Rod Wave is mourning the loss of his uncle and longtime manager, Uncle Dee. On Wednesday (July 3), the Florida rapper confirmed Dee’s passing, though the cause of death has not yet been revealed.
In an emotional Instagram Story, Rod Wave paid tribute to his uncle, writing: “I love [you] so much, Pop. I’m sorry they prayed we fall. I follow [you]. l would follow [you] to heaven, but nga, we started this st. I know how yo’ mind work — a thousand thoughts a [minute].” He continued, “[I swear] when I was a kid, I thought [you] was bigger [than the] president, nga. [You] is gone always be [the] largest nga, [the] sickest nga and any nga say [you] ain’t [is dead on arrival].”
In a separate post, Rod Wave expressed his grief, saying “Fk rap, nga. I [remember you] taking me to school, nga, picking me up. Nga, f**k rap, I [remember everything you] taught me.”
Dee was a vital figure in Rod Wave’s life and career. Prior to the rapper’s rise to fame, Dee had worked in the music industry and was even sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy. After his release, he reconnected with Rod Wave and played a crucial role in the young artist’s success.
“I raised [Rod Wave] when he was little kid, man. I was already in the music business, but I went to federal prison,” Dee previously shared. “That knocked me out [of] my game, but I got back out to this blessing with him. So, we took over.”
Dee helped guide Rod Wave’s career, moving him to Atlanta and securing him a supporting act slot on rapper Kevin Gates’ tour. The two shared a close bond, with Rod Wave describing Dee as a father figure who taught him invaluable lessons.
Rod Wave’s latest album, Nostalgia, was released in 2023 and featured collaborations with artists like Wet, 21 Savage, and Sadie Jean. His most recent single, “Numb,” arrived in April. Though the music world has lost a key figure in Uncle Dee, Rod Wave’s heartfelt tributes make it clear that his uncle’s legacy and impact will live on.