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Everytime I read an article lately touting the achievements of 17-year old Billboard chart-topper (6 weeks in a row, not too shabby) DeAndre Way, better known as Soulja Boy, I get upset at all the negativity and hating over his music!

I repeatedly read about him being a "one-hit wonder" and how his rap skills need work and how his success and music are what is wrong with hip-hop.

I strongly disagree. If imitation is truly the most sincere form of flattery, then Hip-Hop culture should be blushing right now. Soulja Boy's music and sound is his interpretation of hip-hop. Hopefully all of his rap idols, from 50 Cent to Lil Wayne, to hip-hop fans can see Soulja Boy for what he really means to us.

Personally, whether he achieves long-term success or not, I think we should all appreicate how growing up Hip-Hop has inspired Mr. Way.