In today’s music industry, artists have typically been able to be vulnerable and express what they are going through on tracks. People like Juice WRLD and xxxtentacion were two artists that were able to do that and captivate an entire generation. After both Juice and X tragically passed, Rod Wave became a household name for the world to relate to through his music. “Ghetto Gospel”, released on November 1st, 2019, was the foundation for the St. Petersburg native’s fanbase. It was my introduction to him for sure. Ghetto Gospel ended up at #6 on my 2019 album of the year article and looking back, it might’ve been able to sneak into the top three.
“Heart been broke so many times I don’t know what to believe”
The album, being Rod’s debut studio project, was highly anticipated by his fans. However, just like the rest of his projects, it wasn’t heavy on the feature list at all. Only two features from his idol Kevin Gates and a remix feature on “Heart On Ice” from Lil Durk. The album’s theme is just talking about Rod Wave’s trials and tribulations growing up tough in St. Petersburg. From talking about getting kicked out of his house at a young age to losing people in his close circle to death, Rod Wave expresses his real life problems through his music. And that’s the beauty of what musicians do, through their art they can relate to so many people personally. I think that Rod would tell you himself that he’s just a normal person that just happened to have made it big. Artists are obviously looked at through a different lens then everyday common citizens, but they are those people still at heart with real problems and emotions. While he has achieved true greatness, those problems and emotions still remain present and palpable through his music.
Rod Wave has established himself on top of the Mount Rushmore of “pain music”. Whenever Rod Wave gets on a song with a somber piano in the background, you already know it is going to be a hit. It has been almost three years since this project dropped and it is still in my rotation. When you look at what he has been able to do over these three years, you just have to sit back and admire the come up. From “Ghetto Gospel” debuting at #14 on Billboard 200 selling 21,700 units to “Beautiful Mind” debuting at #1 and selling 115,000 units in its first week.
“When I think about my past, that sh** give me chills”
Favorite Songs:
- Cuban Links ft. Kevin Gates
- Dark Conversations
- Sky Priority
- Poison
- Green Light
- Chip On My Shoulder
- Heart On Ice (Remix) ft. Lil Durk
- Extra
- Close Enough To Hurt
- Soldier Life
- Abandoned
- Titanic ft. Kevin Gates
- Counted Steps
- Brace Face
Rating: 8.5/10
Three years ago Rod Wave was just 21 years-old, fresh off of “Heart On Ice” going viral, he hasn’t looked back since. This man’s music has definitely helped me get through a lot of tough times and I hope he realizes the impact he’s made on this generation. Thank you Rod Wave. This is YSN, until next time, signing out.
