Last Lap
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{for|the television episode|The Twilight Zone (2002 TV series)#ep23}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Last Lap
| type = studio
| artist = Rod Wave
| cover = Rod Wave - Last Lap.png
| released = October 11, 2024
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Hip-hop
| length = 67:13
| label = Alamo
| producer =
- Akachi
- Andrew Levia
- APGoKrazy
- Berge.af
- ChildBoy
- Chris Made
- CocoBeatSzn
- Colorado
- DatBoiGetro
- Djaxx
- Dmac
- Draka
- EELmatic
- Exuising
- Fasbeats
- FlexOnDaTrack
- Foreverolling
- Gabe Lucas
- Geo Vocals
- Isaac Junior
- JB
- Keely
- Kyris
- LayZ
- LondnBlue
- MarsGawd
- Mattazik Muzik
- Michael Makho
- Neeko Made This
- Shaad K'Rounds
- T Five
- TnTXD
- Train
- TrillGotJuice
- Trillo Beatz
- Uncle Cameron
- Vile
- Will Michael
- Wonderyo
| prev_title = Nostalgia
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc =
{{Singles
| name = Last lap
| type = studio
| single1 = Passport Junkie
| single1date = September 14, 2024
| single2 = Fall Fast in Love
| single2date = September 27, 2024
}}
}}
Last Lap is the sixth studio album by American rapper and singer Rod Wave. It was released on October 11, 2024, through Alamo Records.{{cite magazine|last=Saponara|first=Michael|title=Rod Wave Takes a Last Lap With New Album Featuring Lil Yachty & Lil Baby: Stream It Now|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-last-lap-album-stream-it-now-1235797799/|access-date=October 11, 2024|magazine=Billboard|date=October 11, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106195642/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-last-lap-album-stream-it-now-1235797799/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Li|first=Joyce|title=Rod Wave Drops Sixth Studio Album Last Lap|url=https://hypebeast.com/2024/10/rod-wave-last-lap-sixth-studio-album-lil-yachty-baby-release-announcement|access-date=October 12, 2024|website=Hypebeast|date=October 11, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106201439/https://hypebeast.com/2024/10/rod-wave-last-lap-sixth-studio-album-lil-yachty-baby-release-announcement|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The album features guest appearances from Be Charlotte, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, Rylo Rodriguez, and Wild Rivers, while its production was primarily handled by Dmac and TnTXD, with support from ChildBoy, Chris Made, EELmatic, FlexOnDaTrack, Foreverolling, Mattazik Muzik, TrillGotJuice, Uncle Cameron, and several other producers.{{cite news|title=Rod Wave releases Last Lap album featuring Lil Baby and Lil Yachty, announces tour dates|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2502156/rod-wave-releases-last-lap-album-featuring-lil-baby-and-lil-yachty-announces-tour-dates|access-date=October 11, 2024|newspaper=The Express Tribune|date=October 11, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106201633/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2502156/rod-wave-releases-last-lap-album-featuring-lil-baby-and-lil-yachty-announces-tour-dates|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Centeno|first=Tony M|title=Rod Wave Releases New Album Last Lap With Lil Baby, Lil Yachty & More|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-10-10-rap-rising-rod-wave-releases-new-album-last-lap-with-lil-baby-more|access-date=October 12, 2024|website=iHeart|date=October 11, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106201751/https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-10-10-rap-rising-rod-wave-releases-new-album-last-lap-with-lil-baby-more/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The album served as a follow-up to his fifth studio album, Nostalgia (2023).{{cite web|last=Horvath|first=Zachary|title=Rod Wave Might Be On His Last Lap With This Latest Album|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/850079-rod-wave-last-lap-stream|access-date=October 13, 2024|website=HotNewHipHop|date=October 11, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106202049/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/850079-rod-wave-last-lap-stream|language=en-US|url-status=live}}
