Rod Wave

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Rodarius Marcell Green was born on August 27, 1998, in St. Petersburg, Florida. During his elementary school years, Green experienced a challenging family situation when his parents divorced, and his father subsequently ended up in jail. Struggling with financial difficulties, his family found it challenging to provide the necessary support. As a result, Green turned to the streets as a means to make a living. Unfortunately, this led him down a troubled path, involving multiple stints in juvenile centers and engagement in various illicit activities such as drug dealing, robbery, burglary, and possession of firearms. Green attended Lakewood Elementary School in Saint Petersburg, FL, and was selected for All-State Elementary Chorus in 2009 and 2010.{{Cite news|last=Spata|first=Christopher|date=September 22, 2021|url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2021/09/22/how-rod-wave-made-it-from-st-petersburg-to-music-stardom/|title=How Rod Wave made it from St. Petersburg to music stardom|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-date=April 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409055519/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2021/09/22/how-rod-wave-made-it-from-st-petersburg-to-music-stardom/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} He continued to perform in front of his fellow students at Lakewood High School.

Following his father Rodney "Fatz" Green's incarceration, Fatz's close friend, Derek "Uncle Dee" Lane played a major role in his life before he was eventually arrested and sentenced to a year in prison a year after Fatz. Upon his father's release from jail, he recognized the destructive lifestyle his son was entangled in. Determined to steer Wave in a more positive direction, his father took a proactive approach, resulting in Green joining the high school football team. He encouraged Green to channel his energy into music, recognizing its potential to transform his life. In support of this newfound passion, Fatz purchased a microphone, while his brother contributed by buying him a computer. Equipped with these tools, Green was provided with the means to redirect his life towards a more positive and constructive path. After the release of Lane, he and Fatz came together to found the entertainment company and record label, Hit House Entertainment, to support Green before he eventually signed to Alamo Records.

{{Main|Ghetto Gospel (album)|Pray 4 Love}}

Green's career began in 2015, with the release of Rookie of the Year and his Hunger Games mixtape trilogy, the latter two of the series released under Alamo Records, which Green signed with in 2018. On June 14, 2019, he released his mixtape PTSD, which included the song "Heart on Ice". The song went viral on YouTube and TikTok, peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{Cite web|last=A.|first=Aron|date=June 14, 2019|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/173674-rod-wave-bares-his-soul-on-new-project-ptsd-new-mixtape|title=Rod Wave Bares His Soul On New Project "PTSD"|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923200457/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/173674-rod-wave-bares-his-soul-on-new-project-ptsd-new-mixtape|language=en-US|url-status=live}} From July to October 2019, Green appeared as a supporting act on Kevin Gates' I'm Him Tour. During Green's interview with XXL, he spoke about how going on tour with Gates helped him grow as an artist: "When I was on tour with you, it was fun seeing the world, and I learned how big the world was. Being stuck in a bubble and stuck in a market, you feel me, it kinda made me more humbler because it's like it's a whole 'nother side of the world that don't even know who you is".

His debut album, Ghetto Gospel, executively produced by Kevin Gates was released on November 1, 2019.{{Cite magazine|last=Seabrook III|first=Robby|date=October 31, 2019|title=Rod Wave Salutes Kevin Gates for Motivating Him to Rap, Executive-Producing Ghetto Gospel Album|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rod-wave-interview-kevin-gates/|magazine=XXL|access-date=September 16, 2024|archive-date=May 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526034844/https://www.xxlmag.com/rod-wave-interview-kevin-gates/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} It was preceded by three singles, "Heart on Ice (Remix)" featuring Lil Durk,{{Cite web|last=Mench|first=Chris|title=Chart Climber: Rod Wave Crests With "Heart On Ice"|url=https://genius.com/a/chart-climber-rod-wave-crests-with-heart-on-ice|website=Genius|date=April 9, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401125735/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/193022-rod-wave-and-kevin-gates-drip-in-gold-on-cuban-links-new-song|language=en-US|url-status=live}} "Cuban Links" featuring Kevin Gates,{{Cite web|last=A.|first=Aron|title=Rod Wave & Kevin Gates Drip In Gold On "Cuban Links"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/193022-rod-wave-and-kevin-gates-drip-in-gold-on-cuban-links-new-song|website=HotNewHipHop|date=October 11, 2019|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401125702/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/193022-rod-wave-and-kevin-gates-drip-in-gold-on-cuban-links-new-song|language=en-US|url-status=live}} and "Close Enough to Hurt".{{Cite web|last=A.|first=Aron|title=Rod Wave Drops Off "Close Enough To Hurt"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/194437-rod-wave-drops-off-close-enough-to-hurt-new-song|website=HotNewHipHop|date=October 23, 2019|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401130953/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/194437-rod-wave-drops-off-close-enough-to-hurt-new-song|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The album peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200. Following the release of the album, in January 2020, Green announced his twenty-two stop United States Ghetto Gosepl Tour, starting on March 3, 2020, in Augusta, Georgia, and concluding on April 3, in St. Petersburg, Florida, in support of his album.{{Cite web|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|title=Rod Wave Announces U.S. Tour|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/rod-wave-announces-us-tour/|website=Pitchfork|date=January 10, 2020|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=January 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121172424/https://pitchfork.com/news/rod-wave-announces-us-tour/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

