Rapper and singer Rod Wave was arrested Monday in Pinellas County, Florida, on drug and weapons charges - the same day he received his first-ever Grammy nomination, capping what should have been a career milestone with a sudden turn of events.

Authorities confirmed that the 26-year-old artist, whose real name is Rodarius Green, was taken into custody following a traffic stop on U.S. Route 19 near Clearwater. Police allege that officers found a loaded firearm and controlled substances in his vehicle during the stop.

Rod Wave’s attorneys, however, insist the arrest was the result of racial profiling and say their client was “unjustly targeted and unlawfully detained.”

“This was an unconstitutional stop,” said attorney William Frazier in a statement. “Mr. Green was profiled because of who he is and what he represents. We are confident that once the evidence is presented, he will be cleared of all charges.”

Arrest and Charges

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, officers pulled over the artist’s black Mercedes SUV around noon for what they described as “suspicious vehicle behavior.” During the search, police claim to have recovered small quantities of marijuana and an unregistered Glock handgun.

Rod Wave was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful concealment of a weapon. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and later released on $50,000 bond pending a court appearance scheduled for November 22.

Authorities have not disclosed the quantity of substances found, and prosecutors have yet to file formal indictments.

“He cooperated fully and respectfully,” said his legal team. “We urge the public not to rush to judgment.”

Grammy Nod Amid Chaos

Ironically, the arrest came just hours after Rod Wave earned his first Grammy nomination in the category of Best Melodic Rap Performance for his hit single “Sinners.”

The nomination marks a breakthrough for the Florida native, whose introspective style has reshaped the sound of melodic hip-hop. “Sinners,” released earlier this year, became a streaming juggernaut and was widely praised for blending soulful harmonies with themes of pain, redemption, and survival.

Fans flooded social media with mixed emotions — celebrating his Grammy recognition while expressing disbelief over his arrest.

“This is the story of his life — success and struggle in the same breath,” one fan wrote on X.

Career at a Crossroads

Rod Wave rose to prominence with his 2020 breakout hit “Heart on Ice,” followed by a string of successful albums, including SoulFly and Beautiful Mind. Known for his emotional honesty and vulnerability, he’s often called the voice of a generation of southern storytellers — artists blending gospel, blues, and trap into confessional narratives of trauma and faith.

The arrest could complicate upcoming tour dates and media appearances tied to his Grammy campaign and the deluxe release of his latest album Nostalgia. Industry insiders say the situation could also impact his eligibility for certain performance contracts, depending on the legal outcome.

“Rod has built his brand on authenticity,” said Kia Brooks, an Atlanta-based music publicist. “But this moment tests whether the industry and the courts will let him keep control of his own story.”

The Takeaway

For Rod Wave, the timing could hardly be more dramatic — a Grammy nod marking artistic validation colliding with another chapter of legal turmoil.

As fans rally behind him, his team insists the case will prove baseless. But for now, one of hip-hop’s most introspective voices finds himself caught between acclaim and accusation, just as his star was rising higher than ever.

“He sings about pain because he’s lived it,” his lawyer said. “This time, the system’s trying to write the next verse.”