Rakim Athelaston Mayers, known by you as A$AP Rocky, has emerged as a multifaceted force in the entertainment industry, blending his talents as a rapper, producer, actor, and fashion icon. Born on October 3, 1988, in Harlem, New York City, Rocky’s early life was marred by adversity. At the age of 12, his father was incarcerated for drug-related offenses, and a year later, his older brother was tragically murdered near their home. These harsh events led Rocky to pursue rapping professionally, a passion he had nurtured since the age of eight.

In 2007, Rocky joined the A$AP Mob, a Harlem-based collective of rappers, producers, and designers, from which he adopted his moniker. His breakthrough came in 2011 with the release of the single “Peso,” which garnered significant radio play and set the stage for his debut mixtape, Live.Love.A$AP. The mixtape’s success led to a $3 million record deal with Sony/RCA, marking the beginning of his ascent in the music industry. The album featured collaborations with prominent artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and 2 Chainz, and included the hit single “F**kin’ Problems,” which reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.

Beyond music, Rocky has made significant inroads into the fashion industry. Known for his avant-garde style, he has collaborated with designers like Raf Simons and Jonathan Anderson. In 2016, he became the first black man to represent Dior Homme, highlighting his influence and prominence in the fashion world.

On the personal front, Rocky’s relationship with the icon Rihanna has attracted considerable media attention: talented, stylish and hot! The couple welcomed their first child, RZA Athelston Mayers, in May 2022, and their second, Riot Rose Mayers, in August 2023. (Who could’ve been better for Rihanna than A$AP, who could’ve better for A$AP than Rihanna? Exactly).

In February 2025, Rocky was charged with two counts of assault with a firearm, stemming from a 2021 incident involving his former associate, A$AP Relli. After a 13-session trial in Los Angeles, the jury delivered a “not guilty” verdict, leading to an emotional response from Rocky, who expressed profound gratitude towards his supporters and the judicial system.

A$AP Rocky’s journey from the streets of Harlem to international acclaim underscores his resilience, versatility, and enduring impact on both music and fashion. He is headlining Rolling Loud Los Angeles Saturday, March 15th. ★