Rodarius Marcell Green also known as Rod Wave, was born on August 27, 1998. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, he quietly rose to fame because of his distinctive style of rapping and singing. He is signed to Alamo Records and incorporates hip-hop and R&B. He is recognized as a pioneer of the subgenre “soul-trap.”
Wave rose to fame with his 2019 single “Heart on Ice,” which went viral on YouTube and TikTok and peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wave has been recognized in the media for his “candor and shrewd ability to tug at listeners’ heartstrings.” 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.”
During his childhood, he experienced a challenging family situation when his parents divorced, and his father ended up in jail. As a result of their financial difficulties, Wave turned to the streets to make a living. This led him down a troubled path, involving multiple stints in juvenile centers and engagement in various illicit activities.
When his father was released from jail, he encouraged Wave to channel his energy into music, so he purchased a microphone and his brother contributed by buying him a computer. Equipped with these tools, Wave was provided with the means to redirect his life toward a more positive and constructive path.
Rod Wave rapidly rose to stardom because of his ability to establish a strong emotional connection with his fans. His music focuses on addressing universal experiences and emotions while creating a sense of relatability that resonates deeply with listeners from diverse backgrounds.
His concerts are known for their energy, passion, and crowd engagement. Wave captivates audiences with his powerful stage presence and ability to connect with his fans on a personal level. Everybody knows all the lyrics and sings along with him.
He gained his third NO.1 album in a row with the release of his new album “Nostalgia,” and his new album opened with the equivalent of 137,000 sales in the United States and was a big streaming hit, particularly on Apple Music, garnering 188 million clicks.
Rod Wave has recently performed in the DMV area. On November 4, 2023, he arrived at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore for his Nostalgia tour. Then, on November 12, Wave arrived to perform at the Capital One Arena in downtown D.C.
The Nostalgia tour concerts had many similarities. At both shows, Wave was accompanied by Ari Lenox, Toosii, Elematic, and Sadie Jean.
Both venues were sold out and filled to capacity. Every seat contained die-hard fans, screaming out his lyrics.
He begins his tour telling his fans that his concert is a story. His music tells a story.
Nostalgia is defined as a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations, and this tour is reminiscent of the years.
Wave has several songs with years as the titles. All of his titles symbolize something that occurred in the time of writing it.
Lyrics such as “Music saved my life” and “Dreams come true, you gotta chase it” reflect his life. His life is relatable to many people making his crowds sing along.
- The Lawsuit – On Tuesday, Nov. 28, Boosie revealed he is filing a lawsuit against Rod Wave after Wave refused to compensate him for sampling one of Boosie’s hits in his song “Long Journey.”
- The Opening Act – Sadie Jean is a rising 19 year old singer-songwriter based in NYC and LA with a knack for heart-break songs. In 2020 Jean release her song “WYD Now” eventually blowing up on TikTok. Rod Wave included her in his song 2018 and has been bringing her on tour with him.
- The Excitement – During the show Rod Wave jumped off of a prop balcony during his song “Come See Me.”
Rod Wave’s concerts featured significantly different venue settings, centered mostly around two different multipurpose arenas: Capital One Arena and CFG Bank Arena.
CFG Bank Arena, located at 201 West Baltimore Street in Maryland, is a testimony to history and growth. Originally known as the Baltimore Civic Center, this venue has had several name changes, including Baltimore Arena, 1st Mariner Arena, and Royal Farms Arena, before becoming CFG Bank Arena in February 2023. This arena, which has a considerable seating capacity of 14,000 for concerts, has served as an arts venue as well as a home to several Baltimore-based sports teams over the years, especially the Baltimore Bullets.
On the other hand, Capital One Arena, located at 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, located in Chinatown. It was once known as MCI Center before being renamed Verizon Center in 2006. It underwent another name change in 2017. This indoor arena, owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, is a multifunctional environment that accommodates known sports teams such as the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, and Georgetown University men’s basketball teams. Despite its financial success, Capital One Arena has been criticized for its role in gentrification, the eviction of Asian-American residents, and the displacement of local companies by large corporations.
Rod Wave’s concerts showcased the unique history and transformations of CFG Bank Arena and Capital One Arena, reflecting their multifaceted nature and shaping the overall concert experience.
