Soulja Boy, known for his viral hits and social media antics, has long been a polarizing figure in hip-hop, but his relationship with the gang culture of Los Angeles has raised questions about authenticity. Despite claiming affiliations with the Bloods, many L.A. Crips and Bloods don’t take him seriously. One of the main reasons for the lack of respect is his perceived use of gang ties as a marketing tool rather than genuine involvement.

Local gang members often view Soulja Boy’s public displays of gang culture as performative, lacking the credibility and real-life experiences that come with growing up in that environment. For L.A. gangs, respect is earned through deep-rooted community ties, not flashy social media posts or public statements. Soulja Boy’s outsider status, along with his frequent online beefs and controversial comments, has led many to dismiss his affiliations as inauthentic and disrespectful to the real struggles and codes of the street.

Ultimately, while Soulja Boy may see himself as part of the culture, his connection to the L.A. Crips and Bloods remains questionable in the eyes of those who live it daily.