On April 3, 2020, Green released his second full-length studio album, Pray 4 Love. The album was preceded by six singles, "Dark Clouds",{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Clara|title=We Came for the Feels... and Rod Wave Delivered|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2021-08-29/we-came-for-the-feels-and-rod-wave-delivered/|newspaper=The Austin Chronicle|date=August 29, 2021|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=May 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528015016/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2021-08-29/we-came-for-the-feels-and-rod-wave-delivered/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} "Thug Motivation",{{cite magazine|last=Saponara|first=Michael|title=Rod Wave Narrates His Come Up With Inspiring 'Thug Motivation' Video: Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-thug-motivation-video-8548106/|magazine=Billboard|date=January 15, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=June 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605095324/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-thug-motivation-video-8548106/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} "Thief in the Night",{{cite web|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|title=Rod Wave Drops Off New Single "Thief In The Night"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/241455-rod-wave-drops-off-new-single-thief-in-the-night-new-song|website=HotNewHipHop|date=March 2, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327185337/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/241455-rod-wave-drops-off-new-single-thief-in-the-night-new-song|language=en-US|url-status=live}} "Pray 4 Love",{{Cite magazine|last=Holmes|first=Charles|date=March 18, 2020|title=Nearly One Billion Streams Later, Rod Wave Is Still Praying For Love|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-pray-4-love-969226/|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=April 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429133101/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-pray-4-love-969226/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} "The Greatest",{{cite magazine|last=Mamo|first=Heran|title=Rod Wave Knows What it Takes to Be 'The Greatest' in New Video, Shares 'Pray 4 Love' Track List|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-greatest-video-pray-4-love-track-list-9349507/|magazine=Billboard|date=April 2, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=June 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605095324/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-greatest-video-pray-4-love-track-list-9349507/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} and "Girl of My Dreams".{{Cite web|last=Whitely|first=Ariel|date=May 9, 2020|title=WATCH: Rod Wave Drops Official Visual For "Girl Of My Dreams"|url=http://karencivil.com/2020/05/09/watch-rod-wave-drops-official-visual-for-girl-of-my-dreams/|website=Karen Civil|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-date=June 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601093001/http://karencivil.com/2020/05/09/watch-rod-wave-drops-official-visual-for-girl-of-my-dreams/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200. Several songs from the album entered the Billboard Hot 100, including "Rags2Riches" featuring ATR Son Son,{{Cite magazine|last=Zellner|first=Xander|date=April 14, 2020|title=Rod Wave Charts Eight Songs From 'Pray 4 Love' Album on Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-pray-4-love-8-songs-hot-100/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 16, 2024|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120093909/https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-pray-4-love-8-songs-hot-100/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}{{Cite magazine|last=Rutherford|first=Kevin|date=August 6, 2020|title=Rod Wave's 'Rags2Riches' Becomes Second Song to Rule Both Top Triller Charts|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-rags2riches-top-triller-charts/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=March 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325025606/https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-rags2riches-top-triller-charts/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} which peaked at number 12 on the Hot 100 and became his highest-charting song. On April 6, Rod Wave was selected by music streaming service Audiomack as the first artist in their "Up Now" emerging artist program. "Audiomack has been helping me get my music out there from the very beginning before people really knew who I was," the artist told Audiomack. "Continuing to work together with them is part of staying true to my core fans as I take the next step of the journey".{{Cite web |date=2020-04-06 |title=Audiomack Launches #UpNow Program Spotlighting Emerging Artists with Rod Wave |url=https://audiomack.com/world/post/rod-wave-is-upnow |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Audiomack World |language=en}} On May 18, it was announced that Green signed a global co-publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing (formerly Sony/ATV publishing).{{Cite magazine|last=Eggertsen|first=Chris|date=May 18, 2020|title=Rod Wave Signs Global Co-Publishing Deal With Sony/ATV|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-heart-on-ice-sony-atv-publishing-deal/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 16, 2024|archive-date=October 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029080710/https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-heart-on-ice-sony-atv-publishing-deal/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} In an interview with Billboard, Green expressed that his decision to sign with Sony stemmed from his goals of writing movie scripts in the future, while also announcing the release of a deluxe edition of Pray 4 Love to release on August 7, while also stating his plan for the release of his third album, to release on the 27th of the same month. The deluxe edition released as planned with additional features from Yo Gotti and Lil Baby.{{Cite magazine|last=Lamarre|first=Carl|date=August 7, 2020|title=First Beat: New Music By Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Rod Wave & More|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/first-beat-rick-ross-2-chainz-rod-wave-9431016/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 16, 2024|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005191808/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/first-beat-rick-ross-2-chainz-rod-wave-9431016/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On August 11, 2020, Wave was included on XXL{{'}}s 2020 Freshman Class.{{cite magazine|last=Cline|first=Georgette|date=August 11, 2020|title=XXL 2020 Freshman Class Revealed|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-2020-freshman-class-revealed/|magazine=XXL|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812141625/https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-2020-freshman-class-revealed/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

{{Main|SoulFly (Rod Wave album)|Beautiful Mind (album)|Jupiter's Diary: 7 Day Theory}}

File:Beautiful Mind Tour Pittsburgh, PA 4.jpg during his Beautiful Mind Tour, 2022.|thumb|Green performing in Pittsburgh during his Beautiful Mind Tour, 2022.]]

