Soulja Boy Arrested in Los Angeles for alleged firearm possession during traffic stop

Rapper Soulja Boy was arrested early Sunday morning in Los Angeles after police allegedly discovered a firearm during a routine traffic stop. The incident occurred around 2:35 a.m. at the intersection of Melrose and Genesee, according to confirmation from the Los Angeles Police Department, as reported by Variety.

The artist, whose legal name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was a passenger in the vehicle when officers pulled it over. During the stop, law enforcement reportedly spotted a gun in the car. Given Soulja Boy’s status as a convicted felon, he was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The exact reason for the traffic stop and additional details about the weapon or the driver’s involvement have not yet been made public. A legal representative for Soulja Boy has not responded to media inquiries as of press time.

Soulja Boy, best known for his breakout 2007 hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” has had a mixed year. Along with maintaining a presence in the music and fashion scenes, he faced legal troubles earlier in 2024 when he was ordered to pay $4 million following a sexual battery lawsuit verdict.

Just hours before the arrest, the rapper was active on social media, posting clips from his birthday celebration at Los Angeles nightclub Poppy. He was also seen engaging with fans on the TMZ Celebrity Tour outside his Melrose Avenue store.

As of now, no formal charges have been filed, and further investigation is ongoing. The rapper's team has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest or the circumstances surrounding the incident.