Rod Wave
Rod Wave performing in Pittsburgh; 2022
Rod Wave performing in Pittsburgh; 2022
Background information
Birth nameRodarius Marcell Green
Born (1998-08-27) August 27, 1998
St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
DiscographyRod Wave discography
Years active2016–present
Labels
Children2
Websitewww.official-rodwave.com

Rodarius Marcell Green (born August 27, 1998),[1] known professionally as Rod Wave, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from St. Petersburg, Florida. Signed to Alamo Records, Green is known for his strong voice and incorporation of hip hop and R&B,[1] having been recognized as a pioneer of "soul-trap."[2]

Green rose to fame with his 2019 single "Heart on Ice," which first went viral on TikTok and peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.[3] His debut album, Ghetto Gospel (2019) peaked at number ten on the US Billboard 200.[4] His second album, Pray 4 Love (2020) peaked at number two on the chart[5] and included the song "Rags2Riches" (remixed featuring Lil Baby), which peaked at number 12 on the Hot 100.

His subsequent studio albums, SoulFly (2021), Beautiful Mind (2022), and Nostalgia (2023) each debuted atop the Billboard 200—the latter of which for multiple weeks—and earned him further critical acclaim for his soulful delivery and lyricism. His success matched that of Taylor Swift as the only artist to debut a new chart-topping solo album within in each of the previous three years.[6][7][8]

Career

2015–2020: Early mixtapes, Ghetto Gospel, and SoulFly

Wave's career began in 2015, with the release of his mixtape Hunger Games Vol.1. He released several mixtapes independently prior to signing with Alamo Records. 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.[3]

Wave's debut album, Ghetto Gospel, was released on November 1, 2019. It peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard 200.[4] The album was executive produced by Louisiana rapper Kevin Gates,[9] and Gates would feature on a song from the album "Cuban Links", which peaked at number 92 on the Hot 100.

Rod Wave's second album, Pray 4 Love, was released on April 3, 2020. It debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200, with a deluxe edition following on August 7. Several songs from the album entered the Billboard Hot 100, including "Rags2Riches" (featuring ATR Son Son),[10][11][12] which peaked at number 12 on the Hot 100 and became his highest-charting song.[13] On August 11, 2020, Wave was included on XXL's 2020 Freshman Class.[14] In July 2020, Wave revealed during an interview that he was working on his third album, which was originally scheduled for August 27, 2020,[1] Wave's 21st birthday.[15]

2021–2022: SoulFly, Beautiful Mind, and Jupiter's Diary: 7 Day Theory

He revealed the track list for his album SoulFly on March 6, 2021.[16][17] The album also includes songs "Street Runner" and "Tombstone", his highest-charting song which peaked at number 11 on the Hot 100.[18][19] In late 2021, Wave's release of the song "Nirvana" generated some controversy because many regarded the song as a suicide letter, which Wave denied.[20]

In January 2022, Wave released the single "Cold December". On May 1, 2022, he released a freestyle of Future's "Wait for U", in which he revealed his next album would be titled Beautiful Mind, while also announcing that he had turned the album in on April 25, 2022. The album was released on August 12, 2022.[20] After the album was released Wave decided to go on tour. His tour began November 11, 2022 in Minneapolis, MN. Wave went all cross the U.S. ending his tour in Seattle, WA on December 21, 2022. Wave was going from city to city every one to three days. While on tour Rod Wave had two other artist Toosi and Mariah the Scientist. Toosi and Mariah the Scientist opened for Rod Wave throughout the tour.

On November 10, 2022, Rod Wave released "Break My Heart", the lead single for his eight-track EP, Jupiter’s Diary: 7 Day Theory.[21][22] The EP was released the following week, on November 18, 2022.[23] 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.[24]

2023-present: Nostalgia

On March 31, 2023, Rod Wave released "Fight the Feeling" as the lead single for his upcoming studio album.[25][26] It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying with "Tombstone" as his second-highest peak on the chart.[27][28] 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.[29][30] This was followed by "Come See Me" on September 1, 2023, peaking at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100.[31][32][33] 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.[34][35][36] 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.[37] The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, marking Rod Wave's third #1 album.[38][39]

Artistry

Wave has been recognized for his "candor and shrewd ability to tug at listeners' heartstrings".[1] 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".[40]

Personal life

During his elementary school years, Wave 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, Wave 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.

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. He encouraged Wave to channel his energy into music, recognizing its potential to transform his life. In support of this newfound passion, Wave's father purchased a microphone, while his brother contributed by buying him a computer. Equipped with these tools, Wave was provided with the means to redirect his life towards a more positive and constructive path.[41]

