The Lasting Impact Of Soulja Boy | Genius News

Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em emerged from the internet ether in the late 2000s with hugely popular viral videos like “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” Although many critics brushed him off as a gimmick, the rapper would go on to score more hits and have a surprising impact on the game. Soulja Boy is often credited with pioneering viral internet marketing for rappers, now a central part of labels’ artist promotion strategies, and his D.I.Y aesthetic inspired everyone from Metro Boomin to Nicki Minaj and Tay-K.