Last Lap received mediocre reception from music critics who valued Green's lyricism and vocals on the record. It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 127,000 album-equivalent units, 2,000 of which were pure album sales.{{Cite magazine|last=Anderson|first=Trevor|date=October 23, 2024|title=Rod Wave's Last Lap Leads Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-last-lap-number-1-top-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart-1235809658/|access-date=October 24, 2024|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109221444/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-last-lap-number-1-top-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart-1235809658/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=October 22, 2024|title=Rod Wave's Last Lap Debuts at No. 1 on Top Streaming Albums|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-last-lap-debut-number-one-top-streaming-albums-chart-1235807909/|access-date=October 23, 2024|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106182624/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-last-lap-debut-number-one-top-streaming-albums-chart-1235807909/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The album serves as Green's seventh consecutive top ten on the chart and makes him the only artist other than Taylor Swift to chart in the top ten each year from 2019 to 2024,{{Cite web|last=Trapp|first=Malcolm|date=October 21, 2024|title=Rod Wave Ties Taylor Swift's Billboard 200 Chart Record With A Top 10 Album Every Year Since 2019|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/rod-wave-ties-taylor-swift-s-billboard-200-chart-record-with-a-top-10-album-every-year-since-2019/ar-AA1sFnwg|access-date=October 22, 2024|website=MSN|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106195237/https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/rod-wave-ties-taylor-swift-s-billboard-200-chart-record-with-a-top-10-album-every-year-since-2019/ar-AA1sFnwg|language=en-US|url-status=live}} and seventeen of the album's twenty-three tracks charted on the Billboard Hot 100. It was supported by two official singles: "Passport Junkie" and "Fall Fast in Love".
Background and recording
Upon the release of Last Lap, Green appeared in an interview with Montreality in which he spoke about the "ups and downs" he went through while creating the album.{{Cite web|last=Trapp|first=Malcolm|date=October 11, 2024|url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/rod-wave-compares-drake-to-tom-brady|website=Rap-Up|title=Rod Wave Says Drake Is The "Tom Brady" Of Hip Hop: "He Loves The Game"|access-date=October 12, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109221831/https://www.rap-up.com/article/rod-wave-compares-drake-to-tom-brady|language=en-US|url-status=live}} When asked how he's grown since the release of SoulFly (2021), Green responded:{{Cite web|last=Andrews|first=Elias|date=October 10, 2024|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/850035-rod-wave-claims-drake-loves-game-never-retire-hip-hop-news|website=HotNewHipHop|title=Rod Wave Claims That Drake "Loves The Game" And Will Never Retire|access-date=October 12, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109221922/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/850035-rod-wave-claims-drake-loves-game-never-retire-hip-hop-news|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Blockquote
|text=I mean, shit, yeah. Hell, yeah. Every day a nigga grow, bro. Every day a nigga grow. I done grown a lot since then. Sometimes I look back at my interview and, like, just knowing how much I grown since then, I look back at my interview, and I like, 'Damn'. You know what I'm saying? I can't believe I was feeling that way, though. I just remember where I was at in that moment, you know what I'm saying? And I just. Yeah, I done grown a lot. I'm growing every day and shit. You know what I'm saying? You grow every day. Every day I learn something new, I take a step closer, you know?