Wave was raised on the sounds of E-40, Chingy, Boosie Badazz, Chief Keef, Kanye West, and Kevin Gates. Interestingly, some of which would be later featured on he later songs such as "Calabasas" with E-40 and "Cuban Links" and "Titanic" with Kevin Gates[42] He also has twin daughters by long time girlfriend, Dee.[43]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Lamarre, Carl (July 28, 2020). "Why Rod Wave Might Be Writing Movie Scripts One Day". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
  2. ↑ Sacher, Andrew (November 20, 2021). "28 New Rap and R&B Songs Out This Week". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  3. 1 2 McKinney, Jessica (March 26, 2020). "12 Songs Blowing Up on TikTok (That Are Actually Worth Listening to)". Complex. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  4. 1 2 "Billboard 200 chart". Billboard. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  5. ↑ Lamarre, Carl (July 28, 2020). "Why Rod Wave Might Be Writing Movie Scripts One Day". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  6. ↑ "Rod Wave Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart with 'SoulFly'". Billboard.
  7. ↑ "Rod Wave Scores Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 with 'Nostalgia'". Billboard.
  8. ↑ "Rod Wave's 'Nostalgia' Notches Second Week Atop Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard.
  9. ↑ "Rod Wave Salutes Kevin Gates for Motivating Him to Rap". October 31, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Rod Wave & ATR Son Son's "Rags2Riches" Officially Earns #1 at Urban Radio". January 31, 2021.
  11. ↑ "ROD WAVE FT ATR SON SON | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
  12. ↑ "Rod Wave's 'Rags2Riches' Becomes Second Song to Rule Both Top Triller Charts". Billboard.
  13. ↑ @billboard-charts (August 17, 2020). ".@rodwave's "Rags2Riches," featuring..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ↑ Cline, Georgette (August 11, 2020). "XXL 2020 FRESHMAN CLASS REVEALED". XXL. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  15. ↑ "National Today:Rod Wave". Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  16. ↑ "SoulFly✈️🖤🌍 3/26th The Return 🌊". March 6, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021 – via RodWave on Instagram.
  17. ↑ Marie, Erika (January 8, 2021). "Rod Wave Is All About His Business On "Street Runner" Single". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Tombstone".
  19. ↑ "Rod Wave Rules Hot 100 Songwriters Chart, Led by 'Tombstone' & More". Billboard.
  20. 1 2 Okon, Wongo (May 1, 2022). "Rod Wave Announces His Fourth Album 'Beautiful Mind' And Shares Its Release Date". Uproxx. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  21. ↑ Ech, Joey (November 18, 2022). "Roddy Ricch, Saweetie, Rod Wave and More – New Hip-Hop Projects". XXL. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  22. ↑ First Class, DJ (November 10, 2022). "Rod Wave delivers new "Break My Heart" visual". Revolt. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  23. ↑ William Cowen, Trace (November 18, 2022). "Rod Wave Releases 'Jupiter's Diary: 7 Day Theory' EP and "Got It Right" Video". Complex. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  24. ↑ Sisario, Ben (November 28, 2022). "With No Major Releases to Challenge Her, Taylor Swift Sticks at No. 1". The New York Times. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  25. ↑ McKinney, Jessica (March 31, 2023). "The Best New Music This Week: Tyler, The Creator, Quavo, DJ Drama, & More". Complex. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  26. ↑ Cho, Regina (March 31, 2023). "Rod Wave is trying to "Fight The Feeling" in latest single". Revolt. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  27. ↑ Cole, Alexander (March 31, 2023). "Rod Wave Flexes His Vocal Chops On "Fight The Feeling"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  28. ↑ Gonzalez, Alex (March 31, 2023). "Rod Wave Shares A Story Of Hearbreak And Healing On His New Single, 'Fight The Feeling'". Uproxx. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  29. ↑ Cole, Alexander (August 18, 2023). "Rod Wave Pours His Heart Out On Gorgeous New Track "Call Your Friends"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  30. ↑ Degrazia, Leah (August 18, 2023). "Rod Wave Reassesses His Priorities On New Song "Call Your Friends"". Genius. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  31. ↑ Cole, Alexander (September 1, 2023). "Rod Wave Delivers Emotionally-Charged Track "Come See Me"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  32. ↑ Kearns, Sarah (September 1, 2023). "Rod Wave Is in His Bag on New Single "Come See Me"". Hypebeast. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  33. ↑ Powell, Jon (September 1, 2023). "Rod Wave drops off new video for "Come See Me"". Revolt. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  34. ↑ Partridge, Ken (September 13, 2023). "Rod Wave Sings Through His Pain On New Song "Boyz Don't Cry"". Genius. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  35. ↑ Cole, Alexander (September 14, 2023). "Rod Wave Delivers Incredible Vocals On New Single "Checkmate"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  36. ↑ Powell, Jon (September 18, 2023). "Listen to Rod Wave's new album 'Nostalgia'". Revolt. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  37. ↑ Zellner, Xander (September 26, 2023). "All 18 Songs From Rod Wave's No. 1 Album 'Nostalgia' Chart on Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  38. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (September 24, 2023). "Rod Wave Scores Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With 'Nostalgia'". Billboard. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  39. ↑ Sisario, Ben (September 25, 2023). "Rod Wave, Stealth Rap Star, Has a Third No. 1 Album in Three Years". The New York Times. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  40. ↑ George, Rachel (July 28, 2020). "Rod Wave reveals the tracklist for the forthcoming deluxe version of 'Pray 4 Love'". ABC News Radio. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
  41. ↑ "Rod Wave - Age, Bio, Birthday, Family, Net Worth". National Today. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  42. ↑ III, Robby Seabrook (March 13, 2019). "The Break Presents: Rod Wave – XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  43. ↑ {{cite news |last1=Honore |first1=Pretty |title=Social Media Was Shocked That Rod Wave's Baby Mama Finally Showed Their Twin Daughters' Faces |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/rod-wave-kids |access-date=16 September 2023 |work=Distract. Rode wave the best on the planet

    Discography

    Studio albums

    Awards and nominations

    Year Organization Work Award Result
    2021<ref>"Student brings air pellet gun to Lakewood".
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