ASAP Rocky’s No. 1 Popular Digital Biography 

ASAP Rocky full name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers; born on October 3, 1988, ASAP Rocky (/ˈeɪsæp/ AY-sap) is an American rapper from Harlem.

His musical endeavors commenced within the hip-hop collective ASAP Mob, from which he derived his performing name.

 In August 2011, Rocky’s track “Peso” leaked online and swiftly gained traction with radio airplay, marking the start of his rise in the music scene.

Later that year, he gained widespread critical acclaim for his debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$ A.P. is often acknowledged as his breakthrough work.

This success led to a joint venture record deal with Polo Grounds Music, Sony Music’s R.C.A. Records division.

His debut studio album, Long. Live. A$ A.P. (2013) soared to the number-one spot on the Billboard 200. It achieved double platinum certification from the R.I.A.A. and received positive reviews from critics.

The album’s lead single, “Fuckin’ Problems,” featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Song.

Following this triumph, his second album, At. Long. Last. A$ A.P. (2015) enjoyed similar success. Its single, “L$D,” earned Rocky his second Grammy Award nomination for music video at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

Testing (2018) Peaked within His third album in the top five on the Billboard 200 chart and charted well in seven other countries.

Rocky’s accolades include a B.E.T. Award, an MTV Video Music Award in Japan, two B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards, and an M.T.V.U. Woodie Award.

He’s been nominated for two Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, six World Music Awards, and two MTV Europe Music Awards.

Additionally, Rocky delves into music video direction and produces records for other artists, operating under the pseudonym Lord Flacko.

ASAP Rocky’s Early Life

ASAP Rocky entered the world on October 3, 1988, in Harlem, Manhattan, part of New York City. His roots trace back to Barbados through his father.

Within his family, Rakim had an older brother, who has since passed away, and an older sister named Erika.

The Eric B. & Rakim duo inspired the names Rakim and Erika. Additionally, his cousin is a fellow ASAP Mob member known as ASAP Nast.

At the tender age of nine, Mayers began his journey in rap, a passion that sparked when he relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

His older brother introduced him to rap and sported the Cornrows hairstyle, which later became a signature look for ASAP Rocky.

Tragically, when Mayers was just 13, his brother met an untimely death in Harlem, an event that profoundly impacted Rocky’s dedication to pursuing a rap career.

Mayers deeply admired The Diplomats, a rap group hailing from Harlem. His musical influences encompassed artists such as Mobb Deep, U.G.K., Three 6 Mafia, Wu-Tang Clan, Run D.M.C., and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

At the age of 12, ASAP Rocky faced another challenging phase in his life when his father was incarcerated, leading to a period of instability during his teenage years.

Alongside his mother and sister, he navigated through different homeless shelters, shifting residences in search of stability.

Eventually, he transitioned to Midtown Manhattan after residing in a New York City shelter with his mother. Sadly, his father passed away in 2012.

ASAP Rocky Career beginnings

In 2007, ASAP Rocky became a part of the ASAP Mob crew, a collective based in Harlem consisting of rappers, fashion designers, producers, music video directors, and bikers who shared a common passion for music, fashion, style, and art.

The group was established by A$ A.P. Yams, A$AP Bari, and A$AP Illz. In July 2011, Rocky dropped his single “Purple Swag,” swiftly gaining traction as a street anthem in New York City, although he lacks specific citations to corroborate this information.

By August 2011, ASAP Rocky’s track “Peso” surfaced online and rapidly made its way onto the influential Hot 97 New York radio station, receiving substantial airplay.

Following the release of the music video for “Purple Swag,” multiple record labels began to take notice of his burgeoning talent. In October of the same year, he unveiled the mixtape Live. Love. 

A$ A.P. received widespread critical acclaim. Concurrently, he secured a two-year, $3 million record contract with Bryan Leach’s Polo Grounds Music, at that time, a part of Clive Davis’ Sony Music division under J Records.

Concurrently, Rocky initiated his label, A$ A.P. Worldwide, upon securing this record deal in collaboration with A$ A.P. Yams.

However, ASAP Rocky’s association with J Records was brief and did not last, although a specific citation must be provided to corroborate this information.

