A$AP Rocky
Biography
Rakim Athelaston Mayers, known professionally as A$AP Rocky, was born on October 3, 1988, in Harlem, New York City. Named after the hip-hop legend Rakim of the duo Eric B. & Rakim, he was exposed to rap music from a young age and began rapping at nine. His childhood was marked by hardship; his father was incarcerated when he was 12, and a year later, his older brother was tragically killed, an event that motivated him to take rapping more seriously. Growing up, he was influenced by a diverse range of artists, including The Diplomats, Mobb Deep, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
In 2007, Mayers joined the Harlem-based collective A$AP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker. The group was a collective of rappers, producers, and other creatives with shared interests in music and fashion. He gained significant traction in 2011 when his single "Peso" was leaked online and subsequently received airplay on the influential Hot 97 radio station. This was followed by another popular track, "Purple Swag." These successes led to a major record deal with Polo Grounds Music, an imprint of RCA Records, for a reported $3 million. In October 2011, he released his debut mixtape, "Live. Love. A$AP," to widespread critical acclaim, solidifying his arrival on the hip-hop scene.
Studio Albums and Commercial Success
A$AP Rocky's debut studio album, "Long. Live. A$AP," was released in January 2013 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was preceded by the hit single "Fuckin' Problems," featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. His second album, "At. Long. Last. A$AP" (2015), also topped the Billboard 200 and was praised for its artistic direction. It featured successful singles like "L$D," which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Music Video. His third album, "Testing" (2018), debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200. His fourth studio album, "Don't Be Dumb," is anticipated for release.
Influence in Fashion
A$AP Rocky is as well-known for his impact on fashion as he is for his music. He has been a trendsetter, noted for his ability to blend high fashion with streetwear, and has collaborated with major brands like Dior, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta. His unique style has been described as a bridge between luxury fashion and hip-hop culture, challenging traditional norms and inspiring a new generation of artists and fans. He launched his own clothing line, American Sabotage, in collaboration with his creative agency AWGE.
Personal Life and Legal Issues
A$AP Rocky is in a high-profile relationship with Barbadian singer and entrepreneur Rihanna, which was confirmed in 2020. The couple has two sons, RZA Athelston Mayers (born May 2022) and Riot Rose Mayers (born August 2023). Throughout his career, Rocky has faced several legal challenges. In 2019, he was arrested and convicted of assault in Sweden following a street altercation, though he did not serve additional jail time beyond the month he was detained during the trial. More recently, he was arrested in April 2022 in connection with a November 2021 shooting in Hollywood. After a trial, he was acquitted of two felony assault charges in February 2025.