On August 4, 2025, Chicago-born rapper Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested early Sunday morning during a traffic stop in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, authorities confirmed. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that Way was a passenger in the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Genesee Avenue and Melrose Avenue at approximately 2:30 a.m. When police searched the vehicle, they discovered a firearm linked to Soulja Boy, leading to his arrest on felony charges. He was booked into jail at the LAPD’s Wilshire Division around 6 a.m.

The reason why law enforcement initially pulled the vehicle over has not been disclosed, nor have details about the other occupants in the car been made public. Soulja Boy’s representatives have yet to issue any statement regarding the arrest. At 35, the rapper rose to fame after his 2007 viral hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which spent seven weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.

This arrest marks another legal challenge for Way. Earlier in 2025, a civil jury found him liable for sexually assaulting and physically abusing a former assistant, ordering him to pay over $4 million in damages. This verdict stemmed from allegations filed by a woman who claimed repeated sexual battery and abuse during her time working and living with Soulja Boy between 2019 and 2020. Way denied the criminal allegations, stating their relationship was consensual, but the civil court found otherwise.

Soulja Boy has also faced previous weapons-related incidents; in 2016, he was arrested in Los Angeles after officers found a gun in his home while he was reportedly on probation. Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is considered a felony under California law, which adds serious weight to this new charge.

The arrest generated significant attention both in the entertainment world and among legal observers, raising discussions about the ongoing legal troubles surrounding the rapper and the challenges felons face regarding firearm possession laws. Experts point out that California’s strict gun laws are designed to prevent individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms to reduce violent crime risks.

This incident occurred shortly after Soulja Boy celebrated his 35th birthday at a Hollywood nightclub, where he posted videos on social media, including dance clips with the caption “I don’t need no security.” Earlier the same day, he had premiered new music during a Twitch stream, showing a professional momentum that contrasts with his current legal difficulties.

In summary, Soulja Boy’s August 4 arrest on suspicion of felony weapon possession during a traffic stop adds to his recent string of legal challenges. While police investigations continue, prosecutors have yet to formally file charges, and it remains unclear whether he will face trial or how this matter will affect his career. Fans and followers are awaiting further updates, including potential court proceedings and statements from Way’s legal team.