Soulja Boy arrested on firearm charge during Los Angeles traffic stop

Rapper Soulja Boy was arrested in Los Angeles after police discovered a firearm during a routine traffic stop.

Rapper Soulja Boy, legally known as DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested early Sunday morning in Los Angeles on a firearms-related charge, according to information confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and reported by Variety.

Police stated that the incident took place at approximately 2:35 a.m. at the intersection of Melrose and Genesee during a routine traffic stop. Soulja Boy was a passenger in the vehicle when officers allegedly noticed a firearm. He was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a gun.

The arrest adds to the rapper’s mounting legal issues. Soulja Boy rose to prominence in 2007 with his chart-topping hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” followed by other successful singles like “Turn My Swag On” and “Kiss Me Thru the Phone.” In recent years, however, he has garnered more attention for legal controversies than for music.

In April 2025, he was ordered to pay $4 million in a civil case related to sexual assault allegations, significantly worsening his legal standing.

In a 2021 interview with Paper magazine, Soulja Boy addressed his place in hip hop. “I don’t care about my place, bro,” he said. “I know what I did for the culture. I know how lit I am. The people are going to figure it out.”

The news of his latest arrest was first reported by TMZ. As of now, no additional details on charges or bail have been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.