In January 2021, Green shared the album's cover art on his Instagram while calling out Alamo Records for not paying him, stating that he wouldn't release the album until he'd get paid.{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/rod-wave-album-delay/|title=Rod Wave Says He Won't Release His Album Until His Record Label Pays Up|work=Uproxx|last=Williams|first=Aaron|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=September 16, 2024|archive-date=May 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520064550/https://uproxx.com/music/rod-wave-album-delay/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} He revealed the track list for his album SoulFly on March 6, 2021. The album was released as planned on March 26, 2021, and was preceded by three singles, "Street Runner",{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rod-wave-is-all-about-his-business-on-street-runner-single-new-song.1990557.html|title=Rod Wave Is All About His Business On "Street Runner" Single|work=HotNewHipHop|last=Marie|first=Erika|date=January 8, 2021|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405141800/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/315971-rod-wave-is-all-about-his-business-on-street-runner-single-new-song|language=en-US|url-status=live}} "Tombstone", and "Richer" featuring Polo G.{{Cite magazine|last=Zellner|first=Xander|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-tops-hot-100-songwriters-chart/|title=Rod Wave Rules Hot 100 Songwriters Chart, Led by 'Tombstone' & More|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 25, 2022|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225104456/https://www.billboard.com/pro/rod-wave-tops-hot-100-songwriters-chart/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} While being the most pre-saved album on Apple Music for two weeks,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-waves-soulfly-continues-to-lead-apple-music-pre-add-chart-1148497/|title=Rod Wave's 'SoulFly' Continues to Lead Apple Music Pre-Add Chart|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Blake|first=Emily|date=March 29, 2021|accessdate=April 4, 2021|archive-date=December 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202201241/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-waves-soulfly-continues-to-lead-apple-music-pre-add-chart-1148497/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} SoulFly debuted atop the Billboard 200, marking Green's first chart-topper, moving 130,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.{{Cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|date=April 13, 2021|title=Rod Wave and Lil Tjay, Two Brands of Sing-Rap With Different Bite|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/arts/music/rod-wave-soulfly-lil-tjay-destined-2-win-review.html|access-date=September 16, 2024|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125122450/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/arts/music/rod-wave-soulfly-lil-tjay-destined-2-win-review.html|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} On April 8, Green performed "Tombstone" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-tombstone-fallon-1152731/|title=Rod Wave Gets Soulful With 'Tombstone' on 'Fallon'|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Zemler|first=Emily|date=April 8, 2021|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225060055/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-tombstone-fallon-1152731/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} In May 2021, it was announced by the NMPA that Rod Wave was the biggest artist-songwriter in Q1 of 2021 with ten certifications, in the US.{{cite web|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/rod-wave-was-the-biggest-artist-songwriter-in-the-us-in-q1-with-10-certifications/|title=Rod Wave was the biggest artist-songwriter in the US in Q1, with 10 certifications|website=Music Business Worldwide|last=Stassen|first=Murray|date=May 13, 2021|accessdate=September 23, 2024|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513192433/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/rod-wave-was-the-biggest-artist-songwriter-in-the-us-in-q1-with-10-certifications/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On August 20, Green released the deluxe edition of SoulFly, featuring guest appearances from Lil Durk and Kodak Black.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/rod-wave-soulfly-deluxe|title=Rod Wave Drops Deluxe Edition of 'SoulFly' Album f/ Lil Durk and Kodak Black|magazine=Complex|last=Price|first=Joe|date=August 20, 2021|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916070918/https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/rod-wave-soulfly-deluxe|language=en-US|url-status=live}} Following the release of the deluxe, the album returned to the top ten of the Billboard 200 at #3. In support of the album, Green would embark on a thirty-six-stop tour throughout the United States, presented by Rolling Loud and Live Nation as the first tour under the new joint venture.{{cite magazine|last=Brooks|first=Dave|title=Rod Wave Tour Kicking Off Rolling Loud's National Touring Company|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/rolling-loud-presents-national-touring-company-rod-wave/|website=Billboard|date=June 14, 2021|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=May 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529003102/https://www.billboard.com/pro/rolling-loud-presents-national-touring-company-rod-wave/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The tour began on August 27, 2021, in Houston, Texas, and concluded on October 23 in Seattle, Washington.

