Rapper Soulja Boy was arrested early Sunday morning during a traffic stop in Los Angeles on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The 35-year-old artist, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was taken into custody at approximately 2:35 a.m. while serving as a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by police.
According to CNN, Way was transported to and booked into jail at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division shortly after 6 a.m., according to records from the sheriff department’s inmate database. The arrest represents the latest legal trouble for the Chicago-born hip-hop artist, who has faced various challenges with law enforcement over the years.
Soulja Boy’s early morning traffic stop ends with him in handcuffs on a serious charge that could have significant legal implications given his criminal history. Police have not yet released details about what initially prompted the traffic stop or provided information about other individuals who may have been present in the vehicle at the time of the arrest.
Legal representatives remain silent on arrest details
A representative for Way did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press regarding the arrest and the circumstances surrounding the weapons charge. The lack of immediate response from his legal team leaves questions unanswered about the rapper’s current legal strategy and potential defense against the allegations.
BBC: US rapper Soulja Boy was arrested on suspicion of weapons charges in Los Angeles
— Ray Burne (@BurnetteRay) August 4, 2025
Another Black rapper put in the pokey … All that damn money and they cannot behave their ass. Sadly, they breath our oxygen.
The firearm possession charge is particularly serious given Way’s status as a convicted felon, which legally prohibits him from owning or possessing firearms under federal and state laws. “Such charges can carry substantial penalties, including significant prison time, especially for rappers who have faced similar legal challenges.
Additional information about the specific type of weapon allegedly found, the circumstances of its discovery, and whether any other charges may be filed remains unavailable as the investigation continues. Police officials have indicated that more details may be released as the case progresses through the legal system.
Career achievements overshadowed by recent legal troubles
Soulja Boy rose to fame with his breakout 2007 hit single Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which achieved massive commercial success by reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity also earned him a Grammy nomination for best rap song, establishing him as a significant figure in the hip-hop industry during the late 2000s.
However, his musical achievements have been increasingly overshadowed by legal difficulties. Most recently, in April, Way was ordered to pay more than $4 million in damages after being found liable for sexually assaulting and physically and emotionally abusing a former assistant. This civil case outcome has added to his mounting legal and financial challenges.
The current arrest adds another layer to Way’s ongoing legal troubles and could potentially impact his ability to continue his music career and other business ventures. The combination of his criminal history and these new charges may result in more severe legal consequences than typical first-time firearm possession cases.
