American rapper Rod Wave experienced the highest and lowest points of his career within hours as he received his first Grammy nomination followed by an arrest on multiple criminal charges.
The dramatic arrest
Rodarius Marcell Green, professionally known as Rod Wave, was taken into custody by Atlanta Police Department on Friday, November 7, facing four serious charges. The 27-year-old musician, best known for hits like Street Runner and Heart On Ice, had just learned about his Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media earlier that same day.
The charges against him include possession of a firearm or knife during crime commission, possession of a controlled substance, and reckless driving according to TMZ reports. Authorities from Milton Police Department revealed they initially responded to what was described as a possible domestic disturbance at a local residence.
Legal team fights back
Wave's legal representatives have strongly contested the arrest, claiming their client was unfairly targeted. Attorneys Drew Findling, Marissa Goldberg and Zack Findling released a statement arguing that the rapper was unjustly profiled and unlawfully arrested in Atlanta.
They specifically criticised the arresting officer's membership in the Atlanta Police Department's Crime Suppression Unit, describing it as a group known for its aggressive tactics and emphasis on high arrest numbers rather than genuine public safety. The legal team attributed the arrest to what they called a quota-driven approach and expressed confidence about resolving what they consider violations of Wave's rights in court.
Following his arrest, Green reportedly turned himself in and was released from police custody on Saturday, November 8, after posting an $8,000 (£6,079) bond according to his attorney Drew Findling, who confirmed his client had already made his first court appearance.
Pattern of legal troubles
This incident marks the latest in a series of legal challenges for the rapper this year. In May, he faced 14 criminal counts including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm and felony tampering with evidence. That arrest followed an April 21 incident where the rapper returned home following a burglary, leading to an argument during which a pistol was fired 14 times, striking several cars and a wall in the home.
At that time, he was detained in Fulton County, Georgia and released on a $50,000 (£37,000) bond. His attorney had similarly denied those charges, insisting Green was the victim of a burglary and committed no crimes.
The rapper's legal history extends further with an April 2024 arrest in Florida for possession of ammunition or a weapon following police suspicions of involvement in a gang-related shooting that left four people injured. In 2022, he faced battery by strangulation charges in Florida after being accused of choking an ex-girlfriend while their two children were inside the home, though the case was later dismissed.
Musical success continues
Despite these legal challenges, Rod Wave's professional career continues to flourish. He's reported to be the 21st highest-grossing touring rapper of all time, having earned $36 million from 31 shows. His breakthrough came in 2019 when his single Heart on Ice went viral on TikTok before peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
His debut studio album Ghetto Gospel reached number ten on the US Billboard 200, and he has since released five additional albums. His most recent work, 2024's Last Lap, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, marking his seventh consecutive top 10 album and making him the only male artist to release a top ten album each year from 2019 to 2024.
The investigation into the recent incident remains ongoing as the rapper balances his Grammy nomination celebration with mounting legal battles.