On November 14, Green released the single "By Your Side" as the lead single from his fourth full-length studio album, Beautiful Mind.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rod-wave-shares-new-song-by-your-side-new-song.1993319.html|title=Rod Wave Shares New Song "By Your Side"|work=HotNewHipHop|last=A.|first=Aron|date=November 15, 2021|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115224145/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rod-wave-shares-new-song-by-your-side-new-song.1993319.html|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The single, "Cold December" was released on January 17, 2022.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.complex.com/music/rod-wave-cold-december-video-single|title=Rod Wave Drops Video for New Single "Cold December"|magazine=Complex|last=Blanchet|first=Brenton|date=January 17, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327195731/https://www.complex.com/music/rod-wave-cold-december-video-single|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On May 1, Green released "Sorry 4 The Wait", a remix to Future's "Wait for U". Alongside the release of the track, Green announced the release of Beautiful Mind for June 3, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-05-02/166344/rod-wave-announces-new-album-a-beautiful-mind|title=Rod Wave announces new album 'Beautiful Mind'|work=Revolt TV|last=Powell|first=Jon|date=May 2, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=March 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326042554/https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-05-02/166344/rod-wave-announces-new-album-a-beautiful-mind|language=en-US|url-status=live}} However, the album failed to be released on time, resulting in fans complaining on social media.{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.70991/title.rod-wave-didnt-drop-his-album-and-one-young-fan-is-pissed|title=Rod Wave Didn't Drop His Album & One Young Fan Is Pissed|work=HipHopDX|last=Elibert|first=Mark|date=June 13, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=March 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326043348/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.70991/title.rod-wave-didnt-drop-his-album-and-one-young-fan-is-pissed|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The single "Stone Rolling" was released on July 27.{{cite magazine|last=Darville|first=Jordan|title=Rod Wave shares "Stone Rolling," announces release date for new album|url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/07/28/rod-wave-shares-stone-rolling-announces-release-date-for-new-album|magazine=The Fader|date=July 28, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=May 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519182832/https://www.thefader.com/2022/07/28/rod-wave-shares-stone-rolling-announces-release-date-for-new-album|language=en-US|url-status=live}} On August 5, Green appeared as a guest appearance on "Home Ain't Home", the thirteenth cut of YoungBoy Never Broke Again's fourth studio album, The Last Slimeto.{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72298/title.nba-youngboy-the-last-slimeto-tracklist|title=NBA YoungBoy Enlists Quavo, Rod Wave + More For 'The Last Slimeto' Tracklist|website=HipHopDX|last=Elibert|first=Mark|date=August 4, 2022|access-date=September 30, 2024|language=en-US|archive-date=October 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003201659/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72298/title.nba-youngboy-the-last-slimeto-tracklist|url-status=live}} "Alone" was released on August 8, just days prior to the release of Beautiful Mind, serving as the album's fourth and final single.{{cite magazine|last=Paul|first=Larisha|title=Rod Wave Narrates a Tragic Tale of Love and Loss in New 'Alone' Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-alone-music-video-1394769/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=August 9, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=February 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203182823/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-alone-music-video-1394769/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} On August 10, Green released the album's tracklist, previewing features from Jack Harlow and December Joy.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/423597-rod-wave-unveils-beautiful-mind-tracklist-news|title=Rod Wave Unveils "Beautiful Mind" Tracklist|work=HotNewHipHop|last=Provost|first=Rex|date=August 11, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916210319/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/423597-rod-wave-unveils-beautiful-mind-tracklist-news|language=en-US|url-status=live}} Beautiful Mind was released on August 12, and debuted atop the Billboard 200, moving 115,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. The album marked Green's second consecutive #1 on the chart. Following the release of the album, Green embarked on a twenty-five-stop tour, beginning on November 11, 2022, in Minneapolis, MN, and ending in Seattle, WA on December 21, 2022. The tour saw support from Toosii and Mariah the Scientist.{{cite web|url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/rod-wave-fiserv-forum-nov-19|title=Rod Wave at Fiserv Forum on Nov. 19|website=Fox 9|date=September 30, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2024|archive-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210140307/https://www.fox6now.com/news/rod-wave-fiserv-forum-nov-19|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

On November 10, 2022, Rod Wave released "Break My Heart", the lead single for his eight-track EP, Jupiter's Diary: 7 Day Theory.{{cite web |last1=Ech |first1=Joey |title=Roddy Ricch, Saweetie, Rod Wave and More – New Hip-Hop Projects |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/roddy-ricch-saweetie-rod-wave-new-hip-hop-projects/ |website=XXL |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210052317/https://www.xxlmag.com/roddy-ricch-saweetie-rod-wave-new-hip-hop-projects/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=First Class |first1=DJ |title=Rod Wave delivers new "Break My Heart" visual |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-11-10/252510/rod-wave-delivers-new-break-my-heart-visual/ |website=Revolt |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=November 10, 2022 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528123605/https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-11-10/252510/rod-wave-delivers-new-break-my-heart-visual |url-status=live }} The EP was released the following week, on November 18, 2022.{{cite web |last1=William Cowen |first1=Trace |title=Rod Wave Releases 'Jupiter's Diary: 7 Day Theory' EP and "Got It Right" Video |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/rod-wave-jupiters-diary-7-day-theory-stream |website=Complex |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028143709/https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/rod-wave-jupiters-diary-7-day-theory-stream |url-status=live }} It would peak at #9 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, marking Rod Wave's fourth top ten debut at the time of its release and was the highest charting new release of the week ending December 4, 2022.{{cite news |last1=Sisario |first1=Ben |title=With No Major Releases to Challenge Her, Taylor Swift Sticks at No. 1 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/28/arts/music/taylor-swift-midnights-billboard-chart.html |newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=November 28, 2022 |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129002206/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/28/arts/music/taylor-swift-midnights-billboard-chart.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}

{{Main|Nostalgia (Rod Wave album)|Last Lap}}

File:RodWaveChicago2023.jpg during his Nostalgia Tour, 2023.|thumb|Green performing in Chicago during his Nostalgia Tour, 2023.]]

