Soulja Boy

Haters can get off my d**k!

With his debut single being such a massive phenomenon, it would be easy to write Soulja Boy off as a one-hit-wonder, who simply struck it lucky with one smash hit. But following the movement that was Crank That – which had many stars emulating the song’s accompanying dance, and spawned countless comical spin-offs – Soulja Boy is back to prove that there’s more to him than crazy dance moves.

The 19-year-old Atlanta native is already enjoying success with his new single, Kiss Me Thru The Phone, which topped the Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 Radio chart and displays a more grown-up side to Soulja Boy – who was deemed by many as just a ‘ringtone rapper’.
The young star, born DeAndre Ramone Way tells us that he keeps his mind on his business and pays no mind to the haters.

How do you describe Kiss Me Thru The Phone?
It’s for anybody who’s ever been in love. You know, when you can’t see the person you love, you kiss ‘em through the phone. Anybody can relate to that.

Do you think people might not like it because they expected you to always make novelty tunes like Crank That?
Nah, I think people will like it. People wanna see versatility in any artist and this is what this single shows.

Do you feel like you’ve done a lot of growing up since being in the music industry? I’ve been in the entertainment industry professionally for two years now. I’ve seen a lot of things and met a lot of people, so I’ve done a lot of growing up physically, mentally and business wise. Getting into the business at such an early age almost forces you to grow up, coz this is a grown man’s business.

Was it hard having to grow up and learn to be business-minded so quickly?
Nah, coz I’ve been about my money ever since I was 12! So when I got into the business, developing my business mind came naturally.

What inspires your drive and ambition?
Just watching different hip-hop moguls was a real inspiration. 50 Cent was a real inspiration for my career. Not so much on the music side, but definitely on the business side. He really paved the way and set the example for what I could do with my talent.

But you’re not a fan of his music?
Yeah, I’m a fan of his music, but our styles are very different. We don’t share any similarities on the music side, but when it comes to business, I think we’re alike.

Why do you think so many people wrote you off as a one hit wonder?
Coz people hate on what they don’t understand and what they’re not a part of. The Soulja Boy movement was so big and so successful. You couldn’t escape Soula Boy. But to all the haters, I’d say, ‘get off my d*ck’.

You have had a couple of beefs. You and Bow Wow took a couple of swipes at each other, and Ice-T said your music was “garbage”. Your thoughts on those two now?
I don’t really like to speak on artists like that. Ice T, Bow Wow – we cool. I’m not about negativity.

And I guess you rubbish those who think you can’t be taken seriously as an artist?
Number one singles, first album went platinum, 5 million digital downloads... what’s not to be taken seriously about that? Most of the hate comes from broke rappers, so I don’t pay them no mind!

Kiss Me Thru The Phone is available to download now via mobile phone and will be released physically on June 16 through Collipark Music/Interscope Records