Rod Wave made headlines for all the wrong reasons last week, when he was arrested in Atlanta with a baby bottle allegedly filled with lean. The arrest came just days after the 25-year-old rapper earned his first Grammy nomination for his song “Sinners”, featured in Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by Atlanta News First, officers claimed the bottle contained “1 fl oz of a purple liquid, which I suspected to be promethazine.” The incident began when police reportedly stopped Wave, real name Rodarius Green, for speeding—driving 45 mph in a 30 mph zone—before following him into a nearby QuikTrip gas station.
What Police Allegedly Found
During the traffic stop, officers alleged:
- Odor of marijuana emanating from Wave’s vehicle
- Failure to answer questions about weapons
- During a pat-down, a .40 caliber Glock with a high-capacity magazine was reportedly found
- Oxycodone pills and two firearms were discovered inside the vehicle
- The infamous lean-filled baby bottle
Wave’s passenger, Jamond Byner, was also arrested. Both posted bond the following day.
Attorney Claims Arrest Was Unjust
Wave’s attorney, Drew Findling, pushed back against the arrest, calling it unjust and politically motivated.
“On November 7th, the same day Rodarius Green earned a Grammy nomination, he was unjustly profiled and unlawfully arrested in Atlanta,” Findling said in a statement to XXL.
The attorney specifically targeted the Atlanta Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, alleging the arrest was part of a quota-driven strategy that emphasizes high arrest numbers rather than public safety:
“The arresting officer belongs to a group known for its aggressive tactics and emphasis on high arrest numbers rather than genuine public safety. Mr. Green was targeted as part of this quota-driven approach.”
Charges Against Rod Wave
Rod Wave faces multiple serious charges, including:
- Reckless driving
- Possession of controlled substances
- Possession of a firearm or knife
Despite the charges, the rapper’s Grammy nomination for “Sinners” continues to make waves, marking a career milestone amid a chaotic week.
Public Reaction and Context
The arrest has sparked discussions across social media, with fans expressing a mix of shock, concern, and support. Many pointed out the timing—just after his Grammy nod—as suspicious or unfair. Others debated the presence of lean and firearms, highlighting ongoing issues in hip-hop culture surrounding substance use and law enforcement scrutiny.
Rod Wave has yet to publicly comment on the incident, leaving fans waiting for his side of the story.
What’s Next for Rod Wave
As Wave navigates the legal aftermath, all eyes remain on how this will affect his burgeoning career, especially following the Grammy recognition. Legal proceedings will determine whether the charges hold, while fans and the public watch closely for updates.
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