Have you heard of emo rap? It’s a subgenre of hip-hop where artists delve into their personal issues and emotions, rather than just rapping about money and fame. Rod Wave is one such artist who falls under this category, and his track “Heart on Ice” is a prime example of this.
The song’s title refers to Rod’s decision to shut down his emotions after experiencing heartbreak repeatedly. He had a rough childhood filled with deceit and heartbreak, but instead of opening up, he chose to keep his frustrations to himself. Rod believed that one day he would find peace of mind, but in the meantime, he resorted to a life of crime and focused on making money to escape the blues.
Rod’s mother thinks he’s too sensitive and gets hurt easily because he wears his heart on his sleeve. She believes that his honesty makes him vulnerable to emotional pain. However, Rod can’t change his naturally sensitive personality, so he chose to put his “heart on ice” instead. For him, it’s a more realistic option to close himself off emotionally from the world.
In summary, “Heart on Ice” is a powerful track that showcases Rod Wave’s ability to express his emotions through music. The song is a reminder that everyone copes with heartbreak differently, and sometimes shutting down emotions can be a coping mechanism for some.
To learn more about Rod Wave, read his biography here.
The Story Behind the Hit Song
Rod Wave’s hit song “Heart on Ice” has an interesting history. It was first released on May 22, 2019, as part of his mixtape “PTSD” and later featured on his debut album “Ghetto Gospel,” both under Alamo Records. It’s worth noting that this was Rod Wave’s first official single, and it remains his most successful in terms of sales as of 2021. The RIAA even certified it multiple-platinum!
Part of the song’s success is due to a remix that Rod Wave made with Lil Durk, a Chicago-based rapper. The tune achieved viral status on TikTok a year after its release, which helped it break into the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. But it’s on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart where “Heart on Ice” truly shone, peaking at number 13.
According to popular music website Genius, Rod Wave’s “Open Mic” performance of the song also played a role in its popularity. It’s amazing how a song can gain momentum from different sources, and “Heart on Ice” is a prime example of that. So, if you haven’t heard it yet, give it a listen and see why it became such a hit!
You may also check out our list of Rod Wave’s best songs here.