Soulja Boy Steals Dance from Jallen Ransum: Did "Rapper" Steal the "Birdwalk"dance from the Money Dance?

Recent rumors have been swirling in the hip hop community that artist Soulja Boy has copied his dance from another rap artist. Soulja Boy's new single "Birdwalk" has been said to be an almost direct copy of Peoria, Illinois artist Jallen Ransum's "Money Dance". I had recently purchase a CD put out by Jallen Ransum (since recently moving to Peoria, Illinois I have been trying to find the best local artists). While looking for new songs information on Ransum I stumbled upon a couple posts and videos that suggested a link between the "Money Dance" and Soulja Boy's "Birdwalk". I have searched through many online videos and posts to compare the two dances and from what I can see there are strong similarities in the two dances. To an untrained eye (such as my own) I would think that this could possibly be a coincidence, but others don't agree with me.

I met up with Jallen Ransum and he agreed to answer a few questions. Here is a brief summary of the interview I had with Ransum

Do you think Soldier boy copied the moves from Money Dance?
"Without a doubt Soulja Boy copied the moves from the money dance. I mean any person can look at my original money dance video (from 2006 mind you) and see the dances are exactly the same."

Is there any possibility that the new Soldier Boy dance similarities to the Money Dance are just a coincidence?
"Not at all."

How did you find out about the similarities in the two dances, what was your reaction?
"There was an overwhelming response from my fans. I got tons of text messages and messages through myspace and facebook saying that Soulja Boy had stole moves from the "Money Dance" for his latest single "Bird Walk". When I first saw the dance I was in some ways flattered, but at the same time if you are going to copy or mirror someones work, you at least have to give props and a shout out at the creator. The "Money Dance" has been somewhat of a phenomenon and is now being copied."

Do you plan on adressing this?
I've spoken with my publicist and management regarding the issue and wherever they want to take it I'm with them 100%. I have been making hits for years. Look out for more hot music throughout this year and 2009.

Last album release date: Street Turbulence - Fall 2007

Name of new album and release date: I Need Mo Hataz Vol. 1 is slated for release in early November 2008.

Contact and Artist Info:
HeadLineNewz Entertainment
www.myspace.com/jallenransum

See for yourself. There are a few different videos of both of the dances on youtube. I have listed the two best to compare below. What do you think? Did Soulja Boy steal another artists dance, or is this just a coincidence?

Youtube Video's:
Soulja Boy's Birdwalk
Jallen Ransum's The Money Dance "Instructional Video"