When Rodarius Marcell Green first uploaded his music to YouTube, he couldn’t have imagined that millions would soon be crying to his songs. Today, we know him as Rod Wave – the emotional powerhouse who turned pain into platinum records. This is his complete story.

Quick Facts About Rod Wave

Full Name	Rodarius Marcell Green
Stage Name	Rod Wave
Date of Birth	August 27, 1999
Age	26 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace	St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
Height	5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Weight	225 lbs (102 kg)
Profession	Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
Genre	Trap-Soul, Hip-Hop, R&B
Net Worth	$6 million – $10 million (2025 estimate)
Record Label	Alamo Records, Geffen Records
Relationship Status	In a relationship with Kelsey “Dee” Coleman
Children	Twin daughters (born 2018)
Instagram	@rodwave (7.6M+ followers)
YouTube	5.67M+ subscribers

Who Is Rod Wave?

Rod Wave, born Rodarius Marcell Green on August 27, 1999 in St. Petersburg, Florida, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter. He rose to fame with his viral 2019 hit “Heart on Ice”, which showcased his emotional, soulful style and topped charts nationwide. Known for blending rap and soul into a “trap-soul” sound, Rod Wave’s music often reflects personal struggles, heartbreak, and life experiences, making him resonate deeply with fans.

Since his breakthrough, he has released multiple successful albums, including Ghetto Gospel, Pray 4 Love, SoulFly, and Beautiful Mind, many of which reached the top of the Billboard 200 charts. Rod Wave is celebrated not just for his melodic voice and heartfelt lyrics, but also for his ability to bring raw emotion into contemporary hip-hop and R&B, solidifying him as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Early Life: Growing Up in St. Petersburg

Rod Wave was born on August 27, 1999, in St. Petersburg, Florida. His zodiac sign is Virgo, which perfectly matches his introspective and emotional personality. But Rod’s childhood was far from the success he enjoys today.

Growing up in the rough neighborhoods of St. Pete, Rod faced challenges that would later fuel his music. His parents separated when he was in elementary school, leaving young Rodarius heartbroken and confused. Even harder was watching his father, Rodney “Fatz” Green, go to prison during his early childhood years.

“My father was locked up, my mom was struggling, and I was just trying to survive,” Rod later shared in interviews. This pain became the foundation of his soulful, emotional rap style.

Family Background

Rod Wave’s family life was complicated but ultimately supportive:

• Father: Rodney “Fatz” Green (spent time in prison)
• Mother: Name undisclosed (raised Rod largely on her own)
• Father Figure: Derek “Uncle Dee” Lane (close friend of his father who helped raise Rod)
• Siblings: Limited information available

Despite financial struggles and family troubles, Rod’s father played a crucial role in his music career. After being released from prison, Fatz recognized his son’s talent and bought him his first microphone. Rod’s brother contributed by purchasing him a computer, giving him the tools to start making music.

This family support system, though imperfect, helped Rod channel his pain into something positive. Uncle Dee and Fatz later founded Hit House Entertainment, a record label specifically created to support Rod’s early career before he signed with Alamo Records.

Troubled Youth and Finding Music

Rod’s teenage years were marked by trouble. Living in poverty and surrounded by street life, he found himself caught up in illegal activities:

• Drug dealing
• Robbery and burglary
• Firearm possession
• Multiple stints in juvenile detention centers

In 2014, when Rod was just 15 years old, he was arrested following a break-in. He admitted to stealing a .357 revolver and using it to shoot another teenager in the foot at Lake Vista Recreation Center. While incarcerated, a counselor diagnosed him with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), explaining many of his emotional struggles.

Rod spent months going in and out of juvenile centers, even wearing an ankle monitor to school. This dark period could have ended his life before it truly began.

But music became his therapy.

Education: From Lakewood High School to the Music Industry

Rod Wave attended Lakewood Elementary School in St. Petersburg, where he showed early musical talent. He was selected for the All-State Elementary Chorus in both 2009 and 2010, proving he had a natural gift for singing.

He later enrolled at Lakewood High School, where he continued performing in front of fellow students. However, Rod’s involvement in street life made it impossible to focus on academics. He dropped out in ninth grade, unable to balance school with the problems he faced at home.

In January 2017, Rod was arrested again after bringing a pellet gun to school in his backpack, putting the entire school on lockdown. He pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed firearm and received probation for the misdemeanor.

