American rapper DeAndre Cortez Way, widely known by his stage name Soulja Boy, has once again found himself on the wrong side of the law. The 34-year-old artist was arrested in the Fairfax area of Los Angeles during a traffic stop, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Authorities confirmed that Soulja Boy was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by police, though the reason for the initial stop has not been disclosed. During the investigation, officers discovered a firearm inside the vehicle. Upon further inspection, they identified the weapon as being in the possession of Soulja Boy a convicted felon.
“A passenger was detained and police arrested DeAndre Cortez Way for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm,” LAPD said in an official statement. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a felony offense in California and carries severe legal consequences, including potential prison time.
This isn’t the first time Soulja Boy has faced legal troubles involving weapons. In 2014, he was arrested in Los Angeles for carrying a loaded gun during a separate traffic stop. The recurrence of firearm-related offenses could complicate his legal situation moving forward.
Adding to his legal woes, the rapper was ordered earlier this year to pay more than $4 million (approximately KSh. 509 million) in damages to his former assistant after being found liable for sexual assault and physical and emotional abuse. The civil judgment marked a significant blow to the rapper’s public image and financial standing.
Soulja Boy, best known for his 2007 hit single “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” has not yet made a public statement regarding his latest arrest. As of now, details surrounding the driver of the vehicle and what prompted the stop remain unclear.
Legal experts suggest that given his prior felony conviction, the new charges could result in serious legal repercussions, including potential jail time or probation violations.
The incident marks another chapter in the tumultuous career of a rapper who once helped pioneer viral internet fame in the music industry.