On March 31, 2023, Rod Wave released "Fight the Feeling" as the lead single for his upcoming studio album.{{cite web |last1=McKinney |first1=Jessica |title=The Best New Music This Week: Tyler, The Creator, Quavo, DJ Drama, & More |url=https://www.complex.com/music/best-new-music-this-week-tyler-the-creator-quavo-dj-drama |website=Complex |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606055440/https://www.complex.com/music/best-new-music-this-week-tyler-the-creator-quavo-dj-drama |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Cho |first1=Regina |title=Rod Wave is trying to "Fight The Feeling" in latest single |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-03-31/291271/rod-wave-fight-the-feeling-song/ |website=Revolt |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608155337/https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-03-31/291271/rod-wave-fight-the-feeling-song/ |url-status=live }} It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=Alexander |title=Rod Wave Flexes His Vocal Chops On "Fight The Feeling" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/653357-rod-wave-flexes-his-vocal-chops-on-fight-the-feeling |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508220801/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/653357-rod-wave-flexes-his-vocal-chops-on-fight-the-feeling |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Alex |title=Rod Wave Shares A Story Of Hearbreak And Healing On His New Single, 'Fight The Feeling' |url=https://uproxx.com/music/rod-wave-fight-the-feeling/ |website=Uproxx |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926013137/https://uproxx.com/music/rod-wave-fight-the-feeling/ |url-status=live }} Months later, on August 18, 2023, he released the album's second single, "Call Your Friends" which peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=Alexander |title=Rod Wave Pours His Heart Out On Gorgeous New Track "Call Your Friends" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/703947-rod-wave-call-your-friends-song |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=August 18, 2023 |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818182939/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/703947-rod-wave-call-your-friends-song |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Degrazia |first1=Leah |title=Rod Wave Reassesses His Priorities On New Song "Call Your Friends" |url=https://genius.com/a/rod-wave-reassesses-his-priorities-on-new-song-call-your-friends |website=Genius |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=August 18, 2023 |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901053703/https://genius.com/a/rod-wave-reassesses-his-priorities-on-new-song-call-your-friends |url-status=live }} This was followed by "Come See Me" on September 1, 2023, peaking at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=Alexander |title=Rod Wave Delivers Emotionally-Charged Track "Come See Me" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/708233-rod-wave-come-see-me-song |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=September 1, 2023 |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210082646/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/708233-rod-wave-come-see-me-song |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kearns |first1=Sarah |title=Rod Wave Is in His Bag on New Single "Come See Me" |url=https://hypebeast.com/2023/9/rod-wave-is-in-his-bag-on-new-single-come-see-me |website=Hypebeast |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=September 1, 2023 |archive-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921142125/https://hypebeast.com/2023/9/rod-wave-is-in-his-bag-on-new-single-come-see-me |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jon |title=Rod Wave drops off new video for "Come See Me" |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-09-01/324952/rod-wave-come-see-me-video/ |website=Revolt |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=September 1, 2023 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107021311/https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-09-01/324952/rod-wave-come-see-me-video/ |url-status=live }} On the week of the album's release, Rod Wave released the last two singles of the project, "Boyz Don't Cry" and "Checkmate" on September 13, 2023, and September 14, 2023.{{cite web |last1=Partridge |first1=Ken |title=Rod Wave Sings Through His Pain On New Song "Boyz Don't Cry" |url=https://genius.com/a/rod-wave-sings-through-his-pain-on-new-song-boyz-dont-cry |website=Genius |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927171757/https://genius.com/a/rod-wave-sings-through-his-pain-on-new-song-boyz-dont-cry |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=Alexander |title=Rod Wave Delivers Incredible Vocals On New Single "Checkmate" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/712980-rod-wave-checkmate-song |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=September 14, 2023|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209003341/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/712980-rod-wave-checkmate-song|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jon |title=Listen to Rod Wave's new album 'Nostalgia' |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-09-18/326797/listen-to-rod-waves-new-album-nostalgia/ |website=Revolt |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=September 18, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003095705/https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-09-18/326797/listen-to-rod-waves-new-album-nostalgia/ |url-status=live }} The two singles peaked at #25 and #55 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. On September 15, 2023, Rod Wave released his fifth full-length studio album, Nostalgia, which featured guest appearances from Wet, 21 Savage, and Sadie Jean.{{cite web |last1=Zellner |first1=Xander |title=All 18 Songs From Rod Wave's No. 1 Album 'Nostalgia' Chart on Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-nostalgia-all-songs-hot-100-1235425759/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=September 26, 2023 |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028145756/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-nostalgia-all-songs-hot-100-1235425759/ |url-status=live }} The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, moving 137,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Rod Wave's third #1 album. The album remained at #1 on the chart in its second week, moving an additional 88,000 units.{{cite magazine |last1=Caulfield |first1=Keith | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-nostalgia-second-week-atop-billboard-200-chart-1235431331/ | title=Rod Wave's 'Nostalgia' Notches Second Week Atop Billboard 200 Chart |access-date=September 18, 2024 | magazine=Billboard |date=October 2, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003035217/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rod-wave-nostalgia-second-week-atop-billboard-200-chart-1235431331/ |language=en-US|url-status=live }} Following the release of the album, Green embarked on his Nostalgia Tour, a thirty-five-stop arena tour in the United States.{{cite magazine|last=Inman|first=Demica|title=Rod Wave Announces Nostalgia Tour With Ari Lennox|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/events/rod-wave-nostalgia-tour-ari-lennox-1234790986/|magazine=Vibe|access-date=September 18, 2024|date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=September 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920005753/https://www.vibe.com/news/events/rod-wave-nostalgia-tour-ari-lennox-1234790986/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} The tour was supported by Ari Lennox, Toosii, G Herbo, and Eelmatic. Following the release of the album, in November 2023, Green was faced with controversy as Baton Rouge, Louisiana rapper, Boosie Badazz accused Green of stealing his lyrics and sampling his music without paying him, stating that he plans to file a lawsuit against Green.{{Cite web|last=Fisher|first=Caroline|date=November 19, 2023|title=Boosie Badazz Planning Rod Wave Lawsuit Over Allegedly Copied Song|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/736524-boosie-badazz-rod-wave-lawsuit|access-date=September 29, 2024|website=HotNewHipHop|language=en-US|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120070938/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/736524-boosie-badazz-rod-wave-lawsuit|url-status=live}} Despite Green stating that he'd pay Boosie,{{Cite magazine|last=Brown|first=Preezy|date=November 21, 2023|title=Rod Wave Offers To Pay Boosie Badazz To Avoid Sampling Lawsuit|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/rod-wave-pay-boosie-badazz-sampling-lawsuit-1234815000/|access-date=September 29, 2024|magazine=Vibe|language=en-US|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123183610/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/rod-wave-pay-boosie-badazz-sampling-lawsuit-1234815000/|url-status=live}} the situation escalated and Boosie stated that he was going forward with the lawsuit.{{Cite web|last=Fisher|first=Caroline|date=November 29, 2023|title=Boosie Badazz Announces Rod Wave Lawsuit Amid Sample Beef: "It's Too Late"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/739709-boosie-badazz-rod-wave-lawsuit-2|access-date=September 29, 2024|website=HotNewHipHop|language=en-US|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209213253/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/739709-boosie-badazz-rod-wave-lawsuit-2|url-status=live}} On November 10, Green appeared as a guest appearance on "Better Than Ever", the seventh cut of YoungBoy Never Broke Again's twenty-first mixtape, Decided 2, being the only artist to feature on the project.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/youngboy-never-broke-again-decided-2|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Drops Decided 2, His Fourth Project This Year|magazine=Complex|last=William Cowen|first=Trace|date=November 10, 2023|accessdate=September 30, 2024|archive-date=November 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110192533/https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/youngboy-never-broke-again-decided-2|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