}}
Release and promotion
{{See also|Last Lap Tour}}
On November 21, 2023, Green released the single "After it All" exclusively to his YouTube channel, however, it was almost immediately deleted due to sample clearance issues. Furthermore, one of Green's engineers took their Instagram live to state that his label, Alamo Records, delayed the release of the single due to label-mate Lil Durk dropping the same night.{{cite web|url=https://www.attacktheculture.com/videos/rod-wave-the-positive-thoughts-and-vibes-are-sky-high-in-the-after-it-all-music-video|title=Rod Wave: The positive thoughts and vibes are sky high in the 'After It All' music video|website=Attack The Culture|date=November 22, 2023|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-date=September 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924170227/https://www.attacktheculture.com/videos/rod-wave-the-positive-thoughts-and-vibes-are-sky-high-in-the-after-it-all-music-video|language=en-US|url-status=live}}
On March 31, 2024, Green was arrested in Manatee County, Florida on two counts of illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon, related to a shooting in St. Petersburg, Florida.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-arrested-weapons-charges-police-allege-shooting/|title=Rod Wave Arrested on Weapons Charges as Police Accuse Him of Ties to Florida Gang Shooting|first=Michael|last=Saponara|magazine=Billboard|date=April 3, 2024|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403224004/https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-arrested-weapons-charges-police-allege-shooting/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2024/04/03/rod-wave-arrested-manatee-county-rodarius-green-in-jail/|title=St. Petersburg rapper Rod Wave arrested on weapons charge in Manatee County|first1=Tony|last1=Marrero|first2=Emily|last2=Wunderlich|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=April 3, 2024|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403202604/https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2024/04/03/rod-wave-arrested-manatee-county-rodarius-green-in-jail/|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} The police claimed that the shooting was gang-related and the three men arrested alongside Green were alleged gang members. Despite this, Green was later released because the information about him being a felon was inaccurate.{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/rod-wave-arrested-on-charges-of-illegal-weapon-possession-in-florida-but-why-was-he-released-few-hours-later-101712220030848.html|title=Rod Wave arrested on charges of illegal weapon possession in Florida, but why was he released few hours later?|last1=Kukreti|first1=Shweta|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=April 4, 2024|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=May 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505065719/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/rod-wave-arrested-on-charges-of-illegal-weapon-possession-in-florida-but-why-was-he-released-few-hours-later-101712220030848.html#:~:text=Rod%20Wave%20released%20from%20jail,police%20arrested%203%20more%20persons.|url-status=live}} On April 16, Green released a re-recording of his December 2018 track, "Numb" from his Hunger Games 3 mixtape, alongside a new music video.{{Cite web|last=Zachary|first=Horvath|date=April 17, 2024|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/789233-rod-wave-numb-hip-hop-news|website=HotNewHipHop|title=Rod Wave Updates An Older Track With "Numb"|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917212429/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/789233-rod-wave-numb-hip-hop-news|language=en-US|url-status=live}} In May, Green took to his Twitter to announce his break-up with his long-time girlfriend and to ask producers to stop sending him "sad" beats, and instead requested Future-type beats.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/803349-rod-wave-girlfriend-breakup-song-hip-hop-news|title=Rod Wave Argues With His Girlfriend Over Cheating Allegations, Teases Break-Up Song|last=Alexandria|first=Lavender|website=HotNewHipHop|date=May 17, 2024|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=May 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524130605/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/803349-rod-wave-girlfriend-breakup-song-hip-hop-news|language=en-US|url-status=live}} As a result, record producer close to Future, Metro Boomin quote Tweeted Green, suggesting that he'd have involvement on the album.{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/metro-boomin-rod-wave-future-type-beats|title=Metro Boomin Answers Rod Wave's Call After He Requests 'Future Type' Beats|last=Mendez|first=Marisa|website=HipHopDX|date=May 18, 2024|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=June 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605174840/https://hiphopdx.com/news/metro-boomin-rod-wave-future-type-beats|language=en-US|url-status=live}} In June he posted an Instagram story in which he stated that it "hurt" him to make the project: "This fuckin project hurt so bad bra. But I'ma give it ta y'all". In the same story, he teased the album's tracklist, tour dates, and merchandise to be "loading".