Rod Wave

Rodarius Marcell Green, known professionally as Rod Wave, was born on August 27, 1998, in St. Petersburg, Florida. His childhood was marked by financial struggles and a challenging family situation that began when his parents divorced and his father was incarcerated during his elementary school years. These hardships led him to turn to the streets as a means to make a living, resulting in multiple periods in juvenile centers. Upon his father's release from jail, he recognized his son's destructive path. To steer him toward a positive direction, his father encouraged him to pursue music, buying him a microphone while his brother contributed a computer. Green had previously demonstrated musical talent, being selected for the All-State Elementary Chorus. He began making music as a hobby, channeling his pain and life experiences into a unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, which fans have dubbed "soul-trap." Rod Wave rose to prominence with the 2019 single "Heart on Ice," which went viral on YouTube and TikTok. His debut album, Ghetto Gospel (2019), and subsequent chart-topping albums like SoulFly (2021) and Beautiful Mind (2022) cemented his status as an artist who uses storytelling to inspire those who feel lost. Regarding philanthropy, Rod Wave has shown commitment to giving back to his hometown of St. Petersburg. In a notable act of charity, he donated $25,000 worth of free gasoline to drivers in his city in April 2022, helping residents cope with rising prices. He also organized an Easter giveaway with free food and activities at the Lakewood Jr. Spartans Complex, focusing on community-based events for families.

Rod Wave (Rodarius Marcell Green) built a formidable career by pioneering the "soul-trap" subgenre, blending melodic, soul-inflected vocals with raw, deeply introspective, trap-based hip-hop. Emerging from St. Petersburg, Florida, his music quickly resonated with fans due to its candid focus on themes of heartbreak, poverty, mental health, and street life—a sound often dubbed "pain music." His career launched into the mainstream in 2019 with the viral success of "Heart on Ice," leading to his debut album, Ghetto Gospel (2019). His commercial momentum rapidly accelerated, with his next three albums—SoulFly (2021), Beautiful Mind (2022), and Nostalgia (2023)—all debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, a rare feat. This impressive run established him as one of the most successful artists of the 2020s, with multiple platinum certifications and continuous top-ten album placements. Rod Wave's touring schedule matches his chart dominance. After a 2019 supporting slot on Kevin Gates’ I'm Him Tour, he quickly transitioned to headlining major, sold-out arena tours. Key tours include the SoulFly Tour (2021), the Beautiful Mind Tour (2022), and the massive Nostalgia Tour (2023). These concerts are known for their high energy, emotive fan connection, and sophisticated production. Following his 2024 album, Last Lap, he embarked on the namesake tour and announced the ambitious The Redemption Experience Tour for 2025-2026, where he has begun taking on independent production control of his massive live shows.