On September 4, 2024, Rod Wave took to his Instagram to announce his 2024 Last Lap Tour in the United States, supported by Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior, and Eelmatic.{{cite magazine |last1=Saponara |first1=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 14, 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/ |url-status=live }} The thirty-six-stop tour shares the same name as Green's sixth full-length studio album, Last Lap.{{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 13, Rod Wave released the album's lead single, "Passport Junkie" which peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{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 17, 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 26, Green announced the release of his sixth full-length studio album, Last Lap to release on 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|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}} The following day, he released the album's second single, "Fall Fast in Love" which peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{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 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|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}} On October 11, Green released Last Lap as planned featuring guest appearances from Be Charlotte, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, Rylo Rodriguez, and Wild Rivers.{{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 12, 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}} The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, moving 127,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Green's seventh consecutive top-ten album, and making him the only artist other than Taylor Swift to chart a top ten album each year from 2019 to 2024.{{Cite web|last=Mendez|first=Marisa|date=October 21, 2024|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-debut-billboard-200-glorilla-highest-charting-album|title=Rod Wave Debuts At No. 2 On Billboard 200 As GloRilla Scores Her Highest-Charting Album|website=HipHopDX|access-date=October 22, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106195941/https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-debut-billboard-200-glorilla-highest-charting-album|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Trapp|first=Malcolm|date=October 21, 2024|url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/rod-waves-last-lap-ties-taylor-swifts-billboard-200-streak|title=Rod Wave Ties Taylor Swift's Billboard 200 Chart Record With A Top 10 Album Every Year Since 2019|website=Rap-Up|access-date=October 22, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106200155/https://www.rap-up.com/article/rod-waves-last-lap-ties-taylor-swifts-billboard-200-streak|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

In April 2025, Green released "Sinners", the lead single to the soundtrack for the film of the same name. The song's music video stars Woody McClain, Dominique Madison, and Charles A. Black, alongside Michael B. Jordan, the film's lead.{{Cite web |date=April 7, 2025 |title=Rod Wave's Title Song from Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' Released |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2025/04/07/rod-waves-title-song-from-ryan-cooglers-sinners-released/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407212202/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2025/04/07/rod-waves-title-song-from-ryan-cooglers-sinners-released/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=April 20, 2025 |website=Film Music Reporter |language=en-US}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| footer = Green has taken inspiration from a variety of artists such as Adele (left) and Tupac Shakur (right).

| image1 = Adele 2016.jpg

| image2 = Tupac Shakur 1988 Yearbook.jpg

| total_width = 300

}}

Green was raised on the sounds of E-40, Chingy, Boosie Badazz, Chief Keef, Kanye West, Kodak Black, and Kevin Gates.{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/03/rod-wave-interview-the-break/|title=The Break Presents: Rod Wave|last=III|first=Robby Seabrook|website=XXL Mag|date=March 13, 2019|access-date=December 13, 2019|archive-date=November 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121202238/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/03/rod-wave-interview-the-break/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} In his April 2020 interview with Billboard, leading up to the release of Pray 4 Love, Green cited Tupac Shakur and Adele as two of his inspirations, noting that he can "hear everything she went through". In his 2023 interview with Billboard, following the release of Nostalgia, Green cited Ed Sheeran as one of his favorite artists.{{Cite magazine|last=Lamarre|first=Carl|date=December 8, 2023|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/rod-wave-billboard-number-ones-interview-1235545448/|title=Rod Wave Talks Going 'From The Nosebleeds To The Franchise Player Of The Team With Three Rings'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-date=December 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208163212/https://www.billboard.com/music/features/rod-wave-billboard-number-ones-interview-1235545448/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} In the same interview, it was written that Adele and Ed Sheeran helped Green, "find his voice".