After this incident, Rod’s father intervened more seriously. Fatz encouraged his son to join the high school football team to channel his energy positively. More importantly, he pushed Rod to take music seriously as a way out of the streets.

This decision changed everything.

The Power of Music as Therapy

Rod has openly discussed how music saved his life. In an interview with Ebro Darden on Apple Music, he explained:

“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.”

This raw emotional honesty is what makes Rod Wave’s music so powerful. He doesn’t rap about fantasy – he sings about real pain, real struggles, and real healing.

Career Journey: From Mixtapes to Billboard Dominance

2015-2018: The Hunger Games Era

Rod Wave’s professional music career began in 2015 when he was just 16 years old. He started by releasing mixtapes independently:

1. Rookie of the Year (2017)
2. Hunger Games (2017)
3. Hunger Games 2 (2018)
4. Hunger Games 3 (2018)

These early projects distributed locally in Florida helped Rod build a small but dedicated fanbase. His unique blend of singing and rapping, combined with deeply personal lyrics, set him apart from other artists.

In 2018, Rod signed his first major record deal with Alamo Records, a turning point that would launch him to stardom.

2019: The Breakthrough – “Heart on Ice”

Everything changed on June 14, 2019, when Rod released his mixtape PTSD, featuring the song that would make him famous: “Heart on Ice.”

The song’s raw emotion connected with listeners immediately. Rod sang about heartbreak, betrayal, and emotional pain over a haunting melody. The track went viral on both YouTube and TikTok, with millions of users creating videos using the song.

“Heart on Ice” peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, announcing Rod Wave as a major new artist.

From July to October 2019, Rod joined Kevin Gates on the I’m Him Tour as a supporting act. Touring with Gates – one of Rod’s biggest influences – taught him invaluable lessons about being a professional artist.

Ghetto Gospel (2019)

On November 1, 2019, Rod released his debut studio album, Ghetto Gospel, executively produced by Kevin Gates. The album featured collaborations with:

• Lil Durk (“Heart on Ice Remix”)
• Kevin Gates (“Cuban Links”)

Ghetto Gospel debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200, an impressive achievement for a first album. Singles like “Cuban Links,” “Close Enough to Hurt,” and “Thief in the Night” solidified Rod’s position as a rising star.

The album’s success led to Rod announcing his first headlining tour – the Ghetto Gospel Tour – with 22 stops across the United States.

2020: Pray 4 Love and Mainstream Success

Rod’s momentum continued with his second album, Pray 4 Love, released on April 3, 2020. The project debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and included six singles:

1. “Dark Clouds”
2. “Thug Motivation”
3. “Thief in the Night”
4. “Pray 4 Love”
5. “The Greatest”
6. “Girl of My Dreams”

But the real breakthrough came with “Rags2Riches” (featuring ATR Son Son). The song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Rod’s highest-charting single at that time.

In April 2020, Audiomack selected Rod as the first artist in their “Up Now” emerging artist program. In May, he signed a global co-publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing.

Rod was also featured in XXL Magazine’s 2020 Freshman Class in August, one of hip-hop’s most prestigious honors for new artists.

The deluxe edition of Pray 4 Love dropped on August 7, 2020, featuring additional verses from Yo Gotti and Lil Baby.

2021: SoulFly – First #1 Album

After threatening to withhold his album until Alamo Records paid him properly (he posted about this on Instagram in January 2021), Rod finally released SoulFly on March 26, 2021.

The album was the most pre-saved album on Apple Music for two weeks straight. When it dropped, SoulFly debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, moving 130,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.

Hit singles included:

• “Street Runner” (top 20 hit)
• “Tombstone” (top 20 hit)
• “Richer” featuring Polo G

Rod performed “Tombstone” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in April 2021, introducing his emotional style to an even wider audience.

In May 2021, the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) announced that Rod Wave was the biggest artist-songwriter in Q1 of 2021 with ten certifications.

The SoulFly Deluxe edition arrived on August 20, 2021, featuring Lil Durk and Kodak Black. Rod then embarked on a 36-stop SoulFly Tour across the United States, presented by Rolling Loud and Live Nation.

2022: Beautiful Mind

Rod’s fourth album, Beautiful Mind, took longer than expected. Originally scheduled for June 2022, delays frustrated fans who took to social media to complain.

