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Rod Wave has been sued by his former tour promoter after the company claims he kept millions in advances after he declined to finish his multi-city tour, and spent it on personal expenses.
According to a report Billboard published on Wednesday, October 1, Grizzly Touring, which is a joint endeavor between AG Entertainment, Mammoth Touring, and CTS Eventim, filed its lawsuit in a federal courtroom. The events company accused the rapper, born Rodarius Marcell Green, of keeping $27 million worth of advances for his "Last Lap Tour," even after he allegedly refused to complete the 35-date run in the U.S.
“Artist refuses to pay Grizzly a single penny of the more than $27 million he owes, and was required to pay in the first instance, and has instead chosen to spend his advance on private jets and lavish second homes,” Grizzly’s lawyers wrote.
Rod Wave's "Last Lap Tour" was announced last September with opening acts including Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Doir and Eelmatic. The "Tombstone" rapper was supposed to complete 35 shows and received $57 million to help cover all expenses for the tour, like lodging, travel, and production. However, Rod Wave only performed at 26 shows, which only earned $30 million. Since the other dates were canceled, Rod Wave was left with $27 million in advances.
Grizzly alleged the Florida native switched up his stage set-ups at the last minute. The unexpected changes caused delays at the arenas, which made it difficult for Rod to perform back-to-back shows. In the lawsuit, the company claimed Rod Wave improperly placed the blame on them after he alleged they altered his touring route in a recent interview. The rapper's lawyer, David Rose, denied Grizzly's allegations and cited other major errors, including “onerous and inexplicable" booking decisions and issues with his touring equipment.
“As a result of Grizzly’s manifest breaches, the agreement and any exclusivity provisions contained in it are no longer in effect,” Rose wrote.
Grizzly Touring wants a judge to force the artist to repay the remaining advances, along with other financial damages for alleged breach of contract. They also want the court to block Rod Wave from embarking on his own self-promoted tour without them.