Soulja Boy Reveals he started the new wave in hip-hop culture

Soulja Boy Reveals he started the new wave in hip-hop culture

As the hip-hop community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the genre this past weekend, one artist was determined to remind the world of his impact on the culture. Soulja Boy, known for his unapologetic self-confidence, took to Twitter on Sunday (Aug. 13) to assert his role as a trailblazer in shaping the modern landscape of hip-hop.

The artist behind the iconic hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” didn’t shy away from asserting his influence on the streaming era and the integration of social media in artist-fan interactions. In a tweet that captured his trademark bravado, he proclaimed,

“When I came in the game they said I killed hip hop. But really, I birthed the new wave of hip hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time. #HipHop50.”


In a subsequent tweet, Soulja Boy continued to underline his contributions, stating,

“Now everyone vlogs their career like me. Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not. #HipHop50.”

Despite his tendency to make audacious claims, Soulja Boy’s assertion has garnered attention due to some undeniable truths. The artist has indeed been at the forefront of several pivotal changes in the industry. His innovative use of the internet and social media platforms to promote his music and connect with fans was groundbreaking during his early career.

Interestingly, Soulja Boy’s influence and contributions have been recognized on more than one occasion. During the 2023 BET Awards in June, a special segment celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary focused on artists who had gone viral for their dance creations, with a spotlight on “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” This acknowledgment underscores the fact that his impact on shaping the direction of modern hip-hop cannot be dismissed.

While Soulja Boy’s bold claims might raise eyebrows, there’s a kernel of truth in his assertion. He was instrumental in setting the stage for the integration of technology and music, a trend that has since become an industry norm. As the genre evolves and adapts to new mediums, his influence on the shifting hip-hop landscape cannot be denied, even as debates about the origins of certain trends continue within the community.

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The Muse

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