With Soulja Boy’s announcement that he’s running for president of the United States, we’re looking back at all the rappers who have launched presidential bids in the past 15 years.
Wyclef Jean
In 2010, Wyclef Jean ran for president in Haiti during the country’s election, but officials disqualified his candidacy.
Waka Flocka Flame
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The rapper announced his presidential bid on April 20, 2016, in a video by Rolling Stone, announcing DJ Whoo Kid as his running mate. However, he was 28 at the time of the announcement, seven years short of the 35-year minimum. Waka Flocka Flame did not allow the requirement to limit him as he campaigned with wrestling icon Ric Flair for a joint ticket, promoting the slogan “Make America WOOO! Again.”
Kanye West
Amid this list, Kanye West is the only rapper to make the ballot. In 2020, West announced his campaign on Twitter(now known as X) and picked Wyoming preacher Michelle Tidball as his running mate. He ran as an independent under his own “Birthday Party,” stating that when they won, it would be everyone’s birthday. He qualified for the ballot in 12 states and conceded the morning after Election Day with approximately 70,000 votes. In November 2022, West confirmed his 2024 run while speaking to paparazzi and tweeted previously “KANYE 2024”. However, those plans were reportedly scrapped after reports in 2023 claimed the rapper wanted to focus more on family and other endeavors.
Afroman
The rapper announced his run during a December 2022 concert in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and said he was running as an independent. The campaign was made official in April 2023 after filing with the Federal Election Commission under the committee name “Joseph Afroman Foreman for President” and “20-20 Fro.” His campaign focused on reparations for African-American, pausing foreign aid, and legalizing prostitution.
Soulja Boy
Soulja Boy teased his 2028 presidential run in an Instagram post on October 10, 2026, calling it “a new chapter” and “a bigger vision.” His campaign will reportedly focus on economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, education, and future advancements in technology and AI. However, he hasn’t formally announced his candidacy or said whether he’ll run with a party or as an independent. He will meet the age requirement by 2028.