{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-new-album-emotional-hurt|title=Rod Wave Readies Emotional New Album: 'This Project Hurt So Bad'|last=Walker|first=Joe|website=HipHopDX|date=June 19, 2024|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=June 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619205229/https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-new-album-emotional-hurt|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On June 21, Green released the track "Lonely" exclusively to his YouTube channel, however, deleted it shortly after.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/818103-rod-wave-lonely-stream|title=Rod Wave Releases Ballad "Lonely" Ahead Of New Unnamed Project|last=Horvath|first=Zachary|website=HotNewHipHop|date=June 21, 2024|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917212429/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/818103-rod-wave-lonely-stream|language=en-US|url-status=live}} In September 2024, Green went live on his Instagram and revealed that the album would feature guest appearances from Drake, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, and Rylo Rodriguez. Shortly after the live, he shared a snippet of a track titled "Best Friends" with Drake.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/842451-rod-wave-drake-collab-hip-hop-news|title=Rod Wave Previews Drake Collab: "GOAT"|last=Bras Nevares|first=Gabriel|website=HotNewHipHop|date=September 14, 2024|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917212429/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/842451-rod-wave-drake-collab-hip-hop-news|language=en-US|url-status=live}}
On September 4, Green announced his United States Last Lap Tour, supported by Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior, and Eelmatic.{{cite magazine|last=Saponara|first=Michael|title=Rod Wave Announces 2024 Last Lap Tour With Moneybagg Yo & Toosii|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-2024-last-lap-tour-dates-moneybagg-yo-toosii-1235767032/|access-date=September 21, 2024|magazine=Billboard|date=September 4, 2024|archive-date=September 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904230554/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-2024-last-lap-tour-dates-moneybagg-yo-toosii-1235767032/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The thirty-six-stop tour will begin on October 19 in Phoenix, Arizona and will conclude on December 18 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.{{Cite news|date=September 5, 2024|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2493830/rod-wave-announces-last-lap-tour-with-special-guests-across-north-america|title=Rod Wave announces Last Lap Tour with special guests across North America|newspaper=The Express Tribune|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923125224/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2493830/rod-wave-announces-last-lap-tour-with-special-guests-across-north-america|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On September 14, Green released the album's lead single, "Passport Junkie".{{Cite web|last=Zachary|first=Horvath|date=September 16, 2024|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/843102-rod-wave-passport-junkie-stream|title=Rod Wave Gears Up For New Tour & Album With "Passport Junkie"|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=September 21, 2024|archive-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917062643/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/843102-rod-wave-passport-junkie-stream|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On September 23, Green took to YouTube to release a new song titled "Letting It Go" accompanied by a music video. The song interpolates lyrics from Best Thing I Never Had by Beyonce. The song and video were deleted off YouTube quickly after release, and the song would not be featured on the album. On September 26, Green officially announced the release of the album for October 11.