Rod Wave Defends Jay-Z’s Age: “That’s The Goal”

Rod Wave sees Jay-Z’s age as something to aspire to because staying alive and successful was never guaranteed where he grew up.

The rapper explained his respect for older artists during a conversation with Ari Melber.

Instead of measuring Jay-Z against younger rappers, Rod described watching his decisions for lessons he can apply to his own future.

“So now that I get out here in the world, I have to look at guys like Jay who succeeded, and people might say he’s old or whatever the case may be, but in my eyes, just guys don’t get to be that old where I’m from or the hand that we was dealt, guys don’t get to be that successful,” Rod Wave said.

He connected that outlook to the people who shaped him before music became his livelihood.

Their influence mattered, he explained, but navigating his current life also required studying people who had already reached places he wanted to go.

“So I have to look at guys like that and just take what I can take from it and in some kind of way, because that’s the goal, to make it to that age and still be successful, still be talked about, still have opinions and, and stuff like that,” Rod Wave said.

Jay-Z was part of a broader approach to learning from established artists.

“It’s the same thing with Drake. It’s the same thing with Kanye. It’s the same thing with all these guys who are before me,” Rod Wave said.

Rod described weighing which choices to follow and which to avoid. His admiration did not mean copying every decision; he was looking for useful experience from artists further along in their careers.

That interest in building something lasting comes as his own business expands beyond records.

AllHipHop previously reported on Mainstay Sports’ growing roster, while the Mainstay umbrella also includes touring and film operations.

Mainstay Touring produced his Don’t Look Down Tour, and Mainstay Films handled its trailer. The sports agency launched in August.

Arkansas freshman Abdou Toure joined Mainstay Sports in October for marketing and brand representation.