Rhap Session: Soulja Boy Tell'em

By Toshitaka Kondo

Soulja Boy isn’t particularly offended by being called a “ringtone rapper,” the nouveau digital-era term for artists who deliver big singles, but lackluster album sales. Yet, such a description doesn't exactly do him or the impact he's had on pop culture any justice. The 17-year-old Atlanta native’s number one single, “Crank Dat (Soulja Boy),” recently became the first-ever song to surpass three million digital downloads, and has had everyone from Ellen DeGeneres to Natalie Portman doing the accompanying dance. Unlike other artists like the Shop Boyz or Hurricane Chris who've also been dubbed ringtone rappers, Soulja’s album actually Soundscan’d nearly 700,000 units (by mid-January '08). But maybe most importantly, the rapper born DeAndre Way has captured the generational zeitgeist of hip-hop babies, while older rappers vilify what he symbolizes. “Little kids think I’m the best ever and grown-ups are like, ‘Man, kill Soulja Boy,’” he admits.  Rhapsody had a chance to talk to him while he was in New York promoting the video for his third single, “Yahhh!”

On being a ringtone rapper
I set the record for [selling ringtones]. I ain’t scared of ringtone money. I came back with my second single, ["Soulja Girl"] and my third single ["Yahhh!"]. And the album didn’t flop. It did 117,000 copies out the gate. I had “Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)” out for like six months before I got signed. Everybody already had the song and seen us do the dance on YouTube. So to set that [digital downloads] record coming out the gate, that’s real big. Before I got signed, I never bought an album. If I really wanted a song, I’d type it [into the computer] and get it for the free. When I got signed, we cleaned it up. The old version [of “Crank Dat”] was me in my house on the computer. I just recorded it on a mic and uploaded it. The next version, I went in Collipark’s studio, got it mixed and mastered, and put it back out. For [fans] to pay for it -- that ain’t nothing but love. They downloaded it and still bought it.

On the "Up Close & Personal" tour with Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Lil Mama and the Shop Boyz
Every single one of my shows be jam-packed. When I hit that stage, my shows are crunk. I bring all that everyone else has in one package. Chris Brown dances and makes the girls scream -- I do that. Bow Wow comes out and he’s a hardcore rapper -- I do that. Lil Mama and Shop Boyz do the same thing. I rap, dance, make the girls scream, take my shirt off, and all that in one show. Even though I’m not headlining, I do everything they do in one set.

On staging a rap duel between him and Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA/Genius, who dissed Soulja Boy on a YouTube video
I wouldn’t even rap against the Genius. I’d put up someone who was born in ’66 to go against the Genius so it can be a tie. He’s got like 50 years on me. I wouldn’t even associate with the Genius. [In the video] he was looking like I stole his money or something. He’s in Alaska. He’s cold. I just heard 50 Cent talking about the Genius saying he had an Impala his age. Well, that’s the Genius for you. [Laughs.] He has no choice. He got famous for five little minutes, but he had to sacrifice a relationship with Soulja Boy. Now it’s gone. I ain’t gonna be like “F the GZA” ‘cause I ain’t never met that dude. But he says, “F Soulja Boy” ‘cause he needed a buzz. Now he’s back in Alaska.

On groups making post-“Crank Dat” songs, such as Pop It Off Boyz’ “Crank Dat Batman”
I know POB. They cool. They getting their money. It’s all a movement. What I started, people want to continue. They can do that. I stopped cranking it in ’07.[In] ’08, we getting the brand new money. It’s no animosity. The Batmans, Spidermans and the Fantastic Four are cool. Maybe the GZA need to make “Crank Dat GZA.” [Laughs.]

On his production background
I did everything on my first album, and all the methods I’m using are still the same. Nothing changed, except I’m recording on Pro Tools. I took some music classes [in school], piano and keyboards. I was in the choir. I never took it to no serious level, or went to high school with it. I listened to a lot of down South music like Mannie Fresh. I like Dr. Dre, too. When it comes to sampling, I can do that. But you gotta clear it with the artist, so I just never did it. Basically when it comes to chopping, I sample my own voice ‘cause I gotta get 100 percent of that money. I [chopped samples] on the "Bathing Apes” and “Pass the Arab.”

On finding a “Soulja girl”
The chicks are everywhere. I got the fans on [MySpace], but I can’t get down like that. I really just keep it to myself and the girls I knew before the [record] deal. After the deal, you don’t know who to trust. You’re really never gonna know the truth ‘cause girls can play you all day. It’s a cruel world. You end up with a girl in the hotel room, and the next morning you get robbed. If they try and get at me, I’ll write their number down or something like that and keep it ‘hood with them. But most of the time, the girls will hit you with the, “Man, you too young Soulja Boy. You 17. I can’t do that. I’ll go to jail.” And I’ll be like, “Well, I’m good anyways.” The older girls, they be trippin’ man. They don’t wanna get down with a rap star. [Laughs.] But Laura London’s on my radar. Laura London, just know that I’m trying to holla at you.

