Rod Wave, whose real name is Rodarius Marcell Green, was arrested on May 20, 2025, in Fulton, Georgia. The 26-year-old artist, whose trap-soul style and such hit singles as “Heart on Ice” popularized his name as an increasingly dominant force in urban music, is charged with 13 felonies. The charges arose from an argument on the evening of April 21, 2025, during which he allegedly fired shots at his girlfriend’s car.
Rod Wave was said to have gotten into an argument with his girlfriend on the 21st day of April, 2025. In the course of the argument, he allegedly shot his girlfriend’s vehicle using a gun. There is confirmed video proof, though the location and the nature of the events remain unknown. Rod Wave was arrested on May 20, 2025, through the efforts of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and he was released on bond the same day.
Legal Charges
Rod Wave has 13 felony charges, in addition to two misdemeanor charges. They include:
Aggravated assault: Trying to injure in a serious manner, perhaps armed.
Firearm possession for the commission of a felony: Having a weapon while engaging in a dangerous crime.
Pointing the gun at another person: Pointing the gun at another person
Property damage: On purpose, damaging another person’s property, probably their auto, worth in excess of $500.
Reckless conduct: Conducting activities that put other individuals in harm.
Tampering with the evidence: Attempting to conceal or destroy evidence about the crime.
Conspiracy to commit an offence: Agreements with others to commit an offence.
Willful obstruction of law enforcement, misdemeanor: Obstructing official duties.
The bail was $50,000, the bond for the individuals ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 for each count.
That is not Rod Wave’s first encounter with the law. In 2022, he was arrested in St. Petersburg, Fla., for the crime of battery by strangulation, only for the charges to be dismissed for lack of evidence. In 2024, in Manatee County, Fla., he was charged with weapons charges relating to an alleged gang-related shooting that left four individuals hurt. The charges were dropped after his attorneys insisted that he was misidentified.
Ignoring legal issues, Rod Wave’s music career has flourished. His 2023 album Nostalgia entered the Billboard 200 at number one, selling 137,000 units its first week. Last Lap, his 2024 album, reached number two with 127,000 units. He is one of only two artists, along with Taylor Swift, with a top-ten album on the Billboard 200 each year between 2019 through 2024. His 2023 Nostalgia Tour earned $36 million for 31 shows, placing him the 21st most successful tour rapper in history. In April 2025, he dropped the single “Sinners” for a movie soundtrack, reflecting his ongoing work in the field.
Rod Wave, rapper facing charges Mini Barbie Alleged girlfriend involved in the incident Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Law enforcement handling the arrest Fulton County Jail Facility where Rod Wave was detained.
It is rumored that the girlfriend is Mini Barbie, though it hasn’t been confirmed by the authorities or Rod Wave’s crew.
The arrest has prompted online public debate, with social media users and the media making theories about the nature of the incident and its consequence for Rod Wave’s career. Social media posts on platforms like X have debated whether Mini Barbie was involved, but much of this remains unverified. Official reports urge caution, as confirmed details are limited to the charges and arrest circumstances.
As the legal process continues, Rod Wave is expected to face court proceedings, with more details likely to emerge. The severity of the charges could pose challenges to his career, especially if convictions follow. While past legal issues did not derail his success, this case’s outcome could have a different impact. Fans and industry watchers are eager to see how this affects his music and public image.
