Soulja Boy, the renowned rapper known for his hit song "Crank That", has been released from custody just two nights after his arrest during a traffic stop in Los Angeles. Prosecutors have determined that there is insufficient evidence to charge the rapper with being a felon in possession of a firearm, a significant legal concern given his past.

The 35-year-old rapper, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning (August 3) while he was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over in West Hollywood, California. Police reported that they observed a firearm inside the vehicle, leading to Soulja Boy’s arrest on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm. This is particularly concerning as the rapper has a prior criminal record involving weapons violations that complicates his legal standing.

However, Soulja Boy was released from custody just before 2 p.m. PT on Tuesday (August 5) after the prosecutors made the decision not to file charges against him. According to city jail records, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated, “A case was declined due to insufficient evidence.” This outcome highlights the complexities of legal systems and the necessity of substantial proof in criminal cases.

The rapper subtly celebrated his release by posting an Instagram story with the phrase, “First day out” written against a simple black background. This move indicates his desire to reconnect with fans and highlight his freedom. Soulja Boy’s legal representatives have not yet responded to inquiries for further comments regarding this incident.

In 2014, Soulja Boy was convicted for carrying a loaded firearm in public. Initially sentenced to probation, he faced further legal troubles when he violated the terms of that probation, resulting in a 240-day incarceration in 2019. This history of legal issues underscores the ongoing struggles he faces with the law and raises questions about his future in the entertainment industry.

Over the years, Soulja Boy has been embroiled in multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and domestic abuse, which have surfaced since his rise to fame with the hit “Crank That.” This song not only launched a viral dance craze but also spent an impressive seven weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2007. The allegations against him paint a troubling picture of his personal life and the consequences of fame.

Soulja Boy has already faced defeat in two trials concerning these abuse allegations, and he is currently contending with jury verdicts that total over $4 million in cases initiated by his ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers and an anonymous former personal assistant. Additionally, another anonymous ex-girlfriend has filed a civil lawsuit claiming that Soulja Boy physically assaulted her while she was pregnant with their child. These ongoing legal battles could significantly impact his career and reputation in the music industry.