Early life
Born DeAndre Ramone Way in Chicago, Illinois on July 28, 1990, Way moved from Chicago to Atlanta, Georgia at age seven, where he became interested in rap music. At age 14, he moved to Batesville, Mississippi with his father, who provided a recording studio for Way to explore his musical ambitions.
Career
In November 2005, Way posted his songs on the video-based social community YouTube. Following positive reviews on the site, Soulja Boy then established his own web pages on YouTube and MySpace. In March 2007, he recorded โCrank Thatโ and released his first independent album Unsigned and Still Major, followed by a low-budget video filmed demonstrating the โSoulja Boyโ dance. By the end of May 2007, โCrank That (Soulja Boy)โ received its first airplay and Soulja Boy met with Mr. Collipark to sign a deal with Interscope Records.
On August 12, 2007, the song appeared on the Emmy-award winning HBO series Entourage, and by September 1, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot RingMasters charts. Wayโs major label debut album Souljaboytellem.com, which was reportedly recorded using just the demo version of FL Studio, was released in the United States on October 2, peaking at #4 on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.
On December 9, 2007, Way was sued by William Lyons (aka Souljah Boy of the Mo Thugs) who claims he first created the stage name โSouljah Boyโ.
For the 50th Grammy Awards, Soulja Boy was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song with โCrank That (Soulja Boy)โ. He lost to Kanye Westโs and T-Painโs โGood Lifeโ.
The teen rapper recently inked a deal with Dallas-based company, Yums Shoes, for a line of his own sneakers called the โBlock Starโ and an apparel line. โThe Soulja boy exclusive shoe will be released in the fall along with my album,โ he said. โThe Soulja Boy cartoon will also be released in the fall, so thereโs three things to look out for.โ The line will be unveiled at the fall Magic fashion trade show in Las Vegas later this year, and the rapper will appear in both television and print ads for it.
Soulja Boy says he will not use better lyrics and get more respect from the rap game, although he could, because it will ruin his reputation and image.
Initial reception
The album Souljaboytellem.com was met with mostly negative reviews, despite a positive one from Allmusic. Several reviewers credited Soulja Boy with spearheading a new trend in hip-hop, while speculating he will likely be a one hit wonder.
Critics and hip-hop figures such as Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Jermaine Dupri cite Soulja Boy as artistically typical of contemporary rap trends such as writing for the lucrative ringtone market, and the ascendence of โSouthern hip hopโ, emphasizing catchy, mindless music that discards rapโs traditional emphasis on message. And even one article about his songs and heavily criticizing his musical style has dubbed Soulja Boy the โNickelback of hip hopโ. Soulja Boy identifies his goal as making upbeat, party-themed music that avoids the negative, violent image that he sees in most hip-hop. Despite this, his music has been banned from some school dances for sexual, pro-violence content or innuendo and, ironically, many of his recent recordings feature violent content and sexual innuendo. In the original YouTube video for โShootoutโ, Way demonstrates his dance while holding a handgun in each hand and pretending to shoot into the audience.
Feud with Ice-T
In June 2008, on DJ Ciscoโs Urban Legend mixtape, Ice-T criticized Soulja Boy for โkilling hip-hopโ and his song โCrank Thatโ for being โgarbageโ compared to the works of other hip-hop artists as Rakim, Das EFX, Big Daddy Kane and Ice Cube. Soulja Boy responded in a YouTube video by mocking Ice-Tโs age (Ice-T was born in 1958) and claiming that he needed to support his family through his brand of music. Ice-T proceeded to offer a video response to Soulja Boyโs reaction in which he neglected to offer an apology while reiterating his belief that Soula Boyโs music was โgarbageโ. Rapper Kanye West defended Soulja Boy by arguing that Soulja Boy created a new, original work for hip-hop, thus keeping the authentic meaning of the music. Soulja Boy followed suit by buying Ice-T a flaming set of gigantic popcorn machines.
References in popular culture
Soulja Boy recently became an item in the first round NBA playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards. In a bout of trash talking before the start of the series, Wizards guard Deshawn Stevenson called Cleveland superstar LeBron James โoverrated,โ prompting James to say that he wouldnโt return the insult, as that would be โalmost like Jay-Z [responding to a negative comment] made by Soulja Boy.โ Soulja Boy made an appearance at Game 3 of the series (played in Washington) in support of the Wizards; his music was played over the PA system. Despite his team losing the game by more than 30 points and LeBron posting poor numbers (compared to his exceptionally high averages), LeBron claims that the trick had no effect on him, and that his young son is a big fan of Soulja Boy.