Green has been recognized for his "candor and shrewd ability to tug at listeners' heartstrings". ABC News Radio's Rachel George noted that "music is a direct expression of Wave's life, which is why he's cautious yet open to working with other artists who share his passion".{{cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/7/28/rod-wave-reveals-the-track-list-for-forthcoming-deluxe-versi.html|title=Rod Wave reveals the tracklist for the forthcoming deluxe version of 'Pray 4 Love'|work=ABC News Radio|last=George|first=Rachel|date=July 28, 2020|access-date=July 30, 2020|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016221409/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/7/28/rod-wave-reveals-the-track-list-for-forthcoming-deluxe-versi.html|language=en-US|url-status=dead}} In Green's interview with Ebro Darden on Apple Music, he went into depth behind the reasoning for his subject matter often surrounding pain, describing music as a sort of "therapy" for him:{{blockquote|I feel like when I first came on the scene, I had a lot of pain and just a lot of scars and stuff, and I just feel like, over the years, I done let a lot of it out and it was just therapy for me.{{Cite web|last=Walker|first=Joe|date=June 19, 2024|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-new-album-emotional-hurt|title=Rod Wave Readies Emotional New Album: 'This Project Hurt So Bad'|website=HipHopDX|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-date=August 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827022008/https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-new-album-emotional-hurt|language=en-US|url-status=live}}}}

His musical creativity and lyrics derive from his personal life, childhood, and romantic relationships. Green's lyrics have been described as "soul grabbing" and his hooks have been described as "entrancing" by critics. His music seemingly is used to "express his heartbreak and inner turmoil" and he's praised for his ability to "hopscotch among genres" such as hip-hop, contemporary hip-hop, Southern hip hop, hip hop soul, alternative R&B, contemporary R&B, and trap. Green also experiments with Gospel music is songs such as "Long Journey" and "Chip on My Shoulder".{{Cite news|last=Wood|first=Mikael|date=December 6, 2023|title=The 20 Best Albums of 2023|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-12-06/best-albums-2023-sza-kali-uchis|access-date=September 17, 2024|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|issn=2165-1736|archive-date=June 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626200233/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-12-06/best-albums-2023-sza-kali-uchis|language=en-US|url-status=live}} Furthermore, he is known widely for his experimentation and implementations of samples in his music, such as "Already Won" sampling "Can You Stand the Rain" by New Edition, "Cold December" sampling "O.D.'d in Denver" by Hank Williams Jr., and "Crazy" sampling "Ain't It Fun" by Paramore, alongside several other tracks throughout his discography.{{Cite web|last=Spencer|first=Tallie|date=September 18, 2023|title=Rod Wave Speaks On Sampling Paramore In New Track "Crazy"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/714590-rod-wave-paramore-crazy-sample|access-date=September 18, 2024|website=HotNewHipHop|archive-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918180634/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/714590-rod-wave-paramore-crazy-sample|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

In 2014, when Green was 15 years old, he was arrested following a break-in on 62nd Avenue S. Green admitted to stealing a .357 revolver from the home and using it to shoot another teen in the foot at Lake Vista Recreation Center. While incarcerated at the juvenile detention center, a counselor informed Green that he suffered from PTSD. Green spent months in and out of juvie and wore an ankle monitor to school. Despite rumors of an attempted murder charge, the case was later dropped after the victim of the shooting called it an "accident".

In January 2017, Green was arrested after carrying a pellet gun to school in his backpack, resulting in the school being put on lockdown. Green pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed firearm and received probation for the misdemeanor.{{Cite news|date=January 26, 2017|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/student-18-arrested-after-bringing-pellet-gun-to-lakewood-high-school/2310913/|title=Student, 18, arrested after bringing pellet gun to Lakewood High School|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-date=January 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112075452/https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/student-18-arrested-after-bringing-pellet-gun-to-lakewood-high-school/2310913/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}

On May 1, 2022, Green was pulled over "after a traffic infraction occurred", leading to him being arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department from an out-of-county warrant issued by Osceola County, Florida.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rod-wave-arrested-gun-possession/|title=Rod Wave Arrested For Gun Possession|first=C. Vernon|last=Coleman|magazine=XXL|date=April 3, 2024|access-date=April 3, 2024|archive-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403191409/https://www.xxlmag.com/rod-wave-arrested-gun-possession/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/rod-wave-booked-for-felony-battery-by-strangulation/|title=Rod Wave Booked for Felony Battery by Strangulation|last1=Strauss|first1=Matthew|last2=Ruiz|first2=Matthew Ismael|website=Pitchfork|date=May 2, 2022|access-date=September 22, 2024|archive-date=January 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122002231/https://pitchfork.com/news/rod-wave-booked-for-felony-battery-by-strangulation/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} Reports surfaced claiming that Green was arrested on domestic violence charges and was facing a felony charge of domestic battery by strangulation, to which Green plead not guilty.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rod-wave-arrested-battery-strangulation/|title=Rod Wave Arrested For Battery By Strangulation|first=C. Vernon|last=Coleman|magazine=XXL|date=May 19, 2022|access-date=April 3, 2024|archive-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403191057/https://www.xxlmag.com/rod-wave-arrested-battery-strangulation/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2022/05/11/st-petersburg-rapper-rod-wave-choked-ex-girlfriend-with-kids-in-house-arrest-affidavit-says/|title=St. Petersburg rapper Rod Wave choked ex-girlfriend while kids in house, arrest affidavit says|first=Natalie|last=Weber|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=May 11, 2022|access-date=April 3, 2024|archive-date=August 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824140410/https://www.tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2022/05/11/st-petersburg-rapper-rod-wave-choked-ex-girlfriend-with-kids-in-house-arrest-affidavit-says/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} Green's lawyer later successfully persuaded the State prosecution to accept a Nolle Pross/No Info agreement which saw the charge dropped after a couple of weeks.{{cite magazine|last=Mier|first=Tomás|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-choked-ex-domestic-battery-charge-1352058/|title='Heart on Ice' Rapper Rod Wave Choked Ex-Girlfriend, Arrest Record Shows|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 19, 2022|access-date=September 22, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430212700/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-choked-ex-domestic-battery-charge-1352058/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}{{cite magazine|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-arrested-charged-with-felony-battery-by-strangulation-1235066204/|title=Rod Wave Arrested, Charged With Felony Battery By Strangulation|magazine=Billboard|date=May 3, 2022|access-date=September 22, 2024|archive-date=September 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920022752/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-arrested-charged-with-felony-battery-by-strangulation-1235066204/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

