Soulja Boy is often considered one of the first rappers to break

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Soulja Boy is often considered one of the first rappers to break through on the internet, going viral with his song "Crank Dat" in 2007. This inspired many other rappers to try getting big on the internet. This spawned Lil B who hit it big in 2010 with "Wonton Soup."

From there, both rappers gained cult followings. Soulja Boy showed how rappers can make it big on the internet without needing a label, and Lil B showed rappers how it's okay to be different from most rappers. Lil B had a polarizing sound that really resonated with aspiring rappers. This inspired early examples like Yung Lean, Hopsin, and Odd Future. Many of these rappers weren't afraid to be themselves rather than this stereotypical thug. In turn, Yung Lean particularly inspired acts like Bones, Xavier Wulf, $uicideboy$, and Craig Xen. Hopsin had inspired J Cole, and Odd Future inspired Viper, Childish Gambino and internet personalities like Pink Guy.

Every single one of these acts has a massive presence in the blurring of mainstream and underground because of the internet. Everyone is now connected and constantly exposed to the underground, making it mainstream. However, it isn't seen as mainstream because it isn't broadcasted on radio or television. So therefore, Lil B and Soulja Boy have had the most influence out of any current rapper.