Rod Wave, Westside Connection | Song Review 🎵

Once more, melodic rapper Rod Wave wears his heart on his sleeve in his first single of 2025, “Westside Connection.” It’s solid, not groundbreaking.

“I left my heart on the West End, I can’t wait to get home to you / Home to you.” It is no secret that Rod Wave wears his emotions on his sleeve.  That is part of what is so endearing about him as a rapper.  On “Westside Connection” Rod rides the honest, melodic rap wave without a hitch.  He is supported by warm, inviting keyboard accompaniment anchored by a rhythmic trap beat.  The sound is familiar for Rod – nothing brand-new or game-changing. Still, T5, Wonderyo, LayZ, and Fielry produce a welcoming backdrop for the rapper to spit over. 

Rod keeps things relatively short. “Westside Connection” clocks in under three minutes.  As always, he brings his signature cadence and flow. Before the chorus (excerpted above), he sings about matters of the heart and dedication.  It is about the connection, baby! “My pain and my problems had me surrounded / I was already drownin’ when you had found me,” he raps, concluding the verse by saying, “You know I got love for Oakland city, baby / But I need you with me, baby.” Before telling her in the chorus, “I can’t wait to get home to you,” as well as afterward, in the outro, Rod asks, “How do you feel about a tour bus / I wanna hit the road with you / And I been checkin’ your location, wishin’ I was close to you.” Overall, “Westside Connection” is respectable – a solid song overall. But it’s not particularly distinct or extraordinary.

Rod Wave // “Westside Connection” // Alamo / Sony Music Entertainment // 1.10.25

[📷: Alamo / Sony Music Entertainment]