{{Cite web|last=Andriyashchuck|first=Yuriy|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://hip-hopvibe.com/news/rod-wave-to-release-last-lap-album-on-october-11/|title=Rod Wave to release Last Lap album on October 11|website=Hip-Hop Vibe|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927025942/https://hip-hopvibe.com/news/rod-wave-to-release-last-lap-album-on-october-11/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://dirty-glove.net/rod-wave-last-lap-album-announcement/|title=Rod Wave Announces New Album Last Lap|website=Dirty Glove Bastard|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928110721/https://dirty-glove.net/rod-wave-last-lap-album-announcement/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|author=Navjosh|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://hiphop-n-more.com/2024/09/rod-wave-new-single-fall-fast-in-love-last-lap-release-date/|title=Rod Wave Drops New Single "Fall Fast In Love", Announces Last Lap Album Release Date|website=HipHop-N-More|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927191749/https://hiphop-n-more.com/2024/09/rod-wave-new-single-fall-fast-in-love-last-lap-release-date/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Andriyashchuck|first=Yuriy|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://hip-hopvibe.com/news/rod-wave-to-release-last-lap-album-on-october-11/|title=Rod Wave to release "Last Lap" album on October 11|website=Hip-Hop Vibe|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927025942/https://hip-hopvibe.com/news/rod-wave-to-release-last-lap-album-on-october-11/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The following day, he released the album's second single, "Fall Fast in Love".{{cite magazine|last=Saponara|first=Michael|title=Rod Wave Announces Last Lap Album Release Date & Drops Poignant "Fall Fast in Love" Single|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-last-lap-album-release-date-fall-fast-in-love-single-1235787257/|access-date=September 27, 2024|magazine=Billboard|date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927185625/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-last-lap-album-release-date-fall-fast-in-love-single-1235787257/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Morton|first=Devin|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/846107-rod-wave-fall-fast-in-love-stream|title=Rod Wave Delivers New Single "Fall Fast In Love" Ahead Of Sixth Album|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927184658/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/846107-rod-wave-fall-fast-in-love-stream|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Sharpe|first=John|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Rod-Wave-to-Release-New-Studio-Album-Last-Lap-Drops-New-Single-20240927|title=Rod Wave to Release New Studio Album Last Lap; Drops New Single|website=BroadwayWorld|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927200901/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Rod-Wave-to-Release-New-Studio-Album-Last-Lap-Drops-New-Single-20240927|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://hiphop24x7.com/artist/latest-songs/rod-wave-new-single-video-fall-fast-in-love/|title=Watch: Rod Wave Releases New Single & Video "Fall Fast In Love"|website=HipHop24x7|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927061328/https://hiphop24x7.com/artist/latest-songs/rod-wave-new-single-video-fall-fast-in-love/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} Following Green's album announcement, Memphis, Tennessee rapper, GloRilla commented on the post regarding her debut album, Glorious dropping the same day as Last Lap, which she announced a week prior. GloRilla replied to Green's announcement via a comment: "Why DF Would You Drop On My Day I'm Finna Tweak Out".{{Cite web|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/glorilla-rod-wave-threat-album-release-date-clash|title=GloRilla Threatens To 'Tweak Out' After Rod Wave Invades Her Album Release Date|last=Moore|first=Sam|website=HipHopDX|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927201925/https://hiphopdx.com/news/glorilla-rod-wave-threat-album-release-date-clash|language=en-US|url-status=live}} Following her comment, Green took to his Instagram story to share a picture of the two in the studio while confirming that we wouldn't move his release date: "La twin drop same night".{{Cite web|date=September 27, 2024|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/846131-glorilla-rod-wave-release-date-hip-hop-news|title=GloRilla Goes Off On Rod Wave For Dropping On The Same Day As Her|last=Fisher|first=Caroline|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=September 27, 2024|archive-date=September 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927202317/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/846131-glorilla-rod-wave-release-date-hip-hop-news|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On October 9, the album's official tracklist was revealed by Alamo Records via Instagram. Upon the release of the tracklist, Green received minor backlash after fans saw that Drake and Morgan Wallen weren't featured on the project.{{Cite magazine|date=October 11, 2024|url=https://holler.country/news/breaking/fans-are-upset-that-rod-waves-new-album-last-lap-doesnt-feature-his-morgan-wallen-collaboration-dont-wanna-feel-it/|title=Fans Are Upset That Rod Wave's New Album, Last Lap, Doesn't Feature His Morgan Wallen Collaboration, "Don't Wanna Feel It"|last=Mower|first=Maxim|magazine=Holler Country|access-date=October 12, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109222111/https://holler.country/news/breaking/fans-are-upset-that-rod-waves-new-album-last-lap-doesnt-feature-his-morgan-wallen-collaboration-dont-wanna-feel-it/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}