On October 7, the R.C.A. Music Group disclosed the merging of J Records, Arista, and Jive Records into R.C.A. Records, resulting in the shutdown of J Records and a transition for ASAP Rocky (as well as other artists previously signed under these three labels) to release forthcoming material under the R.C.A. brand.

This structural change shifted Rocky’s career trajectory within the music industry. Subsequently, on December 5, he received a nomination for B.B.C.’s Sound of 2012 poll, showcasing his rising prominence in the music scene.

ASAP Rocky’s Touring and Long. Live. ASAP

In February 2012, ASAP Rocky teamed up with Kendrick Lamar as the opening act for Drake’s Club Paradise Tour, showcasing his growing presence on the music scene.

However, in June of that year, tensions surfaced when SpaceGhostPurrp, the founder of the Miami-based collective Raider Klan and a past collaborator of Rocky’s, accused A$AP Twelvyy of being involved in an altercation with Raider Klan’s Matt Stoops.

Consequently, SpaceGhostPurrp disassociated himself from A$ A.P. Mob and Rocky in a YouTube video. He and Raider Klan alleged that ASAP Mob imitated their style and accused Rocky of using lyrics from spaceghostpurrp’s song “My Enemy” in his track “Goldie.”

Responding to these allegations in a July MTV interview, Rocky dismissed SpaceGhostPurrp’s actions as an attempt to generate attention. He advised him to focus on music production rather than engaging in disputes.

Amidst these controversies, in July 2012, Rocky performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival and had a scheduled network television debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon set for July 20.

However, an alleged involvement in a brawl the night before, involving 21-year-old artist Rome in downtown Manhattan, led to his arrest and subsequently canceled performance.

The show was rescheduled for August 21, when Rocky finally performed “Goldie”. Additionally, on September 6, he made a guest appearance, rapping on Rihanna’s “Cockiness (Love It)” during the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.

During this period, Rocky was diligently working on his debut studio album, Long. Live. A$ A.P. joined forces with diverse producers, such as Clams Casino, A$AP Ty Beats, Friendzone, Hit-Boy, Soufein3000, and Joey Fat Beats.

The album’s lead single, “Goldie,” debuted on April 27. On August 27, A$ A.P. Mob unveiled the mixtape Lords Never Worry as a complimentary download.

Rocky embarked on the Long Live ASAP Tour from September to November, promoting the album across 40 concert dates, featuring opening acts ScHoolboy Q, Danny Brown, and A$ A.P. Mob.

She was released on January 15, 2013, Long. Live. A$ A.P. received acclaim from critics and debuted impressively at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, initially selling 139,000 copies in the United States.

Its triumph persisted, leading to its R.I.A.A. certification as gold on March 16, 2015, having shipped 500,000 copies nationwide.

In April 2013, during an interview at Wild 94.9 radio station, Rocky disclosed his work on an instrumental album, intending to release it unexpectedly.

He admired specific music videos and revealed his aspiration to collaborate with veteran rapper André 3000.

Later, in June, he informed MTV News about the completion of his debut instrumental album, titled Beauty & The Beast: Slowed Down Sessions (Chapter 1), primarily comprising ambient-oriented instrumental tracks.

Although initially slated for a summer free download release, the album faced delays, and as of 2023, it has yet to be released. Rocky shared snippets titled “Riot Rave” and “Unicorn” from the unreleased project.

ASAP Rocky’s Long. Last. ASAP

On March 16, 2014, A$AP Rocky revealed his work on his second studio album, A.L.L.A. (short for At. Long. Last. A$ A.P.)[47], following up on his debut, Long. Live. A$ A.P.

Amidst a delay in the release of the ASAP Mob album, L.O.R.D., Rocky collaborated with A$AP Ferg, Nast, and Twelvyy on the album’s third single, “Hella Hoes,” released on June 6, 2014.

However, A$ A.P. Yams, the leader of A$ A.P. Mob, announced via Tumblr that the album was put on hold.[50]

Celebrating his 26th birthday on October 3, 2014, Rocky initiated a short-lived music giveaway named Flacko Jodye Season, debuting with “Multiply,” featuring additional vocals by Juicy J, later released on iTunes a week after its premiere.

