DeAndre Cortez Way, better known by his stage name Soulja Boy, has been arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of unlawful firearm possession, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
The 34-year-old rapper and entrepreneur was reportedly taken into custody on Thursday morning, August 1, following a routine traffic stop that escalated after officers allegedly discovered a loaded firearm in his vehicle.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to press that an adult male matching Soulja Boy’s identity was arrested on suspicion of violating California’s strict gun possession laws. He was later booked at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility and released on bail that evening.
As of publication, neither Soulja Boy nor his representatives have publicly commented on the incident.
What We Know So Far
According to a preliminary police report cited by KTLA and TMZ, the incident occurred around 10:45 AM PT in the Studio City area of Los Angeles, where Soulja Boy was allegedly pulled over for a traffic-related violation. During the stop, officers claimed to have detected the smell of marijuana and requested to search the vehicle.
While the smell alone is not grounds for probable cause under California law, officers say Soulja Boy consented to a limited vehicle search—during which they allegedly found a semi-automatic handgun in the center console.
The rapper was arrested without incident and transported for booking.
The LAPD has not stated whether the weapon was registered, nor whether Soulja Boy holds a permit. California law prohibits the concealed carry of a loaded firearm without a valid concealed carry license, and violations can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on prior offenses and circumstances.
Soulja Boy’s Legal History
This is not the first time Soulja Boy has encountered legal trouble relating to firearms.
In 2014, he was arrested on a weapons charge in Los Angeles after police reportedly found a loaded gun in his car. The charge was later reduced after a plea deal.
In 2019, he was sentenced to 240 days in jail for violating the terms of his probation—also linked to a prior weapons case. During that time, authorities had conducted a raid on his San Fernando Valley home and discovered firearms in violation of his probation terms.
His probation officially ended in late 2023, according to court records.
If this new arrest results in charges, Soulja Boy could face renewed legal challenges, including the possibility of violating post-probation conditions, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Who Is Soulja Boy?
Soulja Boy rose to fame in 2007 with his viral hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the first tracks to go viral via YouTube and Myspace. The single was certified multi-platinum and earned him a Grammy nomination.
Over the years, he has maintained a controversial but prominent presence in hip-hop and online culture—releasing music, launching digital products, and staying active on social media.
His influence in the early internet era of hip-hop is often credited with paving the way for current-generation artists who utilize platforms like TikTok and YouTube for distribution and branding.
In recent years, he has dabbled in tech ventures, launched his own gaming console, and promoted various crypto-related businesses, some of which have drawn scrutiny.
Public Reaction and Media Response
News of the arrest sparked immediate reactions online, with hashtags like #SouljaBoy and #SouljaArrested trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours. Some fans expressed concern for the rapper’s ongoing run-ins with the law, while others questioned the circumstances of the search and whether racial profiling may have played a role.
“They always watching Soulja. Stay safe king,” one user wrote.
“I hope he has good legal counsel this time,” another added.
“We can’t keep normalizing artists with unregistered weapons,” one commenter posted in a thread that drew thousands of interactions.
Some industry insiders have remained cautious in their response, noting that the facts of the case are still developing and that the full legal picture has yet to emerge.
Potential Charges and Legal Outlook
As of Friday morning, no formal charges had been filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, though that is expected to change in the coming days depending on the results of the investigation.
Possible charges could include:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle
- Possible probation violation, if conditions are still in effect
Legal experts note that California law is especially strict when it comes to firearms in vehicles—particularly when there’s no permit present and the weapon is loaded or concealed.
If convicted, Soulja Boy could face fines, community service, or even jail time, depending on the final charges and whether prior convictions are taken into account.
A Pattern of Reinvention—and Controversy
Throughout his career, Soulja Boy has walked the line between artist, internet icon, and controversial figure.
While some see him as a pioneer in the age of viral music, others have criticized his behavior both online and offline. His brash persona has led to frequent social media spats, feuds with fellow artists, and numerous brushes with legal trouble.
Yet despite all that, he has remained remarkably visible—continuing to release music, sell merchandise, and build a dedicated fanbase through platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
As of August 2025, Soulja Boy has over:
- 6.2 million followers on Instagram
- 5.1 million followers on X (Twitter)
- 3.4 million YouTube subscribers
His most recent project, Swag 4.0, was released in April 2025 and featured collaborations with younger artists across the Southern hip-hop scene.
What’s Next?
Soulja Boy’s legal team has not issued a public statement, but sources close to the rapper say he intends to fight any charges and maintain his innocence.
It remains to be seen whether the incident will affect his upcoming performance schedule, including a planned appearance at an Atlanta music festival later this month.
Meanwhile, fans, critics, and legal observers alike are watching closely—not only to see what happens in the courtroom, but also to assess whether the rapper can, once again, bounce back from controversy.
Final Thoughts
For Soulja Boy, the arrest is the latest twist in a career that has long blurred the lines between celebrity and spectacle, independence and instability.
Whether this turns out to be a legal setback or just another headline in a tumultuous timeline, it’s clear that the rapper remains a figure whose story is still unfolding—in courts, on charts, and in the public imagination.
Read also: Actress Loni Anderson Passes Away at 79: A Look Back at Her Career