We checked our Best Rappers in Their 20s picks against Luminate data. YoungBoy Never Broke Again isn’t just No. 1, he’s lapping the field.
Dimas SanfiorenzoRod Wave
Rod Wave is a hip-hop and R&B singer-songwriter from St. Petersburg, Florida, known for blending melodic rap with soulful storytelling that draws heavily on themes of pain, struggle, and resilience. He rose to prominence in the late 2010s with mixtapes like *PTSD* and albums such as *SoulFly*, which showcase his distinctive ability to merge heartfelt vocals with raw, autobiographical lyricism. Fans return to Rod Wave’s music for its unfiltered emotional honesty and the way his songs capture the complexities of mental health and personal hardship. His defining feature is the seamless integration of singing and rapping, which creates a deeply immersive listening experience that resonates across hip-hop and R&B audiences alike.
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With rap’s biggest stars pushing 40, the 20-somethings are fighting for the spotlight. From YoungBoy Never Broke Again to Doechii to Baby Keem, these are the best rappers in their 20s right now.
Dimas Sanfiorenzo
From Drake and his new album 'Iceman' to Rod Wave who just released 'Don't Look Down'—we ranked the hottest rappers right now.
Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Rod Wave's seventh album, Don't Look Down, arrived on August 28 via Alamo. Here's the tracklist, the features, the singles, the 34-date arena tour, and where things stand with Boosie.
Dimas SanfiorenzoLatest Stories
Here Are the First Week Numbers for Rod Wave’s ‘Don’t Look Down’
The Petersburg, Florida native has achieved his fourth No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Jaelani Turner-Williams57 days ago
Rod Wave's 'Don't Look Down' Eyeing Potential No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200 Albums Chart
The album could become Wave's fourth to debut at No. 1.
Trace William Cowen64 days ago
Boosie Badazz Wants Rod Wave to Let Their Sample Beef Go: 'Stop Playing Victim'
Boosie thinks that Rod Wave is playing victim in their long-standing feud over a sample.
Joe Price68 days ago
Rod Wave Pushes Back on 'Sad Rapper' Label: 'I'm Just Living in Reality'
Rod Wave says his emotional music reflects life's ups and downs, not who he is every day.
Mark Elibert84 days ago
Rod Wave Responds to Candy Seller He Ignored: ‘Old Ah N***a’
The rapper and singer can be seen in the viral video walking right past the man as he tried to sell him candy bars.
Jose Martinez314 days ago
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Rod Wave's Agent Wants 'World to Know' Rapper Made $2 Million for a Single Show
In a leaked clip from an upcoming documentary, the rapper and singer's agent revealed the staggering figure.
Joe Price327 days ago
Rod Wave Allegedly Had a Baby Bottle Filled With Lean During Atlanta Arrest
The 27-year-old rapper and singer was arrested on four counts including firearm possession and controlled substance possession.
Joe Price357 days ago
Rod Wave Arrested on Gun Charge in Atlanta
The rapper and singer was booked on four charges, including reckless driving.
Jaelani Turner-Williams360 days ago
Rod Wave Blasts Ticket Companies’ High Prices Amid Tour Lawsuit: ‘Y’all Don’t Give a F—k’
A touring company recently sued the 'Last Lap' artist for $27 million due to an unfinished tour.
tara mahadevan379 days ago
Rod Wave Doesn't Want to Be Known As the 'Sad' Rapper Anymore
The Florida star explained what happens when he walks in a room because of the label people have put on him.
Trey Alston382 days ago
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Rod Wave Accuses Tour Promoter of ‘Indentured Servitude’ in $27 Million Countersuit
Grizzly Touring filed a $27 million lawsuit against the rapper and singer for allegedly violating their tour agreement.
Jose Martinez386 days ago
Rod Wave Owes More Than $27 Million Due to Unfinished Tour, New Lawsuit Alleges
The suit claims Rod spent his advance on "private jets and lavish second homes.”
Trace William Cowen398 days ago
Druski Tricks Rod Wave Fans By Pretending to Be Him at Florida Concert: 'I Got Y'all'
The comedian fooled an arena full of people.
Trey Alston430 days ago
Drake Trolls BenDaDonnn for Always Posting Rod Wave's Music
Drizzy jokingly wondered why his friend doesn't post him more.
Trey Alston444 days ago