The album finally dropped on August 12, 2022, preceded by four singles:

1. “By Your Side” (November 2021)
2. “Cold December” (January 2022)
3. “Stone Rolling” (July 2022)
4. “Alone” (August 2022)

Beautiful Mind debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, moving 115,000 units in its first week. This marked Rod’s second consecutive #1 album.

The project featured collaborations with Jack Harlow and December Joy. Following the release, Rod embarked on a 25-stop Beautiful Mind Tour with support from Toosii and Mariah the Scientist.

In November 2022, Rod released an eight-track EP called Jupiter’s Diary: 7 Day Theory, which peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200.

2023: Nostalgia and Continued Dominance

Nostalgia, Rod’s fifth studio album, dropped on September 15, 2023. It featured five singles:

1. “Fight the Feeling” (#16 on Hot 100)
2. “Call Your Friends” (#18 on Hot 100)
3. “Come See Me” (#19 on Hot 100)
4. “Boyz Don’t Cry” (#25 on Hot 100)
5. “Checkmate” (#55 on Hot 100)

Nostalgia debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, moving 137,000 units in its first week. The album stayed at #1 for a second consecutive week, moving an additional 88,000 units.

This made Rod one of only two artists (along with Taylor Swift) to release a new chart-topping solo album within each of the previous three years.

Guest appearances included Wet, 21 Savage, and Sadie Jean. The Nostalgia Tour featured 35 arena shows across the United States, supported by Ari Lennox, Toosii, G Herbo, and Eelmatic.

2024-2025: Last Lap and Beyond

Rod’s sixth studio album, Last Lap, was released on October 11, 2024. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, moving 127,000 units in its first week.

This achievement made Rod the only male artist to release a top ten album each year from 2019 to 2024 – an incredible streak that demonstrates his consistency and staying power.

The Last Lap Tour launched in September 2024, featuring Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior, and Eelmatic across 36 stops.

Singles from the album included:

• “Passport Junkie” (#51 on Hot 100)
• “Fall Fast in Love” (#49 on Hot 100)

In April 2025, Rod released “Sinners,” the lead single for the soundtrack of the film of the same name starring Michael B. Jordan. The song’s music video featured prominent actors and showcased Rod’s expanding influence beyond music.

Musical Style and Influences

The “Trap-Soul” Pioneer

Rod Wave is widely recognized as a pioneer of “trap-soul” – a genre that blends the hard-hitting production of trap music with the emotional vulnerability of R&B and soul music.

His musical style is characterized by:

• Powerful, soulful vocals that can shift from singing to rapping seamlessly
• Deeply personal, introspective lyrics about pain, love, and healing
• Melodic hooks that stick in your head for days
• Gospel music influences in songs like “Long Journey” and “Chip on My Shoulder”
• Creative sampling of classic songs (Paramore, New Edition, Hank Williams Jr.)

Musical Influences

Rod grew up listening to a diverse range of artists:

• E-40
• Chingy
• Boosie Badazz (later involved in a sampling dispute with Rod)
• Chief Keef
• Kanye West
• Kodak Black
• Kevin Gates (his biggest influence and early mentor)

In interviews, Rod has also cited unexpected influences:

• Tupac Shakur – for his raw honesty and storytelling
• Adele – “I can hear everything she went through,” Rod said
• Ed Sheeran – helped Rod “find his voice”

This eclectic mix of hip-hop legends and emotional singers perfectly explains Rod’s unique sound.

Lyrical Themes

Rod’s lyrics consistently explore:

• Heartbreak and romantic relationships
• Mental health struggles (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• Poverty and street life
• Family troubles and childhood trauma
• Success and the price of fame
• Loyalty and betrayal

Critics have praised his “soul-grabbing lyrics” and “entrancing hooks.” ABC News Radio 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.”

Personal Life: The Man Behind the Music

Relationship and Family

Unlike many rappers who keep their personal lives completely private, Rod Wave has been relatively open about his family.

Rod is in a long-term, on-and-off relationship with Kelsey “Dee” Coleman. The couple has twin daughters who were born in 2018, the same year Rod’s career started taking off.

Despite his public career, Rod keeps his daughters’ names and faces private to protect them from media attention. He occasionally mentions them in interviews, expressing how fatherhood has changed his perspective on life and music.