Following the release of the album, on October 12, Green released the official music video for the project's fourth cut, "25".{{Cite web|date=October 16, 2024|url=https://stupiddope.com/2024/10/rod-wave-reflects-on-love-and-loneliness-in-25/|title=Rod Wave Reflects on Love and Loneliness in "25"|last=James|first=Jesse|website=StupidDope|access-date=October 16, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109222229/https://stupiddope.com/2024/10/rod-wave-reflects-on-love-and-loneliness-in-25/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On October 25, 2024, in an episode of Billboard{{'}}s Billboard Unfiltered, Carl Lamarre, Trevor Anderson, Damien Scott, and Kyle Denis spoke about Green and the album, stating that he's carved his own lane and is in the "Big 3" oh Hip-Hop.{{cite magazine|last=Saponara|first=Michael|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/billboard-unfiltered-rod-wave-glorilla-bet-1235810822/|title=Billboard Unfiltered: Rod Wave, GloRilla, the State of Hip-Hop Journalism & BET Hip-Hop Awards|date=October 25, 2024|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 26, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109222337/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/billboard-unfiltered-rod-wave-glorilla-bet-1235810822/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}
Artwork
The official artwork for Last Lap sees Green in the midst of performing with his back to the artwork. He's holding the microphone in his right hand and the microphone stand in his left hand. On Green's left wrist is seen a Richard Mille RM 67-01 Automatic Extra Flat. On the back of his t-shirt is a portrait of Green and his late uncle and manager, the founder of Hit House Entertainment, Derek "Dee" Lane. The artwork pays homage to his late uncle whose death was confirmed by Green on July 3, 2024, through his Instagram:{{Cite magazine|date=July 3, 2024|url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2024/07/03/rod-wave-confirms-the-death-of-his-manager-uncle-dee|title=Rod Wave Confirms The Untimely Passing Of Uncle Dee: "I Love [You] So Much"|first=Malcolm|last=Trapp|magazine=Rap-Up|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-date=August 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827090711/https://www.rap-up.com/article/2024/07/03/rod-wave-confirms-the-death-of-his-manager-uncle-dee|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Blockquote|text=I love u so much pop I'm sorry they prayed we fall. I follow u every where l would follow u to heaven but nigga we started this shit I know how y' mind work a thousand thoughts a min I swear when I was a kid I thought u was bigger the da president nigga u is gone always be da largest nigga da sickest nigga and any nigga say u ain't doa [dead on arrival].
}}
Critical reception
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev1score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Staff|first=TiVo|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/last-lap-mw0004390277|title=Last Lap Review by TiVo Staff|date= October 11, 2024|website=AllMusic|access-date= November 29, 2024|archive-date=November 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129111813/https://www.allmusic.com/album/last-lap-mw0004390277|language=en-US|url-status=live}}
| rev2 = Ratings Game Music
}}
Last Lap received mediocre reviews from critics. AllMusic{{'}}s TiVo Staff wrote that the album is "another collection of heartbroken melodies, yearning hooks, sad piano loops, and just enough pop lift to keep the entire thing from falling into utter despair". He stated that Green focuses "on songs of loss, social anxiety, and emotional pain", however, "he's done very little to expand on his sound or differentiate one song or album from the next". Writing for Ratings Game Music, in a positive review, Quincy wrote that on the album, Green "stays true to his emotional core, delivering the heartfelt music his fans expect" and that his lyrics "feel more balanced and optimistic compared to his earlier work". He stated that Green's topics of "lost love, loneliness, and dealing with the repercussions" of the streets, alongside his rapping about "his newfound success, lavish lifestyle, and treating women he values" show his growth and maturity as an artist. HotNewHipHop{{'}}s Zachary Horvath wrote that the album sees Green "[feature] your typical painful love songs as well as songs about his mental health", and that at times, he "come[s] across as unsure about his own life and how all of these tragedies happening around him will affect him in the long term".
