What role did the Air Jordan 13 'Flint' play in Soulja Boy's career?

Soulja Boy stated that the Air Jordan 13 'Flint' sneakers were a primary motivation that led him to create his hit song 'Crank Dat'.

Why couldn't Soulja Boy afford the Air Jordan 13 'Flint' as a teenager?

As a teenager in Atlanta, Soulja Boy and his family struggled financially, making the approximately $150 retail price of the Air Jordan 13 'Flint' unattainable.

How successful was Soulja Boy's song 'Crank Dat'?

'Crank Dat' debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and later reached number one, staying at the top for seven consecutive weeks.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Soulja Boy's Jordans Sparked 'Crank Dat' Hit

Soulja Boy's Jordans Sparked 'Crank Dat' Hit

25 Jan

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Summary

Soulja Boy credits the Air Jordan 13 'Flint' for motivating 'Crank Dat'.
The desired $150 sneakers were unattainable during his youth in Atlanta.
The hit song 'Crank Dat' topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks.

Soulja Boy's Jordans Sparked 'Crank Dat' Hit

Soulja Boy has shared a surprising origin story for his 2007 chart-topping hit, "Crank Dat." In a recent social media video, the rapper unboxed a pair of Air Jordan 13 "Flint" sneakers, revealing they were the catalyst for his musical breakthrough.

He explained that as a teenager in Atlanta, the approximately $150 retail price of these coveted Jordans was out of reach for his family. Witnessing a classmate wear the shoes intensified his desire and, rather than becoming discouraged, he channeled that aspiration into motivation.

This drive to acquire the sneakers pushed Soulja Boy to hustle, ultimately leading to the creation of "Crank Dat." The song debuted at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2007, before soaring to the number one position for seven weeks, significantly impacting his career and the virality of music online.