Soulja Boy might be trading the recording studio for the White House.
The 36-year-old rapper, best known for his 2007 hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” surprised fans on Saturday, October 10, when he teased a possible presidential run in 2028.
In an Instagram post, the musician, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, posed in front of an American flag wearing a black jacket and sunglasses.
“🇺🇸 SOULJA BOY 2028 🇺🇸,” he began his caption. “A new chapter. A bigger vision. A commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.”
View this post on Instagram
Issues at the top of his priority list included economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, education, and the future of technology and artificial intelligence. “From music to business to technology, I’ve always believed in thinking bigger and challenging what’s possible,” he continued.
“Now I’m exploring what it means to bring that same vision to public service.” He concluded, “The future starts with a conversation. 🇺🇸”
READ MORE: Danny Trejo Breaks Silence on Backlash Over Pro-ICE Movie: ‘I Am Not Pro-ICE’
The unexpected announcement prompted a variety of reactions from social media users.
“😂😂😂😂😂THE FIRST RAPPER TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT,’ one person wrote.
“At this point, welcome Mr. President 🫡😂,” another said.
A third replied, “Love u but no thx.”
A fourth said, “Not now Soulja 😮💨.”
For now, Soulja Boy hasn’t formally declared his candidacy, identified a political party, or provided specific policy proposals. But this wouldn’t be his first brush with presidential politics.
In January 2025, the rapper performed alongside Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross at the Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C., an event held during festivities surrounding Donald Trump’s second inauguration. His participation drew criticism online, but Soulja Boy defended the decision, arguing that he had been paid well for the performance. “They paid me a bag,” he said during an Instagram Live.
Soulja Boy isn’t the only recognizable name being floated for the 2028 presidential election. Several prominent politicians are already attracting attention as potential candidates, including Vice President JD Vance on the Republican side and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the Democratic side.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