Commercial performance
In the United States, Last Lap debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, earning 127,000 album-equivalent units (including 2,000 in pure sales) in its first week.{{Cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=October 21, 2024|title=Jelly Roll Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With Beautifully Broken|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/jelly-roll-beautifully-broken-number-one-debut-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235806756/|access-date=October 21, 2024|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109222611/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/jelly-roll-beautifully-broken-number-one-debut-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235806756/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} It became Wave's seventh top ten on the chart. The album accumulated a total of 173.35 million on-demand streams of its songs. With the release of Last Lap, Rod Wave became the only artist other than Taylor Swift to have an album peak within the top ten of the Billboard 200 every year between the years of 2019 to 2024. In its second week, the album fell to number four on the Billboard 200, moving 67,000 album-equivalent units.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/yeat-lyfestyle-first-number-one-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235812308/|title=Yeat Lands First No. 1 on Billboard 200 With Lyfestyle|magazine=Billboard|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=October 27, 2024|access-date=October 28, 2024|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109222824/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/yeat-lyfestyle-first-number-one-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235812308/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} In its third week, the album fell to number five on the Billboard 200, moving 51,000 album-equivalent units.{{Cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=November 3, 2024|title=Tyler, the Creator's Chromakopia Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/tyler-the-creator-chromakopia-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-1235818700/|access-date=November 9, 2024|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=November 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109020200/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/tyler-the-creator-chromakopia-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-1235818700/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Last Lap track listing
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title1 = Turtle Race
| writer1 = {{hlist|Rodarius Green|Thomas Horton|Felix Govaerts|Kyris D'Asia}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|TnTXD|FlexOnDaTrack|Kyris}}
| length1 = 3:06
| title2 = Last Lap
| writer2 = {{hlist|Green|Trentay Robinson|Brandon Lake|Aaron Moses|Doe Jones|Ryan Ofei}}
| extra2 = Trillo Beatz
| length2 = 4:08
| title3 = Apply Pressure
| writer3 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|Govaerts|Mohamed Ghallab|Will Michael}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|TnTXD|FlexOnDaTrack|CocoBeatSzn|Will Michael}}
| length3 = 2:55
| title4 = 25
| writer4 = {{hlist|Green|Lee Spight|Temilade Openiyi|Seyi Sodimu|Ronald Banful|Akano Wisdom}}
| extra4 = EELmatic
| length4 = 3:00
| title5 = Fuck the Fame
| note5 = featuring Lil Baby and Lil Yachty
| writer5 = {{hlist|Green|Dominique Jones|Miles McCollum|Deshawn Jackson|Eamon Doyle|Kirk Robinson|Yared Williams}}
| extra5 = ChildBoy
| length5 = 3:03
| title6 = Federal Nightmares
| writer6 = {{hlist|Green|Hunter Brown|Matthew Robinson}}
| extra6 = {{hlist|Akachi|Mattazik Muzik|Vile}}
| length6 = 3:08
| title7 = Angel with an Attitude
| writer7 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|Fedor Sommerfeld|Justin Bradbury|Gabriel Lucas}}
| extra7 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Fasbeats|JB|Gabe Lucas}}
| length7 = 3:15
| title8 = The Best
| writer8 = {{hlist|Green|Spight|Donald Lawrence}}
| extra8 = EELmatic
| length8 = 2:35
| title9 = Never Mind
| writer9 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|David McDowell|Mikhail Makhinko}}
| extra9 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Dmac|Michael Makho}}
| length9 = 2:50
| title10 = Mike
| writer10 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|McDowell|D'Asia}}
| extra10 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Dmac|Kyris}}
| length10 = 2:35
| title11 = Even Love
| writer11 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|Sommerfeld|Archie Patmore|Rashaad Green}}
| extra11 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Fasbeats|APGoKrazy|Shaad K'Rounds}}
| length11 = 2:34
| title12 = Waited 2 Late
| note12 = with Wild Rivers
| writer12 = {{hlist|Green|Devan Glover|Khalid Yassein|Andrew Oliver|Horton|McDowell|Makhinko}}
| extra12 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Dmac|Michael Makho}}
| length12 = 2:40
| title13 = D.A.R.E.