On New Year’s Day 2015, Rocky dropped the lead single from his second album, “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2),” a sequel to “Pretty Flacko.”

However, tragedy struck just seventeen days later when his mentor and partner, A$ A.P. Yams, passed away at 26 years old.

Conflicting reports emerged about Yams’ cause of death, initially ruled as acute mixed drug intoxication but countered by Rocky and A$ A.P. Mob, attributing it to Yams’ sleep apnea causing asphyxiation and pulmonary aspiration.

Rocky subsequently disclosed that At. Long. Last. A$ A.P. had been executive-produced by rapper Juicy J, producer Danger Mouse, Rocky himself, and the late Yams.

In 2015, Rocky appeared in the indie comedy-drama Dope, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21 and was later released in theaters on June 12.

At the event, he expressed grief over Yams’ death, performing “Multiply” on stage as a tribute before stepping backstage to gather himself.

March 2015 saw Rocky in an interview with MTV News expressing disdain for previously successful commercial tracks like “Wild For The Night” and “Fuckin’ Problems.”

On April 8, 2015, he released “M’$” during a Red Bull Music Academy interview, which is available on iTunes two days later. However, it was not designated as an official single from the album.

Meanwhile, the album’s cover art was revealed on May 9, with the caption “AT LONG LAST….” on his Instagram page, followed by the release of the album’s alternative artwork and the second single, “Everyday,” featuring Rod Stewart, Miguel, and Mark Ronson, produced by the latter alongside Emile Haynie.

Originally set for June 2, 2015, the album leaked online around May 25, prompting Rocky to surprise-release it on May 26, a week ahead of schedule.

Upon its release, At. Long. Last. A$ A.P. garnered a blend of mixed and positive reviews. It sold 116,000 copies in the United States and to the top of Billboard 200. This achievement marked Rocky’s second consecutive number-one album.

It also topped the charts in Canada with 11,000 copies sold. The album sustained its presence on the Billboard 200 beyond the top ten for two weeks, selling 215,000 copies in the U.S. as of July 2015.

Nevertheless, despite its success, it became Rocky’s lowest-selling album in terms of album-equivalent sales.[citation needed]

In June 2015, Rocky appeared on The Tonight Show, performing “L$D” with The Roots, featured on Selena Gomez’s single “Good for You,” and participated in The Late Late Show’s “Carpool Karaoke” segment with Rod Stewart and host James Corden.

In subsequent years, Rocky collaborated on tracks such as “Blended Family (What You Do for Love)” with Alicia Keys in 2016, featured on two songs from Lana Del Rey’s 2017 album Lust for Life, and teamed up with G-Eazy on “No Limit” in September 2017.

He also contributed to Famous Dex’s “Pick It Up,” which was released in October 2017.

ASAP Rocky’s Testing and upcoming fourth studio album

On January 23, 2018, ASAP Rocky unveiled “☆☆☆☆☆ 5ive $tar$” on SoundCloud, a track crafted by Metro Boomin, Jordan Blackmon, Frans Mernick and Daniel Lynas, with uncredited vocals by DRAM.

In the following two days, he treated fans to two additional tracks: “Money Bags Freestyle (Dean Blunt Meditation)” and “Above,” produced by Mernick produced by Blunt and featuring uncredited vocals by Lil Yachty.

These releases, coupled with enigmatic captions such as “TESTING COMING SOON” and “THIS IS JUST A TEST,” stirred anticipation and speculation surrounding a potential forthcoming studio album, Testing.

February 16 saw Rocky collaborating with Gucci Mane and 21 Savage on “Cocky,” promoting the film Uncle Drew.

He followed this with the single “Bad Company” on March 27, featuring rapper BlocBoy JB, teasing connections to Testing in its promotional material.

April 5 marked the release of a second single, “ASAP Forever,” which sampled Moby’s 2000 single “Porcelain,” crediting him as a featured artist. The track debuted on The Tonight Show alongside another new song, “Distorted Records,” with a music video released the following day.

