Rapper Rod Wave was arrested in Georgia on drug and weapon charges on the same day he received his first-ever Grammy nomination. The 27-year-old artist, whose real name is Rodarius Green, was taken into custody by the Atlanta Police Department on Friday, according to Fulton County public records.
Wave was charged with possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, reckless driving, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was released the following day, November 8, after posting an $8,000 bond, and had already made his first court appearance.
Wave’s attorneys claimed the arrest was unjust and a result of racial profiling. In a statement to TMZ, they said, “The arresting officer belongs to the Atlanta Police Department’s controversial Crime Suppression Unit—a group known for its aggressive tactics and emphasis on high arrest numbers rather than genuine public safety.” They further described the incident as a “quota-driven approach” and a “clear violation of [his] rights.”
This incident comes after a tumultuous year for the Florida-born rapper, who was arrested twice earlier in 2025 in Georgia. In May, he faced 14 charges including aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit a felony, and in June, he was arrested for battery.
The arrest coincided with a major career milestone for Wave, who earned his first Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The nomination was for his track Sinners, featured in the 2025 film Sinners.
Despite the legal challenges, Wave is moving forward with his career. He is scheduled to begin his Redemption Experience Tour in December, with the first show set for December 7 in Los Angeles.
The timing of the arrest, juxtaposed with his Grammy nomination, highlights both the challenges and successes in Wave’s career. His legal team and fans are closely watching the situation, emphasizing the rapper’s right to fair treatment while celebrating his musical achievements. The incident has sparked conversations about police practices and racial profiling in Atlanta, alongside the excitement surrounding his Grammy recognition.