Gucci Bandana
Soulja Boy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna
It's Soulja Boy Tellem,
I rap with Shawty Low,
I got so much snow,
Gucci head to toe,
Chain on chill (chill),
Watch on freeze,
A pound a purp got me looking like Chinese,
Gucci Shades, but they still can't hide me,
Hit the club, seventeen with no ID,
Damn! I changed up the format,
Welcome to my crib,
Leave your shoes at the doormat,
Uhh, and ain't this Beat tight,
Chains say hello,
Watch say goodnight,
And I still look right,
This is the good life,
Gucci Bandanna just to make me look tight
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna
Gucci Bandanna,
Call me Gucci Montel,
Gucci girl with me,
Gucci bag,
Gucci sandals,
She too hot to handle,
Hot sex, burning candles,
Gucci Mane a player,
Gucci shopping this extravagant,
Gucci Mane drive a drop top red phantom,
And my bed got them super size Gucci spreads,
Pull up to the hood,
Stop and let them jock Gucci,
Broads jock Gucci, cause Gucci, just Gucci,
Yeah my boxer briefs,
Equipped with double G's,
Gucci key chain,
Holding on my Gucci keys,
Gucci down all the time in the summer time,
I'm Gucci Mane,
You would think that was my clothing line,
GUCCI
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna
Shawty Lo,
I really want a Lanna,
Scarf on my neck,
Gucci Bandanna,
Niggas talking slick,
They filled with anmnem,
But I don't care,
So Got damn ya,
This biggest watch,
Costs more than yours,
I built a house,
You can't afford,
It's Stupid Big,
It got an ocean view, it's way up there,
I look down on you,
We flexed down here,
That's what we do,
Get in our way,
I flex on you,
You acting monkey,
We keep bananas,
Dem goons with me,
Rocking bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna
In the song "Gucci Bandana" by Soulja Boy Tellem, Gucci Bandanna refers to a headband made by the designer brand, Gucci. Throughout the song, the artists use Gucci products as symbols of wealth and success. Soulja Boy Tellem raps about his Gucci outfit from head to toe, his expensive watch, and his good life. Gucci Mane also boasts about his wealth, including his Gucci bag, Gucci sandals, and Double G underwear. Shawty Lo flexes his wealth too, showing off his ocean-view house and expensive watch. The repeated chorus, "Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna," further reinforces the theme of materialism and success.
The song was released in 2008 as a part of Soulja Boy Tellem's album "iSouljaBoyTellEm." It features Gucci Mane and Shawty Lo. The song became popular on social media platform TikTok in 2020-2021.
Line by Line Meaning
Ey, Gucci Bandanna, Gucci, Gucci Bandanna,
Repetitive and catchy phrase that describes the Gucci Bandanna, a fashion item and status symbol associated with the Gucci brand.
It's Soulja Boy Tellem,
The introduction of the rapper Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, who is collaborating with Shawty Lo and Gucci Mane on this song.
I rap with Shawty Low,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em collaborates with the Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo on this song, sharing verses and a love for Gucci products.
I got so much snow,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em claims to have a lot of money and wealth, using the slang term 'snow' to refer to cocaine and also implying a connection to the street and drug trade.
Gucci head to toe,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em claims to be wearing Gucci clothing and accessories from head to toe, emphasizing the brand's popularity and value among the hip-hop community.
Chain on chill (chill),
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em's gold chain necklace is adorned with diamonds and other precious stones, which he keeps icy and cool.
Watch on freeze,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em's watch is also highly valuable and luxurious, featuring diamonds and other decorations that make it glitter and shine like ice.
A pound a purp got me looking like Chinese,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em boasts about smoking a lot of purple marijuana, which turns his eyes red and makes him resemble a stereotypical Chinese person with narrow eyes.
Gucci Shades, but they still can't hide me,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em wears sunglasses made by Gucci, but even these expensive and stylish shades cannot obscure his fame and notoriety as a rapper and celebrity.
Hit the club, seventeen with no ID,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em recalls going to nightclubs when he was only seventeen years old, even though he was not legally allowed to enter or drink alcohol without proper identification.
Damn! I changed up the format,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em has altered his style or approach to making music on this song or in general, possibly by collaborating with different artists or incorporating new sounds and themes.
Welcome to my crib,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em invites listeners or fans to visit his home or residence, where he likely has many Gucci products and other luxurious items.
Leave your shoes at the doormat,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em asks people entering his house to remove their shoes and leave them by the entrance, a common practice in some cultures or households that emphasizes cleanliness.
Uhh, and ain't this Beat tight,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em compliments the instrumental or beat of the song, expressing satisfaction with its quality or how it sounds when played.
Chains say hello,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em's chains or necklaces have a lot of bling and sparkle, which he likens to them making greetings or introductions to others.
Watch say goodnight,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em's watch is so flashy and impressive that it can no longer compete with the chains, almost as if it is saying farewell or goodbye to the spotlight.
