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Soulja Boy Requests DNA Test for Son With Ex Jackilyn Martinez
Soulja Boy has asked a California court to order a DNA test to determine whether he is the father of three-year-old KeAndre Way, whom he shares with former partner Jackilyn Martinez. The request is part of an ongoing custody and child-support dispute, and its outcome could determine his financial and legal responsibilities towards the child.
Court documents reportedly show that Soulja Boy filed the request on 22 July in response to Martinez’s October 2025 case seeking primary custody, visitation arrangements and child support. Martinez alleges she has largely paid for the child’s needs, while Soulja Boy has contributed only after being pressed; he has said he would cover pregnancy costs and her legal fees if paternity is confirmed. The rapper publicly marked the child’s birth in September 2022 and was reportedly present at an earlier gender reveal.
In short
- Soulja Boy seeks a DNA test in a custody dispute.
- His ex is seeking primary custody and child support.
- Paternity could determine his financial obligations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Someone requesting genetic testing to verify paternity before accepting legal and financial obligations is exercising a legitimate right. DNA testing is a standard tool in family law designed to establish factual clarity for all parties, including ultimately the child themselves. Requesting paternity confirmation through testing does not inherently suggest an intent to deny responsibility, but rather a desire to establish clear biological facts before committing to lifetime financial and legal obligations.
The case against
Soulja Boy publicly acknowledged the child at birth in 2022, participated in a gender reveal, and was reportedly present—all gestures establishing him as the recognised father in the child's life. Requesting a DNA test only when facing formal custody and child support claims suggests an attempt to escape financial responsibility rather than seeking truth. For a child now three years old, introducing paternity uncertainty appears potentially harmful and opportunistic.
Explained simply
Soulja Boy and his ex-partner Jackilyn Martinez are in a custody and child support dispute concerning their three-year-old son, KeAndre Way. A California court has been asked to order a DNA test to establish paternity and determine Soulja Boy's legal and financial obligations towards the child.
Martinez initiated a case in October 2025 seeking primary custody, visitation rights and child support payments. She has stated that she has covered most of the financial costs for their son's upbringing, whilst Soulja Boy has only contributed when pressed.
Soulja Boy publicly acknowledged the child's birth in September 2022 and reportedly attended a gender reveal event. He has stated he would cover pregnancy costs and Martinez's legal fees if paternity is confirmed, though the extent of his other financial contributions remains disputed.
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