The Absurd History Of 'Shinji, Crank That Soulja Boy': 5 Reasons This Meme Will Never Die

The internet is a strange place, and few cultural artifacts prove this better than the "Shinji, Crank That Soulja Boy" meme. This bizarre convergence of a deeply psychological 90s mecha anime and an iconic 2007 hip-hop dance track has defied logic and time, remaining a staple of online humor even as of today, December 12, 2025. It’s a perfect storm of anime angst and unapologetic swagger that continues to confuse and delight new generations of fans, proving that sometimes, the most nonsensical jokes are the ones that stick.

The meme’s enduring power lies in its sheer, beautiful absurdity. It takes one of the most emotionally fraught characters in anime history, Shinji Ikari, and pairs him with the hyper-confident, infectious energy of Soulja Boy’s debut single. The result is a viral dub that perfectly captures the modern internet’s love for surreal, context-smashing humor, creating a legacy far beyond its original upload.

The Cultural Collision: Anime Angst Meets Hip-Hop Hype

The core of the "Shinji, Crank That Soulja Boy" phenomenon is the stark, hilarious contrast between its source materials. Understanding the meme requires a brief look at the two titans it smashes together.

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The Evangelion Side: Shinji Ikari and Episode 11

The scene that serves as the meme’s visual foundation is from *Neon Genesis Evangelion* (1995), specifically Episode 11, "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still." This anime, created by Hideaki Anno and Gainax, is famous for its complex psychological themes, religious symbolism, and deeply troubled protagonist, Shinji Ikari. Shinji is the pilot of the giant bio-machine Eva Unit-01 and is known for his internal conflict, indecisiveness, and chronic reluctance to "get in the robot."

In the original scene, Shinji is trapped in an elevator with his perpetually frustrated co-pilot, Asuka Langley Soryu, and their guardian, Misato Katsuragi. The tension is palpable, a hallmark of the series. The scene is a moment of quiet, awkward character interaction—a world away from dancing. The meme capitalizes on this silence, replacing the dramatic tension with an utterly ridiculous command.

Other key entities and characters from the series that fuel the joke include:

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• Asuka Langley Soryu: The source of the command, whose aggressive personality makes the demand to "crank that" seem perfectly in character.
• NERV: The paramilitary organization that forces these teenagers to fight monstrous beings known as Angels.
• Gendo Ikari: Shinji's cold, distant father, whose approval Shinji desperately seeks.

The Hip-Hop Side: Soulja Boy and the Dance Craze

On the other side of the equation is "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," the 2007 debut single by rapper Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. The song was a cultural explosion, famous not just for its catchy beat but for its accompanying viral dance, the "Soulja Boy Dance" (or just "Crank That").

Soulja Boy was a pioneer of the internet age, using platforms like MySpace and YouTube to propel his music and the dance into the mainstream. The track is pure, unadulterated hype and confidence—the complete antithesis of Shinji Ikari’s character. This juxtaposition is the meme’s comedic engine: the ultimate expression of anime anxiety meeting the ultimate expression of mid-2000s swagger.

The Birth of a Viral Dub and Its Enduring Legacy

While the exact original creator of the "Shinji, Crank That Soulja Boy" dubbed video remains somewhat elusive, its initial surge in popularity is often traced back to early-to-mid 2010s internet culture, with mentions of a viral Facebook post circulating. The true power of the meme, however, is not in its origin, but in its ability to be endlessly re-contextualized.

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The meme’s format is simple: a dramatic scene is interrupted by a ridiculous, anachronistic audio clip. The Shinji version is arguably the most famous example of this style of viral dubbing and internet absurdism. The humor comes from the implication that Asuka, in the middle of a serious military operation, would suddenly demand a 2007 dance move from her emotionally fragile co-pilot.

5 Reasons 'Shinji, Crank That Soulja Boy' Remains Relevant

Even in 2025, the meme sees a constant resurgence across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit, with new variations and edits appearing regularly. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors:

1. Timeless Juxtaposition: The contrast between *Evangelion*'s psychological depth and Soulja Boy's superficial hype is a comedic goldmine that never gets old. It’s a perfect example of postmodern media consumption.
2. The 'Evangelion' Meme Economy: *Neon Genesis Evangelion* has an incredibly rich meme culture, from "Get in the robot, Shinji" to "Mug Shinji" and the newer "Sigma Evangelion Memes." The "Crank That" version is the undisputed classic of the bunch, ensuring it's always part of the conversation.
3. The Power of the Anachronism: The 1995 anime characters being aware of a 2007 rap song creates a layer of surreal, unexpected humor that is highly shareable and easily understood by anyone familiar with either source.
4. Ease of Parody: The simple, clear audio and visual gag makes it easy for new creators to reference, remix, and parody. We see variations like "Shinji, uncrank that Soulja Boy" or extended edits with the full song.
5. Emotional Relatability: Despite the absurdity, Shinji’s reluctance to do anything is a deeply relatable feeling. The meme frames a universal feeling of being commanded to do something ridiculous or difficult, making the joke land on a personal level.

The Legacy of Anime and Hip-Hop Crossovers

The success of the "Shinji, Crank That Soulja Boy" meme paved the way for countless other anime and hip-hop crossovers in internet culture. It demonstrated the comedic potential of smashing two seemingly disparate genres together. This tradition continues with modern memes that pair anime clips with trap music, lo-fi beats, or other viral hip-hop sounds.

The meme is a testament to the power of the internet to democratize media and create new, unauthorized works of art. It’s not just a funny video; it's a piece of digital folklore that perfectly encapsulates the chaotic, creative spirit of online fandom. It reminds us that even the most serious, introspective works of art, like *Evangelion*, can be transformed into something purely joyful and ridiculous with the right piece of sound—and the right dance move.

So, the next time you see Shinji looking forlorn, remember the command: he’s not just contemplating the fate of humanity; he’s probably just trying to figure out how to crank that Soulja Boy.