In April 2024, Wave was arrested in Manatee County, Florida on two counts of illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon, with the case being related to a shooting that occurred on Easter Sunday outside the Sonic Sports Bar in St. Petersburg, Florida and saw four people injured.{{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=April 3, 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/|language=en-US|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=April 3, 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/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} In a press conference, members of the St. Petersburg Police Department claimed that the shooting was gang-related. Three men tied to Wave were arrested on charges related to the shooting as well.{{cite news|url=https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/st-petersburg-police-to-announce-major-arrests-in-ongoing-investigation/|title=Men with ties to Rod Wave linked to St. Pete shooting, police say|first=Kaycee|last=Sloan|publisher=Channel 8|date=April 3, 2024|access-date=April 3, 2024|archive-date=April 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413035917/https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/st-petersburg-police-to-announce-major-arrests-in-ongoing-investigation/|language=en-US|url-status=live}} According to St. Petersburg Police Chief Mike Kovacsev, the three men tied to Wave who were apprehended (Christopher Atkins, Keith Westby, and Kevontre Wesby) are allegedly connected to the Young Gangsters gang, and two additional suspects were in the process of being arrested as well. Though Kovacsev did not accuse Wave of being a gang member, he noted that the two residencies where the Young Gangsters gang members were captured were rented by Rod and that their getaway vehicle was registered to him as well. However, Wave was soon released, as it determined information provided about him being a convicted felon was inaccurate.

On May 20, 2025, Gren was arrested in relation to an incident stemming from April 21, 2025, in Fulton County, Georgia.{{cite magazine|last=Saponara|first=Michael|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-arrested-assault-gun-charges-georgia-1235977528/|title=Rod Wave Arrested on Assault & Gun Charges in Georgia, Secures Release on Bond|magazine=Billboard|date=May 21, 2025|access-date=June 3, 2025|archive-date=May 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521161700/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rod-wave-arrested-assault-gun-charges-georgia-1235977528/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-arrested-in-georgia-1235344713/|title=Rod Wave Arrested on Gun, Assault Charges|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 21, 2025|access-date=June 3, 2025|archive-date=May 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521194624/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-wave-arrested-in-georgia-1235344713/|language=en-US|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} Alongside the arrest, Green was charged with an additional twelve charges, including: aiming a pistol at another person, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, obstruction of law enforcement, evidence tampering, conspiracy to commit a felony, and simple assault.{{cite newspaper|last=Hornik|first=Caitlin|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/rod-wave-arrested-georgia-assault-gun-charges-b2755310.html|title=Rapper Rod Wave arrested on assault and gun charges|newspaper=The Independant|date=May 22, 2025|access-date=June 3, 2025|issn=1741-9743|archive-date=May 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521164752/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/rod-wave-arrested-georgia-assault-gun-charges-b2755310.html|language=en-US|url-status=live}} Upon arrest, Green was released on a $50,000 bond before his lawyer Drew Findling stated that "there is no truth to these charges" and that Green was a victim of a burglary, resulting in his charges.{{cite newspaper|last=Del Rosario|first=Alexandra|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-05-21/rod-wave-arrested-atlanta-gun-charges|title=Rod Wave is arrested in Atlanta. His lawyers say he was in fact ‘a victim of a burglary’|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=May 21, 2025|access-date=June 3, 2025|issn=2165-1736|archive-date=May 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521190728/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-05-21/rod-wave-arrested-atlanta-gun-charges|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

Green has twin daughters with his long-time on-and-off girlfriend, Kelsey "Dee" Coleman.{{Cite web|last=Saponara|first=Michael|date=August 22, 2023|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-blogs-cheating-allegations|title=Rod Wave Calls Out 'Square-A$$ Blog N-ggas' Over Cheating Claims|website=HipHopDX|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-date=October 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011055154/https://hiphopdx.com/news/rod-wave-blogs-cheating-allegations|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

{{main|Rod Wave discography}}

• Ghetto Gospel (2019)
• Pray 4 Love (2020)
• SoulFly (2021)
• Beautiful Mind (2022)
• Nostalgia (2023)
• Last Lap (2024)

• Ghetto Gospel Tour (2020)
• SoulFly Tour (2021)
• Beautiful Mind Tour (2022)
• Nostalgia Tour (2023)
• Last Lap Tour (2024)

• I'm Him Tour {{small|(Kevin Gates)}} (2019){{cite magazine|last=Young|first=Alex|title=Kevin Gates announces 2019 "I'm Him Tour"|url=https://consequence.net/2019/07/kevin-gates-2019-tour-dates/|website=Consequence|date=July 30, 2019|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417121223/https://consequence.net/2019/07/kevin-gates-2019-tour-dates/|language=en-US|url-status=live}}

{{portal|United States}}

• List of highest-certified music artists in the United States

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{AllMusic}}
• {{IMDb name}}
• {{Discogs artist}}
• {{MusicBrainz artist}}

{{Rod Wave}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wave, Rod}}

Category:1998 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century African-American male singers

Category:21st-century American male singers

Category:21st-century American rappers

Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters

Category:African-American male rappers

Category:21st-century American male rappers

Category:African-American male singer-songwriters

Category:American male singer-songwriters

Category:American contemporary R&B singers

Category:American soul singers

Category:Musicians from St. Petersburg, Florida

Category:Rappers from Florida

Category:Singer-songwriters from Florida

Category:American trap musicians