Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke

Kevarius Green, the artist known to the world as Rod Wave, is more than just a rapper. He’s a poet of pain, a chronicler of struggle, and a voice for the voiceless. His rise from the gritty streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, to the pinnacle of the music industry is a testament to his raw talent, unwavering determination, and the power of vulnerability. This is the story of Rod Wave, a journey of heartache, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream.

Roots in the Sunshine State:

Born on August 27, 1999, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevarius Green’s early life was a far cry from the glitz and glamour that would later surround him. He grew up in the heart of a struggling community, surrounded by poverty, violence, and limited opportunities. His parents separated when he was young, leaving him to navigate the challenges of childhood with a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings.

While details about his family history remain relatively private, it’s clear that the hardships he witnessed and experienced firsthand shaped his worldview and fueled his artistic expression. He often speaks of the struggles of his family, the constant hustle to make ends meet, and the emotional toll that poverty took on his community. These experiences became the foundation for his lyrics, which resonate with authenticity and raw emotion.

Even in his youth, Kevarius displayed a creative spark. He was drawn to music, finding solace and expression in melodies and rhymes. He started singing in church, honing his vocal skills and developing a passion for performance. This early exposure to music, combined with the realities of his surroundings, ignited a fire within him, a desire to tell his story and connect with others through his art.

Finding His Voice Through Struggle:

The path to becoming Rod Wave was not paved with ease. He faced numerous obstacles, including run-ins with the law that threatened to derail his aspirations. He was arrested multiple times on charges ranging from carrying a concealed weapon to grand theft auto. These experiences, while difficult, served as a harsh wake-up call, forcing him to confront his choices and commit to a different path.

Music became his lifeline, a way to channel his frustrations, express his pain, and find hope amidst the darkness. He began writing and recording his own songs, drawing inspiration from his life experiences and the struggles of those around him. His early music was raw and unfiltered, reflecting the rawness of his environment. He didn’t shy away from difficult topics, tackling issues of poverty, violence, and heartbreak with unflinching honesty.

Inspired by artists like Kevin Gates, Future, and Meek Mill, Rod Wave developed his own unique sound, blending soulful melodies with trap beats and introspective lyrics. He started posting his music online, sharing his stories with the world and building a small but dedicated following.

The Grind and the Glimmers of Hope:

The early years were a constant hustle. Rod Wave worked tirelessly to hone his craft, spending countless hours writing, recording, and promoting his music. He performed at local venues, building his stage presence and connecting with fans on a personal level. He reinvested every dollar he earned back into his music, determined to make his dream a reality.

Mini successes along the way fueled his determination. Each new fan, each positive comment, each small gig was a validation of his hard work and a reminder that his voice was resonating with people. He released several mixtapes independently, slowly building his audience and attracting the attention of industry insiders.

However, the path was not without its setbacks. There were moments of doubt, times when he questioned whether he would ever escape the cycle of poverty and violence that had plagued his life. There were rejections from record labels and promoters, and the constant struggle to make ends meet took a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. But through it all, he refused to give up. He held onto his belief in his talent and his vision for the future.

The Breakout Moment:

In 2018, Rod Wave’s persistence paid off. His single “Heart on Ice” went viral, catapulting him into the national spotlight. The song, a raw and emotional ballad about heartbreak and vulnerability, resonated with millions of listeners who connected with his honest and relatable lyrics. The music video for “Heart on Ice” garnered millions of views on YouTube, further solidifying his status as a rising star.

This breakthrough led to a record deal with Alamo Records and Interscope Records, marking a significant turning point in his career. He finally had the resources and support he needed to take his music to the next level.

From Heartbreak to Chart-Topping Success:

Since signing with Alamo/Interscope, Rod Wave has released a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, solidifying his position as one of the leading voices in contemporary hip-hop.

• Ghetto Gospel (2019): This debut album showcased his signature blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of pain, loss, and redemption.
• Pray 4 Love (2020): This album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his mainstream appeal. The album featured hit singles like “Rags2Riches” and “Thief in the Night.”
• SoulFly (2021): This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a major milestone in his career. The album featured the hit single “Tombstone.”
• Beautiful Mind (2022): Another chart-topping success, further cemented his place in the hip-hop landscape.
• Nostalgia (2023): Continued his streak of commercially successful and critically acclaimed albums.

Awards and Recognition:

Rod Wave’s talent and hard work have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including:

• Billboard Music Awards Nomination for Top New Artist
• BET Hip Hop Awards Nomination for Best New Hip Hop Artist

Beyond the Music: Personal Struggles and Redemption:

Despite his success, Rod Wave has remained open about his personal struggles, including his battles with mental health and addiction. He has spoken candidly about his experiences with anxiety and depression, using his platform to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help.

He has also faced legal challenges and controversies, including arrests for battery and possession of firearms. These incidents have been a source of criticism and scrutiny, but Rod Wave has used them as opportunities for self-reflection and growth. He has acknowledged his mistakes and committed to learning from them, using his influence to promote positive change.

A Voice for the Voiceless:

Rod Wave’s music is more than just entertainment. It’s a reflection of the struggles and triumphs of a generation. He speaks to the pain, the heartbreak, and the hope that permeates communities like the one he grew up in. He gives a voice to the voiceless, sharing stories that are often ignored or marginalized.

His journey from the projects to platinum is an inspiration to aspiring artists and anyone who has ever faced adversity. He proves that with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Rod Wave’s story is still being written. He continues to evolve as an artist and as a person, using his platform to make a difference in the world. He is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that even the most difficult experiences can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful. His music serves as a beacon of hope, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that they, too, can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. He is more than just a rapper; he is a voice for a generation, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the power of the human spirit. He’s a testament to transforming pain to purpose.