On mixtapes
I ain’t did mixtapes with DJs because I ain’t need it. I got the Internet in the palm of my hand. DJ Scream hit me up, and I was like, “Yeah, that’s a bet,” ‘cause I mess with DJ Scream. I only did one mixtape with DJ Scream. That was the Superman and I’m doing the Superman Part 2 with him. Other than that, I don’t need no mixtapes.

Comments

[BGDB - Soulja Boy says GZA needs to make a "Crank Dat GZA"]

[...]I had a good laugh at this kid's comments concerning the GZA.[...]

[small eyez]

in Alaska?

Crank Dat GZA?

U Offically Won dude.

[Zeck Wreck]

You are a true sucker Soulja Boy. How dare you even mention GZA in a bad way. GZA has three classic albums (first 2 Wu albums, and liquid swords)under his belt and a worldwide loyal fanbase for the past 15 years. If you had one ounce of his talent, maybe you would have a little more credit. Don't worry, you will be forgotten entirely in one year.

RZA, please run over this talentless marketing tool with the Wu-mobile.

P.S. The Ellen show doesn't make you a tough guy neither. Don't put down legends, it won't help your career.

[danny]

this lil' punk has got hella audacity to say anything back about GZA, he should just be quiet and give respect where it's due. I.E. he should put up the mic or pick up a pencil and start writing. Cuz honestly I could write more thought provoking lyrics than Soulja Boy, hot gahbage!

[benjamin]

Zeck Wreck, don't get mad you big baby...
If anyone comes off looking bad in this situation it's the GZA. Trust me, I am a huge Wu fan. And I think Soulja Boy sucks. But, why did GZA go at him in the first place. Soulja Boy is just a kid having fun. He really shouldn't dis the Genius, but he is right to feel disrespected by his remarks.

[Mr. Papagiorgio]

Whoever said The GZA had 3 great albums is a damn fool. First off, you can't put any of them Wu-Tang albums under his belt b/c that was the group, not just him. And second, Liquid Swords was a quality album, FAR from classic. When you hear classics, names like "Reasonable Doubt", "Illmatic", "Ready To Die". You NEVER hear "Liquid Swords" in that max. Don't be dumb.

And GZA set himself up by coming at Soulja Boy. Ain't nobody checkin for GZA! They put out that wack *ss "8 Diagrams", and since they ain't tourin to promote it, he in cold *ss Alaska tryna go toe to toe w/ a KID! GZA makin himself look dumb. . . . my, how the mighty have fallen. . . .

thesoulsample.blogspot.com

[Marsten]

I love the GZA but soulja boy kind of got with him on this interview. GZA should know better anyway. I mean he got his own opinion but at least that dude is being positive and making the type of music the 17 year olds want to listen to. And he making dance music. It might be silly, but if my granny want to do it i see it as a way that me my son and my grand ma can all relate to a movement in hiphop and there is nothing wrong with that. So to the GZA keep putting that dope music out, and to Souljaboy do your thing and keep making ringtone money. But hopefully you will give a positive message to the children if you can also to. But you alright with me. Yaahhh trick yaaaahhh lol.

[80's baby]

GZA, outclassed by Soulja Boy...awww man...I'd never thought I'd say that!

[vigilante]

on the real liquid swords can be a good argument for best wu solo album.that album is classic period.its easily between rae,ghost,gza,then come meth,ol dirty's was crazy as well.gza was wrong for going after the young bull but now the young bull is smelling himself to much.he will never be considered a classic period.

[Des]

I am soooo putting this on my site!! LoL Soulja Boy - 1 GZA - 0...

[The Truth...]

Someone tell this kid that about 2million artists have had hot songs out....no one remembers them, but everybody knows and respects The GZA. Have fun, make a hit record, etc...but don't be talkin sideways...

[salah banga]

F*CK SOULJA BOY.....CRANK MY NUTS

[Marylandkev]

GZA and everyone in this country including Soulja Boy is entiltled to their own opinion. Me personaly I cant f*ck with soulja boy, he's not an artists that I would listen too.

I remember back in the day though when artist were around Soulja Boys age comng out like A+, Ali Vegas, The Youngsters and even Shyheim they were much more talented and made you want to listen to what they were saying. Lets remember NAS was 19 when he did Illmatic only 2 years older then soulja boy.

