Rapper Soulja Boy, known for his 2007 hit “Crank That,” was arrested in Los Angeles early Sunday morning, just hours after celebrating his 35th birthday at a local nightclub.
The artist, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was taken into custody by LAPD officers around 2:50 a.m. on August 3, following a traffic stop in the Melrose and Genesee area.
According to reports from TMZ, NBC Los Angeles, and Variety, police discovered a firearm in the vehicle. Soulja Boy was a passenger in the car, and not the driver.
Charged With Felony Firearm Possession
He was booked on felony charges around 6:18 a.m. for allegedly being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the time of reporting, authorities had not revealed the exact reason for the traffic stop or if anyone else in the car was arrested.
The LAPD and Soulja Boy’s legal team have not issued any official statements yet.
Birthday Party Hours Before Arrest
Before the arrest, Soulja Boy had shared videos on his Instagram Stories, showing himself celebrating his birthday in a packed Los Angeles nightclub. He was seen enjoying with friends and fans. Earlier that day, he also went live on Twitch, where he previewed new music from his upcoming projects.
The rapper’s most recent album, The Influence, was released in February 2025, and he’s been actively promoting it online.
Ongoing Legal Issues
This arrest comes just four months after a California jury ordered Soulja Boy to pay $4 million to a former assistant who accused him of sexual assault and false imprisonment. The assistant, referred to as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit in 2021, claiming the rapper had attacked and held her against her will.
While the jury found him liable and awarded her compensatory damages, Soulja Boy denied all allegations. In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, he said:
“I’ve never done any of the things they’re accusing me of.”
His legal team added that the verdict was influenced by “misunderstandings about culture”, and they planned to challenge the outcome in court.
Meanwhile, the accuser’s lawyer, Ron Zambrano, said the verdict brought vindication and that they were preparing for the punitive damages phase of the trial, which could bring even higher financial penalties.
Soulja Boy’s recent arrest adds to a growing list of legal troubles for the rapper in recent years. While he continues to release music and stay active on social media, the latest gun charge could further complicate his public image and future plans.
As the investigation continues and the courts prepare for the next stage in his civil lawsuit, Soulja Boy’s legal battles seem far from over. Fans and followers now wait to see how things unfold for the rapper in the coming weeks.
