Soulja Boy is giving credit to the Air Jordan 13 “Flint” for inspiring one of the most iconic rap records of the 2000s.
In a video posted to social media, the rapper unboxed a brand-new pair of the classic sneakers and explained how wanting them as a teenager pushed him to hustle, ultimately leading to the creation of “Crank Dat.” For Soulja, the shoes meant more than style — they represented motivation.
“Fun fact, these is the shoes that made me create ‘Crank Dat,’” he said. “These are the shoes that made me want to get out the hood.”
Back in 2007, when Soulja was still grinding to break through, the Jordan 13 retailed for around $150 — a price that felt completely unattainable at the time. Spotting a classmate wearing the sneakers only made him want them more.
“I went to school, I was living in Atlanta, n***a had these shoes on. I wanted them bad as fuck. We could not afford them. My momma couldn’t afford them,” he recalled. “I ain’t even get mad though. I understood we were struggling.”
First dropping in February 1998, the Air Jordan 13 “Flint” became instantly recognizable thanks to its navy blue upper and holographic Jumpman, eventually turning into a must-have status symbol in early-2000s hip-hop and sneaker culture. The shoe has since seen re-releases in 2005, 2010, and most recently in 2020. According to Footwear News, the Air Jordan 13 “Flint” is expected to make another return in Summer 2026.
Soulja’s desire for the sneakers became fuel, pushing him to grind harder and channel frustration into relentless focus.
“I feel like these shoes was the shoes that made me hustle and go get it,” he said.
That determination paid off in a major way. “Crank Dat” debuted at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2007 before soaring to No. 1, where it remained for seven straight weeks. The track didn’t just transform Soulja Boy’s life — it also helped redefine how viral music could break through during the internet era.
In hindsight, Soulja said the sneakers stood for more than fashion. To him, they represented opportunity, and he shared a message for kids who want something badly but don’t yet have the means.
“All my kids out there… if y’all got something that you want in life but y’all can’t afford it, don’t worry bro, one day you going to get it,” he said.
