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 βCrank Thatβ and released his first independent album Unsigned and Still Major, followed by a low-budget video filmed demonstrating the βSoulja Boyβ dance. By the end of May 2007, βCrank That (Soulja Boy)β 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. Wayβs 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 βSouljah Boyβ.
For the 50th Grammy Awards, Soulja Boy was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song with βCrank That (Soulja Boy)β. He lost to Kanye Westβs and T-Painβs βGood Lifeβ.
The teen rapper recently inked a deal with Dallas-based company, Yums Shoes, for a line of his own sneakers called the βBlock Starβ and an apparel line. βThe Soulja boy exclusive shoe will be released in the fall along with my album,β he said. βThe Soulja Boy cartoon will also be released in the fall, so thereβs three things to look out for.β 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 βSouthern hip hopβ, emphasizing catchy, mindless music that discards rapβs traditional emphasis on message. And even one article about his songs and heavily criticizing his musical style has dubbed Soulja Boy the βNickelback of hip hopβ. 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 βShootoutβ, 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 Ciscoβs Urban Legend mixtape, Ice-T criticized Soulja Boy for βkilling hip-hopβ and his song βCrank Thatβ for being βgarbageβ 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-Tβs 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 Boyβs reaction in which he neglected to offer an apology while reiterating his belief that Soula Boyβs music was βgarbageβ. 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 βoverrated,β prompting James to say that he wouldnβt return the insult, as that would be βalmost like Jay-Z [responding to a negative comment] made by Soulja Boy.β 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 Bandanna
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
Soulja Boy bandanna
It's Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, I rap with Shawty Lo
I got so much snow, Gucci head to toe
Chain on chill (chilly), watch on freeze
So much ice I got you lookin' like Chinese
Gucci shades, but they still can't hide me
I hit the club, eighteen with no ID
Uh, I changed up the format
Welcome to my crib, leave your shoes at the doormat
Uh, and ain't this beat tight?
My chains say hello, my watch say goodbye
And I still look right, this is the good life
This Gucci bandanna it 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, Gucci, Gucci, Gucci, Gucci)
Gucci bandanna (it's Gucci), call me Gucci Montana (Gucci)
Gucci girl with me, Gucci bag, Gucci sandals (Gucci)
She too hot to handle, hot sex, burning candles
Gucci Mane LaFlare, Gucci shopping Phipps Plaza (it's Gucci)
Gucci Mane drive a drop top red Phantom (it's Gucci, haan)
And my bed got them super size Gucci spreads
Pull up to the hood, stop and let 'em jock Gucci
Broads jock Gucci, 'cause Gucci just Gucci
Yeah, my boxer briefs, equipped with double G's
Gucci key chain, holding down 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 (yeah)
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna (Soulja Boy what's happenin'? I see you homie)
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna (ATL)
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna (Bankhead, ayy)
Shawty Lo, I really run Atlanta
Scarf 'round on my neck, Gucci bandanna
Haters talking slick (what?), They filled with anger (hate)
But I don't care (nah), so goddamn 'em
This big ol' watch costs more than yours (yeah)
I built a house (what?), You can't afford (nah)
It's stupid big (what?), Got an ocean view (ayy)
It's way up there, I look down on you
We flexed down here (ayy), that's what we do (yeah)
Get in my way, I'll flex on you (yeah)
Acting monkey, we keep bananas
Keep them goons with me, Gucci bandanna
Scarf 'round my neck, Gucci bandanna
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna
(Ey)But I don't care so goddamn 'em
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna
(Ey) I built a house you can't afford
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna
It's way up there, I look down on you
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna
The lyrics of Soulja Boy's song "Gucci Bandanna" exude a sense of indulgence and opulence. The song is a braggadocios declaration of wealth, luxury and all things Gucci. The title itself speaks to the central theme of the song, and its repetition in the chorus emphasises the importance and value of the Gucci bandana to the persona. The first verse sets the tone for the song, declaring that Soulja Boy's clothes and accessories are all Gucci, from his head to his toes. He is followed by Shawty Lo, who reinforces the braggadocious themes by saying that he lives a good life, filled with Gucci products.
