and assault charges.

Legal Troubles Over the Years: A Timeline

This arrest comes on the heels of a significant civil court ruling earlier this year. In April 2025, a California jury found Soulja Boy likely liable for sexual assault and battery against a former assistant, awarding nearly $4 million (£3 million) in damages. A separate phase of the trial for punitive damages is reportedly still pending.

In addition to civil litigation, the rapper has faced a string of controversies. In 2022, he was named in a class-action lawsuit for promoting the SafeMoon cryptocurrency, which plaintiffs claim was part of a pump-and-dump scheme. In February 2025, he came under fire for posting transphobic comments online, sparking backlash from both fans and advocacy groups.

From 'Crank That' to Criminal Charges

Soulja Boy rose to fame in 2007 with the viral success of 'Crank That (Soulja Boy)', a song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the first major hits driven by internet marketing and social media. At the time, his innovation in using platforms like YouTube and MySpace earned him credit as a digital music pioneer.

Despite this early acclaim, the rapper has struggled to maintain consistent mainstream success. In recent years, he has released independent projects, including the 2024 albums Swag 6 and Swag Season. Just hours before his arrest, he was seen celebrating at Hollywood club Poppy and promoting new music via Twitch livestreams.

Is Soulja Boy's Net Worth as Stable as It Seems?

Soulja Boy's financial standing has come under renewed scrutiny. While some online estimates previously placed his net worth between $10 million (£7.5 million) and $30 million (£22.5 million), Celebrity Net Worth currently lists his net worth at just $2 million (£1.5 million) as of June 2025. The site attributes his early wealth to the massive success of 'Crank That (Soulja Boy)' in 2007 and subsequent ventures in music, fashion, and tech.

However, several of his business efforts, including gaming consoles, NFTs, and cryptocurrency endorsements, have drawn criticism. Some products were labelled as knock-offs or quickly discontinued, raising questions about the sustainability of his income streams. His involvement in the 2022 SafeMoon lawsuit and recent multi-million-dollar civil judgment have further cast doubt on the stability of his financial portfolio.

Industry and Fan Reactions Remain Mixed

As of writing, there has been no public statement from Soulja Boy's legal team. Social media has been divided, with some fans showing support while others criticise the pattern of behaviour. Within the music industry, his credibility continues to polarise, with his influence acknowledged but his decisions often called into question.

The rapper remains in custody while formal charges are pending. Further updates are expected as the case develops.