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Article: Surprise -- it's Soulja Boy; A year ago he was 'just making songs in my own house.' Today, his Internet smash has the record labels hopping
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- September 23, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2007 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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The out-of-nowhere success of Soulja Boy's debut single, "Crank
Dat [Soulja Boy]," has become the latest Internet phenomenon to
catch radio and record labels off guard.
The 16-year-old MC, whose real name is DeAndre Way, has racked up
10 million MySpace hits and inspired thousands of YouTube videos
featuring fan interpretations of his "Superman" dance. Initially a
viral sensation, "Crank Dat" is No. 4 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-
Hop Songs chart and No. 1 on The Billboard Hot 100, and Beyonce has
even incorporated the "Superman" dance into her stage show.
So as the Oct. 2 release of Soulja Boy's debut, "Soulja Boy Tell
'Em," approaches, ColliPark Music and Interscope must determine how ...