Rod wrote the song “Girl of My Dreams” about his ideal relationship, and many fans believe it’s inspired by Kelsey.

Addressing the “Boyfriend” Confusion

Some people search for “Rod Wave boyfriend” online, which creates confusion. Rod Wave is a heterosexual male in a relationship with a woman (Kelsey Coleman). The search confusion likely stems from:

1. People searching for information about Rod Wave’s romantic partner
2. Gender-neutral search habits
3. Confusion with other artists

To be clear: Rod Wave is not gay, and he has a girlfriend, not a boyfriend.

Interests Outside Music

When he’s not making music, Rod enjoys:

• Basketball – his favorite sport
• Video games
• Spending time with close friends and family
• Giving back to his community

Rod has established charitable foundations focused on financially empowering youth in his hometown of St. Petersburg. Despite his success, he remains loyal to his roots and frequently visits his hometown.

Physical Appearance

• Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 225 lbs (102 kg)
• Build: Heavyset
• Eye Color: Dark brown
• Hair Color: Dark brown (often in dreadlocks)
• Distinctive Features: Tattoos, emotional expressions

Rod has been body-shamed by critics, but he doesn’t let it affect him. He’s comfortable in his own skin and focuses on his music rather than his appearance.

Legal Issues and Controversies

Rod Wave’s troubled youth continued to create legal problems even after he became famous.

2022 Domestic Violence Arrest

On May 1, 2022, Rod was arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department following a traffic stop. He faced a felony charge of domestic battery by strangulation.

According to arrest documents, Rod allegedly choked his ex-girlfriend while their children were in the house. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Rod’s lawyer successfully negotiated a Nolle Prosequi (No Information) agreement, and the charges were dropped after a couple of weeks.

2024 Firearm Possession Arrest

In April 2024, Rod was arrested in Manatee County, Florida, on two counts of illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.

The arrest was related to a shooting that occurred on Easter Sunday outside the Sonic Sports Bar in St. Petersburg, which injured four people. Police stated the shooting was gang-related.

Three men connected to Rod were also arrested on charges related to the shooting. Police Chief Mike Kovacsev noted that these men were allegedly connected to the Young Gangsters gang, and that two properties where they were captured were rented by Rod. The getaway vehicle was also registered in Rod’s name.

However, Rod was quickly released when authorities determined that information about him being a convicted felon was inaccurate. He has never been convicted of a felony, making the charges invalid.

2025 Georgia Arrest

On May 20, 2025, Rod was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, in relation to an incident from April 21, 2025. He faced 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
• Simple assault

Rod was released on a $50,000 bond. His lawyer, Drew Findling, stated: “There is no truth to these charges. Rod was a victim of a burglary, which resulted in these charges.”

Boosie Badazz Sampling Controversy

In November 2023, rapper Boosie Badazz accused Rod of stealing his lyrics and sampling his music without permission or payment. Boosie threatened to file a lawsuit.

Although Rod offered to pay Boosie, the situation escalated, and Boosie stated he was moving forward with the lawsuit. The outcome of this dispute remains unclear.

Net Worth and Earnings

As of 2025, Rod Wave’s estimated net worth is between $6 million and $10 million. This wealth comes from multiple sources:

Income Sources

1. Music Sales and Streaming – Rod has sold 65 million digital copies in the United States
2. Touring Revenue – His arena tours consistently sell out
3. Record Deals – Contracts with Alamo Records and Sony Music Publishing
4. YouTube Ad Revenue – Over 5 billion total views
5. Merchandise Sales – Tour merchandise and online store
6. Brand Endorsements – Though Rod is selective about partnerships
7. Royalties – From songwriting and production credits

Assets and Lifestyle

Rod has invested his earnings wisely:

• Luxury cars – Including expensive vehicles showcased on social media
• Jewelry – Custom chains and watches
• Real estate – Multiple properties in Florida
• Support for family – Helping his father, mother, and extended family

Despite his wealth, Rod maintains a relatively low-key lifestyle compared to other artists. He prioritizes his children’s future and his community over flashy displays of wealth.