The second verse features Gucci Mane, who adds to the theme of luxury and excess with his verse about his expensive possessions, bedroom accessories, and cars. He, too, emphasises the importance of the Gucci brand, with his boxer briefs and keychain both of the famous Italian brand. The chorus repeats several times, adding to the overall message that the Gucci bandanna is a significant symbol of opulence and luxury, and its repetition adds there importance to fashion and style.
The song is a significant part of Soulja Boy's Discography, with over 18 million streams on Spotify alone. It rose to popularity in 2010 when it was first released, and it quickly became a popular song in nightclubs and parties across the country.
Line by Line Meaning
(Ey) Gucci bandanna, Gucci, Gucci bandanna
The Gucci bandanna is a symbol of wealth and status that Soulja Boy and those around him associate with
It's Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, I roll with Shawty Lo
Soulja Boy is introducing himself and letting the listener know that he is associated with Shawty Lo
I got so much snow, Gucci head to toe
Soulja Boy has a lot of cocaine and is dressed in all Gucci clothing
Chain on chill, (chilli) watch on freeze
Soulja Boy's jewelry is so cold that it's set to chill and freeze, respectively
So much ice I got lookin' like Chinese
Soulja Boy has so much jewelry that it's comparable to the amount that Chinese people wear
Gucci shades, but they still can't hide me
Even though Soulja Boy is wearing Gucci sunglasses, he is still too famous to go unnoticed
I hit the club eighteen with no ID
Soulja Boy was able to enter a club without an ID even though he is not yet 21 years old
I changed up the format, welcome to my crib
Soulja Boy has updated the style and layout of his house and is inviting the listener to come see it
Leave your shoes at the doormat
Soulja Boy wants guests to take off their shoes before entering his house
My chains say hello, my watch say goodbye
The amount of jewelry that Soulja Boy is wearing is so excessive that his chains represent a greeting and his watch represents a farewell
This Gucci bandanna it just to make me look tight
Soulja Boy is wearing the Gucci bandanna just for the sake of looking fashionable
Gucci bandanna, call me Gucci Montel
Soulja Boy is associating himself with the fashion brand Gucci and changing his name to Gucci Montel
Gucci girl with me, Gucci bag, Gucci sandles
Soulja Boy is with a woman who is also wearing Gucci clothing and accessories
She too hot to handle, hot sex, burning candles
Soulja Boy is in a sexual relationship with the woman and it's so intense that it involves burning candles
Gucci Mane, a player, Gucci shopping this extravagant
Gucci Mane is a prominent figure who enjoys fancy shopping sprees
Gucci Mane drive a drop top red Phantom
Gucci Mane owns a red Phantom convertible
And my bed got them super size Gucci spreads
Gucci Mane's bed has Gucci sheets and blankets that are very large
Pull up to the hood, stop and let them jock Gucci
When Gucci Mane arrives in his neighborhood, people take notice and start admiring his Gucci clothing
I'm Gucci Mane, you would think that was my clothing line
Gucci Mane is so associated with the Gucci brand that it seems like he must be affiliated with it in some way
Scarf 'round on my neck, Gucci bandanna
Soulja Boy is wearing both a Gucci scarf and a Gucci bandanna
Haters talking slick, they filled with anger
Soulja Boy has people who dislike him, and even though they talk badly about him, they are still consumed by anger
This big ol' watch costs more than yours
Soulja Boy has a watch that is more expensive than the listener's
I built a house you can't afford
Soulja Boy has a house that is more expensive than the listener's
It's stupid big, got an ocean view
Soulja Boy's house is very large and has a view of the ocean
It's way up there, I look down on you
Soulja Boy is high up in terms of status and wealth and can look down on the listener
Get in my way, I flex on you
If someone stands in Soulja Boy's way, he will show off his wealth and status
Acting monkey, we keep bananas
If someone acts foolishly, Soulja Boy and his crew will respond with force by keeping bananas, which is likely a reference to firearms or potential violence
Keep them goons with me, Gucci bandanna
Soulja Boy has his crew of people who will back him up if needed and they are all wearing Gucci bandannas
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Radric Delantic Davis, Quandarious 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 π
@youngmarlomarlo8656
Facts bro you definitely Right