| writer13 = {{hlist|Green|McDowell|Benjamin Hubble|Bryan Beachley}}
| extra13 = {{hlist|Dmac|DatBoiGetro|LayZ|Train}}
| length13 = 2:31
| title14 = The Mess They Made
| writer14 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|Michael Roberge|Cameron Hubler|Jeffrey Jones Jr.}}
| extra14 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Berge.af|Uncle Cameron|Foreverolling}}
| length14 = 2:45
| title15 = Karma
| writer15 = {{hlist|Green|Spight}}
| extra15 = EELmatic
| length15 = 2:54
| title16 = Spaceship
| writer16 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|McDowell|Josh Joseph}}
| extra16 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Dmac|MarsGawd}}
| length16 = 2:54
| title17 = Lost in Love
| note17 = with Be Charlotte
| writer17 = {{hlist|Green|Charlotte Brimner|Horton|Devin Wood|Andrey Letunov|Scotty Anderson|Ciaran McEneny}}
| extra17 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Djaxx|Andrew Levia}}
| length17 = 2:43
| title18 = Bachelor
| writer18 = {{hlist|Green|Tarkan Kozluklu|Govaerts|Niko Schneider|Aubrey Graham|Noah Shebib|Francis Starlite}}
| extra18 = {{hlist|T Five|FlexOnDaTrack|Neeko Baby}}
| length18 = 2:25
| title19 = Scared Love
| writer19 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|Janarious Wheeler|Keely Maynard|Joseph Tounge|Sterling van Reynolds|Antonio Ramos|Evgeny Ermakov}}
| extra19 = {{hlist|TnTXD|Colorado|Keely|LondnBlue|TrillGotJuice}}
| length19 = 3:05
| title20 = Fall Fast in Love
| writer20 = {{hlist|Green|Kozluklu|Christopher Fizer|Govaerts|Schneider}}
| extra20 = {{hlist|T Five|Chris Made|FlexOnDaTrack|Neeko Baby}}
| length20 = 2:52
| title21 = Passport Junkie
| writer21 = {{hlist|Green|Kozluklu|Kirill Vyacheslavovich|Darius Poviliunas}}
| extra21 = {{hlist|T Five|Exuising|Wonderyo}}
| length21 = 2:27
| title22 = IRan
| writer22 = {{hlist|Green|Horton|Bradbury|Wood|Robert Smorra|Georgia Boyden}}
| extra22 = {{hlist|TnTXD|JB|Djaxx|Draka|Geo Vocals}}
| length22 = 2:58
| title23 = Jersey Numbers
| note23 = featuring Rylo Rodriguez
| writer23 = {{hlist|Green|Ryan Adams|Horton|Bradbury|Isaac Agyapong}}
| extra23 = {{hlist|TnTXD|JB|Isaac Junior}}
| length23 = 3:50
| total_length = 67:13
}}
Sample credits
- "Last Lap" contains samples of "Keep Praying", written by Brandon Lake, Aaron Moses, Doe Jones, and Ryan Ofei, as performed by Maverick City Music, Mav City Gospel Choir, Ryan Ofei, and DOE.
- "25" contains samples of "Love Me JeJe", written by Temilade Openiyi, Seyi Sodimu, Ronald Banful, and Akano Wisdom, as performed by Tems.
- "Fuck Fame" contains samples of "On & On", written by Eamon Doyle, Kirk Robinson, and Yared Williams, as performed by Eamon.
- "Federal Nightmares" contains samples of "B.G. and DJ Drama Speak", written by Christopher Dorsey and Tyree Simmons, as performed by B.G. and DJ Drama.
- "The Best" contains samples of "The Best Is Yet to Come", written by Donald Lawrence, as performed by Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers.
- "Lost in Love" contains an interpolation of "Smooth Criminal", written and performed by Michael Jackson.
- "Bachelor" contains samples of "Karaoke", written by Aubrey Graham, Noah Shebib, and Francis Starlite, as performed by Drake.
Personnel
Musicians
- Rod Wave – vocals
- Kasey Rashel Sims – additional vocals (4)
- Lil Baby – rap vocals (5)
- Lil Yachty – rap vocals (5)
Technical
Charts
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for Last Lap ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Edition(s) ! scope="col"| Ref. |
| scope="row"| Various
| October 11, 2024 | rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Alamo}} | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | rowspan="2"| Standard |
|---|
| scope="row"| United States
| November 1, 2024 | LP | style="text-align: center"|{{cite web|url=https://rod-wave-mt.myshopify.com/products/rod-wave-last-lap-2lp|title=Rod Wave - Last Lap 2LP|publisher=Shopify|access-date=November 2, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106200354/https://rod-wave-mt.myshopify.com/products/rod-wave-last-lap-2lp|url-status=live}} |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Rod Wave}}
{{Authority control}}