Review
Rod Wave's sophomore masterpiece, "Pray 4 Love," which hit our playlists on April 3, 2020, dives headfirst into themes of pain and personal battles. Building on the foundation of his debut, "Ghetto Gospel," Rod continues fusing hip-hop and R&B while painting a moodier, deeply introspective picture. It's a raw portrayal of life's weighty moments, presented with a rich blend of sound that'll have you vibing and reflecting all at once.
This album can't be discussed without giving a nod to the powerhouse ensemble behind it. With heavy hitters like ATR Son Son, Yo Gotti, and Lil Baby making appearances, the project thrums with energy. The production from talents like DrellOnTheTrack and JetsonMade brings those infectious beats and catchy hooks that linger. Still, it dives relentlessly into gritty realism, a true balancing act of rhythm and reflection.
Rod Wave's voice—what a voice! That impeccable blend of rich R&B vibes with hip-hop's gritty narratives has him oscillating melodically between heartfelt lament and urgent expressions. Tracks like "Thief in the Night" and "Dark Clouds" deliver unapologetically vivid stories, and "Through the Wire" takes you on a haunting journey through his artful, yet devastating vocal prowess. Commercially, "Pray 4 Love" took the charts by storm, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200 and packing the airwaves with head-turning singles like "Rags2Riches" and "Girl of My Dreams." Throughout it all, Rod Wave's authenticity and ability to connect make this album utterly unforgettable. - Tatiana