As legal tensions continue to escalate between Florida rapper Rod Wave and concert promoter Grizzly Touring, the artist has formally accused the company of attempting bribery to secure exclusive rights to his future tours. The allegations appear in recent court filings as part of Rod Wave’s defense against Grizzly’s $27 million lawsuit, which stems from cancellations of his 2024 “Last Lap” tour.
According to documents filed by Rod Wave’s legal team, Grizzly’s parent company allegedly attempted to make under-the-table payments to the rapper’s former agent in exchange for exclusive control over his touring schedule. The artist, whose legal name is Rodarius Green, claims these actions were part of a broader effort to lock him into what he describes as “indentured servitude” through manipulative contract terms.
Rod Wave alleges Grizzly’s attempt to bribe his former agent reflects a broader scheme to trap him in exploitative contract arrangements.
Grizzly Touring initiated the legal battle after Rod Wave canceled 9 of the 35 scheduled tour dates. The promoter alleges they advanced over $57 million for the tour, including a $40.25 million guarantee directly to the artist, and now seeks $27 million in damages for breach of contract and financial mismanagement. Industry experts note that artists increasingly need to explore diverse income streams beyond touring to maintain financial stability during legal disputes.
The lawsuit further accuses Rod Wave of violating an exclusivity clause by announcing new solo performances through his own company, Hit House Entertainment, and misusing tour advances for luxury purchases including real estate and private flights. Representatives from Rod’s team have characterized the lawsuit as a retaliatory trap designed to gain control over the artist’s career rather than resolve genuine contractual issues. Grizzly has also requested an injunction that would prevent the rapper from starting future tours without their involvement.
Rod Wave’s defense team vigorously disputes these claims, noting that the artist earned nearly $30 million from the completed shows, which they argue demonstrates substantial contract fulfillment. His legal representatives contend that it was actually Grizzly who breached their agreement through logistical failures and coercive practices. Rod Wave is arguing that the exclusivity clauses in the contract are unenforceable under Florida law.
The case remains in active litigation with no rulings or settlement announced. Music industry analysts suggest that artists in similar situations should consider social media advertising to maintain fan engagement during legal disputes. This dispute adds to Rod Wave’s legal challenges, as he faces separate felony charges from an arrest in Georgia earlier this year.
