From Nia Riley to Jackilyn Martinez: Soulja Boy's Public and Private Romances

DeAndre Cortez Way, famously known as Soulja Boy, has navigated a complex and often public romantic journey throughout his rise to fame. From high-profile reality TV relationships to quieter unions that have brought him fatherhood, his love life has frequently been a subject of media attention and fan speculation. His relationships have spanned years, often marked by on-again, off-again dynamics and significant public scrutiny.

One of Soulja Boy's earliest and most public relationships was with Nia Riley, the daughter of music producer Teddy Riley. Their tumultuous relationship gained significant attention through their appearances on the reality show Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, which documented their frequent arguments, reconciliations, and the challenges of their on-again, off-again dynamic. Their relationship spanned several years, from approximately 2014 to 2016, with many of their ups and downs playing out for television audiences. Despite their deep connection, their relationship was plagued by trust issues and infidelity accusations, ultimately leading to their final separation.

Following his highly publicized split from Nia Riley, Soulja Boy was linked to several other women, though many of these connections remained less defined in the public eye. He had a brief, but notable, relationship with reality star Alexis Skyy in late 2016 to early 2017. This pairing also garnered media attention, particularly due to its quick progression and subsequent dramatic breakup, which was often discussed on social media and in entertainment news outlets. Their time together was short-lived and marked by public disagreements.

Another significant relationship in Soulja Boy's history was with Tae Heckard, a model and actress. Their romance, which reportedly began around 2013, predated some of his more public relationships but was also characterized by its on-again, off-again nature. While not as heavily documented on reality television, their connection was known among fans and often referenced in interviews. Reports indicated that they had a deep bond, but ultimately, their paths diverged.

Soulja Boy's relationships often intersected with his music career and public persona, with many of his partners being figures within the entertainment industry. He was also briefly linked to Keri Hilson, a popular singer, though the nature and duration of their connection were less clear and largely remained in the realm of rumor. Similarly, his name was associated with Blac Chyna in early 2019, following her split from other high-profile figures, but this appeared to be a very brief and casual association rather than a committed relationship, quickly fading from headlines.

More recently, Soulja Boy has embraced fatherhood, which has brought a new dimension to his romantic life. In March 2022, he announced that he was expecting his first child with Jackilyn Martinez. Martinez, a Los Angeles-based aesthetician, represented a more private relationship for the rapper compared to his past public romances. Their son, Saint Way, was born in October 2022, marking a significant milestone in Soulja Boy's personal life. The couple has largely kept their relationship out of the intense media spotlight, focusing on their family life.

While Soulja Boy's relationship with Jackilyn Martinez has been more private, they have shared glimpses of their family life on social media, indicating a stable and committed partnership as they co-parent their son. His romantic journey has evolved from the highly dramatic and public spectacles of his early career to a more grounded and family-oriented approach. His history reflects a pattern of seeking genuine connection, even amidst the pressures of fame, ultimately finding a quieter happiness in fatherhood and a less scrutinized partnership.