The tension between Rod Wave and Boosie BadAzz has reached a boiling point, as the two artists continue to trade public barbs regarding the sampling of Boosie’s music. The conflict centers on claims that Rod Wave has utilized Boosie’s catalog without providing what the veteran rapper deems appropriate financial compensation.
The latest chapter in this saga began on Wednesday, August 26, during Rod Wave’s appearance on Club Shay Shay. During the interview, the Florida-born artist addressed the long-standing friction, framing his use of Boosie’s work as an act of homage. “I had the Boosie fade. Sh*t crazy,” he explained. “I just was showing love. I guess he didn’t take it as that.” Rod Wave went on to express disillusionment with older figures in the industry, suggesting that some veterans attempt to “run the game” on younger artists and grow resentful when they cannot exert control.
Boosie BadAzz, known for his outspoken nature, quickly took to X to fire back, accusing Rod Wave of playing the victim. “THAT WAS YOUR 4th OR 5th TIME DOING WHAT YOU DID TO MY RECORDS,” Boosie wrote in a lengthy post. He argued that true appreciation would have involved reaching out to collaborate or ensuring he was properly compensated, rather than simply taking pieces of his publishing. Boosie emphasized that he has refrained from filing a lawsuit, despite his frustrations, and urged the younger artist to move on.
The situation escalated further when Rod Wave responded via his Instagram Story, sharing examples of Boosie himself recreating and sampling songs in similar fashion. In a subsequent video, Rod Wave made it clear he has no intention of backing down. He alleged that he had previously offered Boosie $100,000 as a gesture of goodwill, only for the offer to be rejected. “I knew from the jump I done sampled so many of the Trill Family record label’s property… I already had the relationship with your label so I knew from the jump you didn’t own the music,” he stated.
Boosie countered with his own video, dismissing Rod Wave’s claims and intensifying the personal nature of the dispute. The history of this conflict dates back to 2023, when Boosie first publicly called out Rod Wave for using lyrics from his 2010 track “Long Journey” on a new song of the same name. While both artists have threatened legal action at various points, no formal lawsuits have been filed to date. As it stands, the two remain at an impasse, with neither side showing signs of reconciliation.