Emerging rapper and vocalist Rod Wave has quickly become one of the most prominent new voices in hip hop. The young musician from St. Petersburg, FL blends rap with soulful R&B melodies to create his own evocative “soul-trap” sound. Since signing to Alamo Records in 2018, Rod Wave has released several hit albums and songs that showcase his raw, emotional style.
Early Life and Background
Rodarius Marcell Green was born on August 27, 1998 in St. Petersburg, FL and had a difficult upbringing surrounded by poverty. His father was incarcerated when Rod Wave was just 1 years old, and he had other family members that cycled in and out of prison.
Growing up, the future rapper split time between his mother and grandmother’s homes. He became enveloped in street life from a young age, seeing violence and crime around him.
Turning to music provided an escape for Rod Wave. He has been open about his troubled past, channeling those experiences into painfully vulnerable lyrics. For the young vocalist, writing and performing music became a therapeutic outlet.
Discovering Music and Early Career
Rod Wave first started writing lyrics and songs around the age of 16. Though he dropped out of Lakewood High School, he found purpose in making music.
The rapper began uploading songs onto social media platforms like YouTube, quickly gaining a passionate fanbase. His breakout mixtape ‘Hunger Games’ released in 2017 generated significant buzz in the Florida hip hop scene. Songs like “Heartless” and “Destined for Greatness” highlighted his raw talent.
Major record labels took notice of Rod Wave’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic flow. After fielding offers, the young vocalist signed with Alamo Records in 2018. This set the stage for bigger things to come.
Breakout Success with ‘Ghetto Gospel’
Rod Wave’s debut studio album ‘Ghetto Gospel’ came out in March 2019, marking his first major label release. The album showcased his signature blending of hip hop beats and vocal styles with smooth R&B melodies.
The most popular track proved to be “Heart on Ice” which gained viral fame on TikTok in late 2019. The song peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and turned Rod Wave into a star.
Other fan-favorite tracks on ‘Ghetto Gospel’ included “Thief in the Night,” “Close Enough to Hurt,” and “Pray 4 Love.” The album earned praise for Rod Wave’s vulnerable songwriting and established him as an exciting new voice.
Hit Singles and Follow-Up Albums
Riding high off his success, Rod Wave dropped his sophomore album ‘Pray 4 Love’ in April 2020. Fans responded enthusiastically, sending it to #2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Singles “Rags2Riches” and “Letter from Houston” both landed on the Billboard Hot 100. Rod Wave also released popular music videos to accompany the tracks. Other standouts like “The Greatest” and “Cuban Links” highlighted his soulful fusion style.
Not one to rest on his laurels, the prolific vocalist quickly followed up with another album just months later. ‘The Greatest’ arrived in August 2020 led by the single “Rags2Riches 2.”
The album offered up more of Rod Wave’s introspective, melodic brand of hip hop which had captivated audiences. Songs like “Through the Wire” and “Letter from Houston” continued showcasing his artistry.
In 2021, Rod Wave dropped his third studio album ‘SoulFly’ which also proved successful. Gritty lead single “Street Runner” became his highest charting solo song, peaking at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Despite his newcomer status, Rod Wave has already racked up some noteworthy honors:
- BET Hip Hop Award for Best New Artist in 2020
- Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Rap Album in 2021
- Multiple BET Hip Hop Award nominations
Critics praise the rapper for his vulnerability and willingness to tackle difficult subjects in his music like poverty, addiction, faith, and mental health. Songs like “Letter from Houston” highlight his openness about his struggles.
Net Worth and Income
As of 2023, Rod Wave’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million. At just 25 years old, the rapper’s net worth seems likely to grow substantially thanks to his soaring popularity.
Rod Wave earns income primarily through music streams, album sales, sold-out live shows and tours. As he continues releasing popular projects, his net worth stands to increase exponentially. Brand endorsements also provide revenue.
With major hits across all the major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Rod Wave’s music catalog generates significant passive income. His monthly listener count numbers in the millions on Spotify alone.
As the vocalist sells out larger venues for his live shows, his income will continue rising. Backed by his unvarnished lyrics and R&B vibe, Rod Wave appears well on his way to becoming a wealthy hip hop star.
Personal Life and Relationships
Family plays an important role in the rapper’s life. Rod Wave has a close relationship with his parents and siblings who are frequently featured on his social media.
The vocalist has his late grandmother Roderica’s name tattooed on his face as a permanent tribute to her positive influence. He also has a young daughter named Barirod that he dotes on.
In terms of relationships, Rod Wave has been romantically linked to Instagram model Jazlyn Mychelle. The two have hinted at their involvement on social media through flirty exchanges and photos together. However, the rapper has not publicly confirmed details of his dating life.
Fun Facts About the Rapper
- Rod Wave stands at 6’1″ tall and has an athletic physique from his basketball background.
- He has numerous tattoos covering his chest, arms, hands and neck including his distinctive face tattoo.
- The vocalist has been open about his mental health struggles with depression. His song “Pray 4 Love” highlights this.
- He remains closely connected to his hometown of St. Petersburg, FL.
- Rod Wave dropped out of high school as a teenager to pursue music full time.
- He has cited artist influences like Boosie Badazz, Lil Wayne, Kevin Gates and Chief Keef.
- Before rap, he played basketball in high school and remains a huge NBA fan.
- Rod Wave has appeared on songs with artists like Lil Baby, Moneybagg Yo and Lil Durk.
- His real name Rodarius is a combination of his grandmother Roderica’s name and his father’s name Darius.
The Impact and Legacy of Rod Wave
In just a few short years, Rod Wave has made an undeniable impact on the hip hop and R&B landscape. His soul-baring lyricism and fusion musical style have set him apart from peers.
Songs like “Heart on Ice,” “Rags2Riches” and “Tombstone” have become hip hop anthems by channeling pain into captivating art. Beyond just making hit songs, the rapper has shown a willingness to uplift others through his vulnerable storytelling.
Despite his youth, the vocalist has emerged as a leader of the newest generation of hip hop stars. As streaming and social media transform the music industry, Rod Wave’s DIY hustle provides inspiration.
For other young artists, Rod Wave proves that originality, authenticity and fearless creativity can open doors. Unafraid to tackle even the darkest subjects head-on, his catalog tells a story of both struggle and triumph.
As Rod Wave continues maturing in life and music, his legacy as a pioneer within hip hop’s new wave seems assured. The intensity of his lyrics and melodies have just begun resonating with audiences worldwide. If early indications prove true, Rod Wave’s greatest achievements still likely lay ahead.
Conclusion
In summation, Rod Wave has already accomplished more than many musicians do in a whole career. His meteoric rise from high school dropout to hip hop star shows the power of channeling adversity into impactful art.
Striking a nerve through catchy songs and stories filled with pain and passion, the young vocalist seems destined for icon status. For newfound fans and for Rod Wave himself, the most exciting part may be imagining just how high his star might rise in the years to come.
FAQ’s
What awards or honors has Rod Wave received so far?
Despite being an emerging artist, Rod Wave has already received recognition like the 2020 BET Hip Hop Award for Best New Artist. He’s also received Billboard Music Award nominations.
How has Rod Wave been open about mental health?
Rod Wave has been very candid about his struggles with depression and other mental health issues through his vulnerable, autobiographical lyrics. The song “Pray 4 Love” specifically tackles these themes.
What are some of Rod Wave’s biggest hit songs?
Some of Rod Wave’s most popular and successful songs include “Heart on Ice,” “Rags2Riches,” “Letter from Houston,” “Street Runner” and “Tombstone.” His debut album “Ghetto Gospel” put him on the map.
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