During a sit-down with "Kids Take Over," Soulja Boy discusses the impact of the internet and the rise of TikTok on his music career. He reflects on his strategy of promoting his hit song "Crank That" on LimeWire and how he would approach releasing the song in today's digital landscape.
Soulja Boy acknowledges that using the internet is not just a hobby but a skill. He believes that if he had access to platforms like TikTok back when he released "Crank That," it would have gone even more viral than it did. He expresses amazement at the numbers and popularity he achieved using LimeWire, which was one of the few options available at the time.
When asked about the current popularity of "Crank That," Soulja Boy mentions that he still makes a lot of money from the song. He attributes this to the fact that he produced and wrote the song, allowing him to earn 100% of the publishing rights. This financial success demonstrates the power of owning the rights to one's own music.
The interviewer speculates that if "Crank That" were released today, it would become a trend and people would start dressing like Soulja Boy. The artist agrees, noting that he has already seen the song become a trend again during Halloween, with many people dressing up as him.
This transcript highlights the significant impact of the internet and digital platforms on the music industry. Soulja Boy recognizes the opportunities provided by platforms like TikTok for artists to go viral and reach a massive audience. His success story serves as inspiration for aspiring musicians to leverage technology, social media, and online platforms to promote their work and build a successful career.
The rise of TikTok and other platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts emphasizes the need for artists to adapt and embrace these new avenues for promotion. The transcript also underscores the importance of owning one's own music and maximizing revenue opportunities by retaining publishing rights.
In summary, Soulja Boy's discussion on the internet's influence on his music career offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of the music industry and the enormous potential of digital platforms in reaching a wider audience. Aspiring musicians can learn from his experiences and take advantage of the current digital tools available to make their mark in the industry.
Source: Youtube
