Lil Rod

Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones Jr. Photo: lilrodmadeit / Instagram

Rodney Jones Jr., known professionally as Lil Rod, is an American music producer, performing artist, and multi-instrumentalist. Raised in Chicago, Illinois, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in music and spirituality. Many of his family members are pastors, singers, and musicians. His musical gifts have led him to work with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Lil Rod has written and produced for notable artists such as Mary Mary, Jack Harlow, Mary J. Blige, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Drake. In addition to his production work, he is also a featured vocalist on “Surgical,” a song by T-Pain.

In 2023, he was selected by Sean “Diddy” Combs to co-produce “The Love Album: Off The Grid”. The album, which went on to win two Grammy Awards, solidified Lil Rod’s status as a sought-after producer in the music industry. However, his professional relationship with Combs took a dramatic turn following the album’s release.

On February 24, 2024, Lil Rod filed a $30 million lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs in Manhattan federal court. The lawsuit contains serious allegations, claiming that Combs groped Jones, drugged him without his knowledge, and coerced him into soliciting and engaging in sexual acts with sex workers. These incidents allegedly occurred while Lil Rod was working on “The Love Album: Off The Grid” between September 2022 and November 2023.

Since the lawsuit was filed, he claims he has experienced significant backlash from the hip-hop community, where Combs is widely respected and revered. According to Lil Rod, he has been “blackballed” in the music industry, facing severe professional and personal and financial challenges as a result of his legal action.

He has openly shared that the experience has taken a toll on his mental health, describing struggles with suicidal ideation, agoraphobia, and fears for his safety. Despite these difficulties, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice, vowing to continue his fight against what he sees as criminal behavior in the industry.