Soulja Boy Sets Sights on White House: Rapper Teases 2028 Presidential Bid
Rapper Soulja Boy has announced a potential 2028 presidential bid via Instagram, outlining a vision focused on economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, education, and technology. This move, framed as the next step in his career, follows previous political associations and highlights his pioneering journey from internet music sensation to potential public servant.
Soulja Boy, the pioneering rapper known for his internet-driven music career, has teased a potential run for the U.S. presidency in 2028. In an Instagram post shared on a Saturday in October, the artist, born DeAndre Cortez Way, announced "SOULJA BOY 2028," signaling what he described as "a new chapter" and "a bigger vision" for his career. His potential political platform is centered on four key areas: economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, education, and the future of technology and artificial intelligence.
Framing this ambitious move as a natural progression from his ventures in music, business, and tech, Soulja Boy articulated his philosophy: "From music to business to technology, I’ve always believed in thinking bigger and challenging what’s possible. Now I’m exploring what it means to bring that same vision to public service. The future starts with a conversation." While the Instagram post highlighted his general areas of focus, it remained unclear whether this was a formal campaign launch or merely a way to gauge public interest and initiate a dialogue, as no specific policy details were provided.
This isn't the first time Soulja Boy has been associated with political discourse or the idea of a presidential bid. Less than two years prior to this announcement, he performed at the Crypto Ball, an event held during Donald Trump’s January 2025 inauguration festivities. He later addressed criticism by stating he was "paid well for the gig." The concept of him running for president also gained satirical traction in January 2019, when Saturday Night Live aired a sketch based on his viral Breakfast Club interview. The parody, which Soulja Boy himself shared on social media, featured Chris Redd playing the rapper and humorously claiming credit for inspiring both former Presidents Trump and Barack Obama.
DeAndre Cortez Way's career is marked by his groundbreaking approach to music promotion, particularly his ability to harness internet virality for mainstream success. His debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which he independently promoted online as a teenager, became a cultural phenomenon. It notably spent seven nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007 and was among the first songs to achieve over 3 million digital downloads in the U.S. The accompanying dance to "Crank That" was instrumental in establishing a blueprint for online-first, self-promoted music careers. His debut album, souljaboytellem.com, also saw significant commercial success, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. He further solidified his chart presence with the hit single “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” featuring Sammie, which climbed to No. 3 on the Hot 100.
Soulja Boy's contemplation of a presidential run in 2028 reflects his ongoing ambition to challenge conventional boundaries, extending his influence from entertainment and technology into the realm of public service. His journey from an internet sensation to a potential political figure underscores his consistent drive for bigger visions and future-oriented conversations.