Awards, Recognition, and Achievements

While Rod Wave hasn’t won major music awards yet, his achievements speak for themselves:

Chart Records

• 7 consecutive top-ten albums from 2019-2024
• 3 #1 albums on the Billboard 200
• Only male artist with a top-ten album every year from 2019-2024
• Multiple songs peaked in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100

Certifications

• 65 million digital copies sold in the United States
• Multiple platinum certifications from the RIAA
• All five studio albums certified platinum or higher

Industry Recognition

• XXL Freshman Class 2020
• Biggest artist-songwriter Q1 2021 (NMPA)
• Nominated for American Music Award
• Nominated for Billboard Music Award
• Nominated for iHeartRadio Music Award

Social Media Presence

Rod Wave maintains an active presence across all major platforms:

Instagram (@rodwave)

• 7.6 million+ followers
• 9.84% engagement rate (exceptionally high)
• Averages 752,340 likes per post
• Averages 18,859 comments per post
• Posts mix of personal moments, family photos, and music announcements

TikTok (@rodwave)

• 5 million+ followers
• Features Rod dancing and singing to his songs
• Popular remixes and fan content
• Over 33 million plays on top videos

YouTube

• 5.67 million+ subscribers
• 5.1+ billion total views across 190 uploads
• Started channel in 2016
• Posts music videos, lyric videos, and official audio

Twitter/X

• 688,000+ followers
• Joined December 2016
• Uses platform for announcements and connecting with fans
• Spotify
• 8+ million monthly listeners
• Billions of streams across his catalog
• Featured on major editorial playlists

Complete Discography

Studio Albums

1. Ghetto Gospel (2019) – Peaked #10 on Billboard 200
2. Pray 4 Love (2020) – Peaked #2 on Billboard 200
3. SoulFly (2021) – #1 on Billboard 200 | Platinum
4. Beautiful Mind (2022) – #1 on Billboard 200 | Platinum
5. Nostalgia (2023) – #1 on Billboard 200 | Platinum
6. Last Lap (2024) – Peaked #2 on Billboard 200

EPs

• Jupiter’s Diary: 7 Day Theory (2022) – Peaked #9 on Billboard 200

Mixtapes

• Rookie of the Year (2017)
• Hunger Games (2017)
• Hunger Games 2 (2018)
• Hunger Games 3 (2018)
• PTSD (2019)

Notable Singles (Top 25 Hits)

• “Heart on Ice” (#25)
• “Rags2Riches” (#12)
• “Street Runner” (top 20)
• “Tombstone” (top 20)
• “Fight the Feeling” (#16)
• “Call Your Friends” (#18)
• “Come See Me” (#19)
• “Boyz Don’t Cry” (#25)

Touring History

Rod Wave has completed multiple successful tours:

1. I’m Him Tour (2019) – Supporting Kevin Gates
2. Ghetto Gospel Tour (2020) – 22 stops
3. SoulFly Tour (2021) – 36 stops
4. Beautiful Mind Tour (2022) – 25 stops
5. Nostalgia Tour (2023) – 35 arena shows
6. Last Lap Tour (2024) – 36 stops

His tours consistently sell out, with fans traveling from across the country to see him perform.

Rod Wave Impact on Hip-Hop

Rod Wave represents a new generation of hip-hop artists who aren’t afraid to show vulnerability. In a genre often associated with machismo and toughness, Rod openly discusses:

• Depression and anxiety
• Crying and emotional pain
• Therapy and mental health
• Love and heartbreak
• Weakness and fear

This authenticity has inspired countless other artists to be more open about their own struggles. Rod proved that emotional rap can be just as successful as traditional hip-hop.

His “trap-soul” sound has influenced a new wave of artists who blend singing and rapping with deeply personal lyrics. Songs like “Heart on Ice” and “Tombstone” have become anthems for people dealing with heartbreak and pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

From shooting dice in St. Petersburg streets to headlining sold-out arena tours, Rod Wave’s journey represents the ultimate American success story. But what makes his story even more powerful is that he never forgot where he came from.

Rod’s music continues to touch millions of people who see themselves in his struggles. Every time someone going through heartbreak plays “Heart on Ice,” or someone dealing with depression listens to “Dark Clouds,” Rod’s impact grows.

At just 26 years old, with seven top-ten albums and millions of dollars in the bank, Rod Wave is only getting started. As he continues releasing music and touring the world, one thing remains certain: his raw emotional honesty will always connect with people who need to hear that they’re not alone.