JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a high-energy return to Jacksonville, hip-hop icon Soulja Boy lit up the stage—and the screen—with more than just his music. Soulja Boy, best known for his viral hit ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy),’ electrified the Decca Live stage in Jacksonville with his trademark energy and flair, thrilling fans with a dynamic performance while hinting at big plans on the horizon.
In an exclusive backstage sit-down with News4JAX, the rapper opened up about his journey, his passion for innovation, and what’s next in his empire.
“It Was Lit!” – A Return to Jacksonville
Though he couldn’t quite remember his last visit to the city, Soulja Boy was fired up about the crowd’s energy.
“It was an amazing concert,” he said, smiling. “A lot of fans dressed up like me… sunglasses, big t-shirts. It was good to see the next generation turning up.”
Beyond the Music: Tech, Crypto, and a New App
Now more than ever, Soulja Boy is investing in his future beyond the mic. His newest venture? Tech.
“I just innovate,” he said. “Tech, video games, fashion, crypto—you name it.”
He’s especially proud of his new app, which is gaining major traction on the Apple and Google Play stores.
“We’re updating it every other week,” he shared. “It’s going to be one of the top social networking platforms.”
Hollywood Calling
Get ready to see him on the big screen.
“I feel like it’s time for me to do some acting,” Soulja Boy teased. As soon as his tour wraps, he’s heading to set. “Movies, television, and film—that’s the next wave.”
He even gave a sneak peek at his acting chops with an impromptu line: “Where the money at? Everybody lay down right now!”
Keeping It Real: Family and Legacy
Offstage, Soulja Boy said he’s DeAndre Way—a dedicated father.
“When I’m not working, I just like to spend time with my kids,” he said. “I’m really a family type of guy.”
On Staying Relevant: “Just Keep Dropping”
As the first rapper on YouTube, Soulja Boy knows a thing or two about staying current. His secret? Consistency.
“New music videos every week. I go live all the time—Twitch, TikTok. The fans stay tapped in.”
And yes, he’s aware of the pressure: “It is a lot. But as long as you’re dropping, your fans will find you.”
New Dances, TikTok, and Summer Vibes
He hinted at a new single—and maybe even a dance—for summer 2025.
“We might put the app in there, make it interactive,” he said. “I definitely think it’s time to come out with a new dance for TikTok.”
Advice to the Next Generation
To aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, Soulja had this message:“Chase your goals. Have tunnel vision. Don’t let anyone tell you it won’t work.”
Wrapping Up with a Duval Shoutout
Closing out the interview, Soulja Boy left viewers with a smile and a challenge to Aleesia: “We gonna work on your ‘DUUUVAL!’”
Click the play button above to watch the full interview.