So if he is the next generation of hiphop then I we have to look into keeping our kids in school and making sure they stay educated because that Soulja Boy from the interviews I see and read is lacking something in the mental department.

[Slav Kandyba]

Lauren London.

Get it right or go home lol.

[ron art]

"Old head" here, and Wu-Tang fan since the indie 12 inch Promo Vinyl for "Protect Ya Neck" dropped in 1993.

I despise Soulja Boy, and his cocky attitude. I don't think he will last past mid-2009, BUT he got GZA on this one.

GZA need to take that L and keep movin.

This reminds me of when KRS-One came at Nelly back in the day. It was a whole new era, and KRS wound up looking like a old bitter washed up MC.

Let them young boys do they thing, but IF they get out of pocket with you, THEN you "Tell'em".

[thegod123]

2 different genras of music. Soldier boy is pop. Gza is hip hop. Basically, true skill behind the mic will never get sales like Soldier Boy, and thats why artists like Gza are upset a little.

[Brandon]

i am laughing about how SB just said the gza had his five minutes of fame. the phrase is fifteen, and SB is joke.

[Zeck Wreck]

Benjamin,

If you don't know about Wu-Tang, don't waste your time talking about it. "Liquid Swords" is a classic just like "Only Built for Cuban Links" is. Comparing it to "Illmatic" or "Ready to Die" would be unfair because those are arguably the greatest hip-hop album ever made. Anyone I know that knows about Wu-Tang wouldn't disagree with my statement. Also, if you ask any Wu member, GZA is the brains behind the whole operation. Ghostface said something about if they formed like Voltron, GZA would be the head.

8 Diagrams may not have been that good, but I guarantee it's better than the Soulja Boy album.

Also, don't go on here acting like a tough guy calling people dumb. You don't know me and you sound like an idiot dissing people over blogs. Same goes for you Danny.

[benjamin]

ZW,

First off, I wasn't dissing you(actually maybe I did a little bit, calling you a big baby and all, but I was just playing. I'm sorry if you felt disrespected) I was dissing GZA for going at a little kid who is just having fun.

And second off, I do know you. You don't remember me? We collaborated on the hot-*ss track "Ed's Gon Give it to You"...

And for the record I never said:

"If you don't know about Wu-Tang, don't waste your time talking about it. "Liquid Swords" is a classic just like "Only Built for Cuban Links" is. Comparing it to "Illmatic" or "Ready to Die" would be unfair because those are arguably the greatest hip-hop album ever made"

In fact I think Liquid Swords is a)absolutely classic, b) on par with OB4CL and Illmatic and c) better than Ready to Die

I miss you...

[joe blocks]

doesn't weezy go wtih laura london? damn listen closely to weezy's next album cuz he'l probably smash dude. just for fun

[PoniBoi]

I'm tired of listening to this punk *ss kid thinkin' he's da sh*t. He's not, he's a 17 year old wannabe RINGTONE rapper. He needs ta quit actin' like he's hard. Ellen doin' the Soula F*ck Dance? Didn't she cry on national tv about a puppy gettin taken back to the pound? What the hell. Such a tough guy he is! Skinny little twit. We'll see you in a couple years on VH1's where are they now. (is that still on?)

anyway check my song knockin' his *ss, and the other ringtone rappers.

http://www.ponixproductions.com/poniboi.html

[THINk about it]

liquid swords is classic and every gza album is way better than SB's (matter of fact GZA's verse on supreme clientelle is better than SB's entire album). my 9 year old bro is a big fan of SB, i found it cute when he told me about him and showed me da video on youtube(seriously). so what about da dance bein popular? da macarena dance was even more popular and look at it now! SB do your thing i ain't mad at you. i'm just mad your album outsold, not 1, but both Lupe Fiasco albums put together!!!!! what a sad world. Moral of the story: don't hate the player, hate the game. I guess in that sense GZA was a lil too personal

[crakasmaka]

i'm tired of hearing about how he's only 17 blah blah, remember kriss kross when they was like 12 they was more fly than these wack young boys today. nas was a teenager when he dropped illmatic for god's sake.

[J]

All these idiots on here got this sh*t all f*ck*d up because GZA didnt even diss this lil homo with no talent, somebody in the crowd said something about SOULJA BOY and how he sucks and then GZA SAID YEAH.. BECAUSE HE MISE WELL EXPLOIT THE FAKE *SS RAPPERS! GZA IS THE GENIUS AND WU TANG CLAN AINT NOTHING TO F*CK WITH!!! REAL HIP HOP LIVES AND CLOWNES KNOWN AS RINGTONE RAPPERS DIE!!! 1

[mike]

the gza vs soulja boy isnt even a battle
WU TanG! hahaha Rock the bells baby