By Liana Ernszt

Soulja Boy feels like a timeless artist: he transcends taste; he transcends genres; he even seems to transcends time itself. A wonderful internet success story, he first graced our ears in 2007 with the release of the inimitable “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which skyrocketed to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Besides being pretty revolutionary, the song was an instant hit at my elementary school dances (that magnificently choreographed dance!).

However, this throwback is not about “Crank That.” Instead, we are going to go back to his best song, in my opinion: 2008’s “Turn My Swag On.” “Turn My Swag On” has an irresistible, Kanye-esque je-ne-sais-quoi: “Hopped up out of bed, turn my swag on/took a look in the mirror said, what’s up/yeah, I’m getting money, ohhhh.” Soulja’s, “I got a question/why they hating on me? I ain’t did nothing but count this money,” screamed self-confidence, which was (and is) exactly what a bunch of 12 year-olds needed! “Swag On” is an anthem for anyone that has or is being pushed down, whether it be bullies, teachers, family, the institution, or just straight up haters. “I’m back again/I know a lot of you all thought I wasn’t coming back… I had to prove them wrong/got back in the studio and came up with another hit… told the world my story/where I’m from.” It is about time Soulja came back again, am I right? There are 12-year-olds (and older-than-12-year-olds) who need him.

Cover Photo via Wallaperup