Writer(s):

DeAndre Way


Quotable:

The #1 song of 2007 was made by a sixteen-year-old on his computer.


First charted:

June 30, 2007


Charts:


HT: 1 7
HP: --
CB: --
UK: 3
AC: --
CW: --
RB: 3
AR: --
MR: --
AA: --


Sales (in millions):

4.6
--
5.2


Airplay (in millions):

0.2


Awards:


Crank That (Soulja Boy)

Soulja Boy Tell’em

Review:

American rapper DeAndre Way, better known as Soulja Boy, burst out of the gates in 2007, landing a huge hit his first time out. “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 the same day Way turned 17. The song went on to occupy the top spot on the charts for 7 weeks, making it the biggest pop hit of the year. HT It was also the most downloaded song of the year SF and, with four million + in sales, was the third most downloaded song in the U.S. all-time. WK The song was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Song, but lost to Kanye West’s “Good Life.” WK

Part of the song’s charm came in Soulja Boy’s “strange way with words.” AMG The lyrics about bragging and dancing included such memorable lines as “Why me crank that Robocob?” sit[ting] next to nonsensical called-out dance instructions.” AMG

He told HipHoxDX.com that he created the song in just an hour on the computer, using the Fruity Loops computer system. SF It was later reproduced more professionally. WK The song is notable for its looping steel pan riff. WK Steel drums originated from the West Indian islands of Trinidad and Tobago, generally being made from 55 gallon oil drums. SF The Beach Boys’ 1988 #1 hit “Kokomo” also used the instrument. SF

The video, directed by Dale Resteghini, featured Chris Brown, Bow Wow, and other notable rappers and R&B performers. BET ranked it the top video of 2007. WK Various parodies of the video have been made featuring Michael Jackson, Barney, and others. WK


Review Source(s):


Related DMDB Link(s):


Video:


Barney parody:



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Last updated June 26, 2012.