How Old Is Rod Wave – Rapper’s True Age and Music Career Timeline

Okay, so y’all wanna know: how old is Rod Wave? The guy with the voice that hits you right in the gut, sounding like he’s lived ten lifetimes but is still young enough to remember what dial-up internet sounded like. Well, buckle up because I’m about to spill all the tea on his age and how he got from a kid in St. Pete to one of the hottest names in rap today.

Who’s Rod Wave, Anyway?

Let me set the stage real quick. Rod Wave—real name Rodarius Marcell Green—is from St. Petersburg, Florida. And no, he didn’t just wake up one day with that soulful voice and a Grammy in his hand. Nah, his story’s more like a mixtape of struggle, resilience, and a whole lotta heart.

He grew up with his mom mostly, because his dad went to prison when Rod was just a little dude. Fun fact: His dad bought him a mic before he left, probably the best “goodbye and good luck” gift ever.

I remember thinking, “Damn, if my dad gave me a mic like that, maybe I’d be famous too.” Instead, I’m here writing about him.

Anyway—how old is Rod Wave? He was born August 27, 1999. So, if you’re reading this in 2025, do the math. Yep, he’s a solid 25 years old.

Childhood Vibes and Early Hustle

Rod didn’t have a cushy ride to fame. Imagine a kid dealing with his dad gone, and the streets being no picnic. Yet, he found refuge in music. I swear, music was his therapy before therapy was cool.

He went to Lakewood High (I Googled it, not that I stalked him, promise).
At first, he was just messing around—recording over YouTube beats on a phone probably older than my laptop.
His heroes? Names like Kevin Gates and Kanye. Big vibes.

Here’s the kicker: He started taking music seriously around 18. That’s basically the age I realized I couldn’t live off pizza rolls forever.

So, How Old Is Rod Wave Exactly?

I get it. You want a straight-up answer, no side stories (but c’mon, I’m here now). As of mid-2025, Rod Wave is 25 years old.

That means when he dropped “Heart on Ice” in 2019, he was just 19 going on 20—a baby in the rap game with the emotional depth of someone twice his age.

Speaking of “Heart on Ice”…

The Big Break: “Heart on Ice” and What Came After

This track blew up faster than my attempts to keep a houseplant alive (RIP, Gary the Basil). It wasn’t just another rap song; it was raw pain and hope bundled in melody.

Released May 2019, went viral on TikTok like wildfire.
Peaked at #25 on Billboard Hot 100.
Made everyone ask, “Who the hell is this kid pouring his soul out?”

By then, how old is Rod Wave? Barely 20.

Crazy, right? I mean, I was still figuring out my laundry schedule at that age.

Albums and Age — The Road Map

Rod’s career is basically a timeline of youth, hustle, and hustle some more. Here’s a quick rundown, with his age attached so you can track the glow-up.

Ghetto Gospel (2019)

Released when he was 20.
Executive produced by Kevin Gates (a pretty big deal).
Made it to #10 on Billboard 200.

Pray 4 Love (2020)

Dropped right before he turned 21.
Went platinum.
Included TikTok bangers like “Rags2Riches.”

SoulFly (2021)

Came out when Rod was 21.
His first #1 album on Billboard 200.
Had “Tombstone,” a track that made me ugly cry in my car.

Beautiful Mind (2022)

Released at 23.
Showed even more depth and maturity.
Fans loved the introspective vibe.

Nostalgia (2023)

Released when he was 24.
Another #1 on Billboard.
Collaborated with 21 Savage and Lil Durk.

What’s So Special About His Sound?

Here’s where I geek out a little. Rod’s music ain’t your typical trap. It’s soul, pain, melody—like if Marvin Gaye and Future had a kid raised on Kevin Gates.

He mixes autotune with raw vocals for that emotional punch.
Piano-led beats that hit you right in the feels.
Lyrics about heartbreak, anxiety, poverty, dreams—not just flexin’.

I sometimes wonder how he manages to sound so wise when he’s barely older than some of my younger cousins. The dude’s a freakin’ enigma.

Milestones with a Side of Realness

Timeline bullet points, because who doesn’t love a good list?

Age 18: Started posting music online.
Age 19: Dropped “Heart on Ice.”
Age 20: Released debut album Ghetto Gospel.
Age 21: Hit #1 with SoulFly.
Age 23: BET Hip-Hop Award winner.
Age 24: Sold out massive tours.

Every time I try to match that with my own life, I remember I’m still stuck on “how old is Rod Wave?” and wishing I had half his hustle.

Personal Life and Stuff That Makes Him Human

Rod keeps it real about his struggles—anxiety, fatherhood, and all that messy adulting stuff. He’s got twin daughters, and honestly, I think that’s where half the emotional depth comes from.

Talks openly about mental health (which is super rare in rap).
Not your average flashy rapper. Keeps private.
Had a few minor run-ins with the law but stays focused.

I don’t blame him for being private. The last thing anyone needs is internet trolls digging through your baby photos.

Why Fans and Critics Are All In

Rod’s not just making music; he’s breaking molds.

He sings AND raps—sometimes in the same sentence.
Shows vulnerability instead of macho posturing.
Connects with fans who’ve been through hell and back.

My neighbor Tina swears her kid’s “Rod Wave playlist” is the only thing keeping her sane during Zoom marathons. If that ain’t impact, I don’t know what is.

Touring Tales and Fan Love

Rod’s concerts? Emotional rollercoasters.

Sold out big arenas.
Performs with raw energy, no frills.
Fans cry, cheer, and vibe all at once.

I once saw a dude at a show cry so hard he spilled his drink on me—guess that’s how you know you’re at a Rod Wave gig.

Awards and Street Cred

He may not be on every magazine cover, but Rod’s got receipts.

BET Hip-Hop Award for Best New Artist.
Multiple platinum singles (yep, he’s killing it).
Over a billion streams worldwide (at least, according to Spotify, but who’s counting?).

What’s Next for Rod Wave?

Rod teased some new music in early 2025, sounding like it’s gonna be even more personal. Maybe acoustic stuff? A documentary? Your guess is as good as mine.

Quirky Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Loves hot wings from WingHouse in St. Pete (same place I once got food poisoning—karma?).
Thought about criminal justice before music took over.
Hates flying. Prefers bus tours (which explains the grumpy tweets).