And I still look right,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em maintains his appearance and style, which he feels is attractive and fashionable, despite the loss of attention from his watch.
This is the good life,
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em reflects on his success and wealth, acknowledging that he is living a comfortable and enviable lifestyle that many people aspire to.
Gucci Bandanna just to make me look tight
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em emphasizes the importance of the Gucci Bandanna in boosting his image or swagger, asserting that it enhances his appearance and appeal to others.
Call me Gucci Montel,
Gucci Mane introduces himself with a new moniker or nickname, combining his name with that of Montel Williams, a television personality and motivational speaker.
Gucci girl with me,
Gucci Mane is accompanied by a woman who represents the Gucci brand as well, implying that he's living the high life with a beautiful and stylish companion.
Gucci bag,
Gucci Mane carries a bag made by the fashion company Gucci, which is likely filled with money, drugs, or other valuable items.
Gucci sandals,
Gucci Mane wears sandals made by Gucci, perhaps indicating that he is in a warm climate or just wants to flaunt his fashion choices.
She too hot to handle,
Gucci Mane's female companion is very attractive and desirable, but also may be difficult to control or manage due to her high status or personality.
Hot sex, burning candles,
Gucci Mane boasts about his sexual prowess and experiences with women, painting a picture of a romantic or intimate encounter with the aid of candles.
Gucci Mane a player,
Gucci Mane identifies himself as someone who is highly skilled and successful with women, using the slang term 'player' to describe himself as someone who is confident and charming.
Gucci shopping this extravagant,
Gucci Mane spends a lot of money on shopping and buying items made by the Gucci company, indicating that he has a lot of wealth and disposable income.
Gucci Mane drive a drop top red phantom,
Gucci Mane owns or drives an expensive and rare car called a Phantom, which is colored red and has a convertible roof, further highlighting his wealth and extravagance.
And my bed got them super size Gucci spreads,
Gucci Mane has luxurious and oversized sheets or blankets made by Gucci on his bed, indicating that he values luxury and comfort in his sleeping arrangements.
Pull up to the hood,
Gucci Mane goes to a low-income and predominantly black neighborhood or community, implying that he has respect and roots in this area despite his wealth and fame.
Stop and let them jock Gucci,
Gucci Mane attracts attention and admiration from other people in the neighborhood or community, who are impressed by his style and success with the Gucci brand.
Broads jock Gucci, cause Gucci, just Gucci,
Women are drawn to and attracted by the Gucci brand and its association with wealth, style, and fame, which Gucci Mane believes is irresistible and attractive to them.
Yeah my boxer briefs,
Gucci Mane wears underwear that is made by Gucci, further emphasizing his loyalty and dedication to the fashion brand.
Equipped with double G's,
The Gucci brand is represented by a double G logo, which appears on Gucci Mane's boxer briefs and is a recognizable symbol for the company.
Gucci key chain,
Gucci Mane carries a key chain made by Gucci, which could hold keys to his car, house, or other valuable items or symbolize his connection to the brand.
Holding on my Gucci keys,
Gucci Mane emphasizes his possession and control of the Gucci key chain, which he keeps close and secures as a valuable item that represents his status and image.
Gucci down all the time in the summer time,
Gucci Mane wears or uses products made by Gucci year-round, including during the summer when the weather is hot and humid.
I'm Gucci Mane,
Gucci Mane identifies himself by his stage name or alter ego, which is inspired by the fashion brand and his own lifestyle.
You would think that was my clothing line,
Gucci Mane jokes that people may assume he owns or operates a clothing line under the name of Gucci Mane, due to his association with the brand and his love for its products.
GUCCI
The repeated use of the word 'Gucci' throughout the song serves as a way to express and assert the hip-hop community's fascination and obsession with the fashion brand and its dominance in culture and fashion.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RADRIC DELANTIC DAVIS, QUANDARIOUS JORDAN, QUANDARIUS JORDAN, WRITERS UNKNOWN, DEANDRE WAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SouljaBoy
damn I killed this beat shit hard having Gucci rapping over a beat I made. RIP SHAWTY LO MISS YOU MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Prexi
The good ol' days
@DuckDOGGERS92
facts
@jessetafeltennis
Yo hol' up this is the real Soulja boy...
@crystalsofine2924
fake ass account tryna get likes
@ideally6159
naw thats real u can check the subs and search him in the search bar
@xlilpimpx249
This song is ahead of its time. It definitely would blow up in this era of music. No Cap Soulja Boy paved the way for these artists.
@krisraps
I Hope You Are Joking !!!
@denilsonvarela2054
Sasha Buwu Soulja ๐
@youngmarlomarlo8656
Facts bro you definitely Right