Crank That - Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em

Soulja Boy’s instant club anthem and YouTube dance sensation “Crank That” is either the birth of a new genre of lollipop hip-hop or the death of real rap music, depending on who you talk to.

Soulja Boy never seems like he might be the next Nas, but his steel drum beats and mesmerizing instructional dance hook can make a club full of grown men skip across the floor, arms outstretched shouting “yuuuule!” What’s even more impressive is that this youngster performed, wrote, and produced this track by himself when he was just 17 years old.

Just as Soulja Boy’s age makes his accomplishment impressive, it’s probably the reason for his sophomoric lyrics.

Recently the legendary Ice T decided to take a shot at Soulja Boy, even stated that he “single handedly killed hip hop.” According to the rant that can be found on YouTube, Ice T is mad that they made songs that weren’t angry. He riddled off a slew of insults, compares them to a few legendary rappers, but never brings up any legitimate arguments as to why he’s mad. Apparently it is not ok to make songs that are fun or silly. Someone decides to take some anger out of hip hop and the angry old dudes they—well–they get angry. Anyone surprised?

This song will live on forever in pop-culture history but it is also a song that the pioneers of hip-hop hope doesn’t start a trend of gangsta hokey-pokey songs in its wake.