The rapper was also featured on the theme “One Track Mind” from Thirty Seconds to Mars album America.

Testing dropped on May 25, 2018, receiving generally positive reviews from critics. Despite debuting at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200, it marked another album for ASAP Rocky with comparatively lower sales. The album slid down the chart in subsequent weeks, landing at number 15 and 22.

Collaborating with Tyler, The Creator, the duo teased a joint project, W.A.N.G.S.A.P., with a music video remix of Monica’s “Knock Knock” titled “Potato Salad” on A.W.G.E.’s “AWGE DVD (Vol. 3)” on July 23, 2018. However, Tyler later announced in January 2019 that this album was never confirmed.

In May 2019, Juicy J announced that Rocky had begun working on his upcoming album, All Smiles. On August 28, 2019, ASAP Rocky released the music video for “Babushka Boi,” directed by Nadia Lee Cohen.

In October 2021, Rocky celebrated the 10th anniversary of his 2011 mixtape Live. Love. ASAP by releasing it on all streaming platforms.

In 2022, Rocky took part in several significant projects. He contributed to Nigo’s album, ‘I Know Nigo!’, lending his talents to the opening track titled “Lost and Found Freestyle 2019,” alongside Tyler, the Creator.

Additionally, Rocky featured in the single “Arya,” released on March 25. Amidst his busy schedule, he joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers for their 2022 international stadium tour. However, Rocky faced criticism due to his delayed arrival for a performance at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Consequently, he performed a shortened 20-minute set following the Chili Peppers, drawing attention and some criticism for the timing of his appearance.

May 2022 saw the release of Rocky’s single “D.M.B.,” followed by “Shittin’ Me” in December. Additionally, he featured on Metro Boomin’s album Heroes & Villains in December, contributing to the track “Feel the Fiyaaaah,” also featuring the late rapper Takeoff, who had been tragically gunned down a month before the album’s release.

ASAP Rocky confirmed a future album produced by Metro Boomin and revealed the title of his upcoming fourth album, Don’t Be Dumb.

ASAP Rocky’s Business ventures

In October 2011, Rocky inked a significant record deal with Sony Music Entertainment valued at $3 million, with $1.7 million allocated for his work and $1.3 million earmarked to support his company’s endeavors.

Expressing the need for a larger platform for himself and his collective, Rocky emphasized the deal’s significance in amplifying their presence.

While planning his inaugural studio album under this deal, he retained the liberty to continue releasing mixtapes through Sony/R.E.D.

Concurrently, fellow rapper and A$ A.P. Mob member A$AP Ferg secured a joint venture with Polo Grounds Music, distributed by R.C.A., releasing his single “Work” across various digital platforms. Ferg later revealed an official remix featuring Rocky, French Montana, ScHoolboy Q, and Trinidad James.

In 2013, Rocky and ASAP Mob co-founder ASAP Bari introduced the A$ A.P. merchandise brand, collaborating with renowned fashion designer Raf Simons, further elevating their foray into high-profile fashion.

Subsequently, on October 2, 2014, A$AP Rocky officially announced his worldwide representation contract with William Morris Endeavor.

February 2016 saw the launch of the GUE$$ collaboration between Rocky and Guess, drawing inspiration from his fondness for the brand’s vintage ’90s clothing that resonated with his upbringing.

By 2022, Rocky ventured into spirits, unveiling his whisky brand Mercer + Prince. The official launch occurred during a two-hour interview segment on Revolt T.V.’s Drink Champs show.

In 2023, Rocky delved into collaborative ventures with prominent brands. He partnered with Gucci for the Guilty perfume advertisements and collaborated with Puma, introducing a line of sneakers with F1.

Additionally, he joined forces with Bottega Veneta for a groundbreaking campaign centered around paparazzi-inspired candid imagery, showcasing a unique approach to fashion campaigns.

ASAP Rocky’s Personal life

Between 2011 and 2012, Rocky was in a relationship with Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. He then began dating model Chanel Iman in early 2013, and their engagement was reported in April 2014; however, they ended their relationship in June 2014.

In a G.Q. interview on May 19, 2021, ASAP Rocky publicly revealed his relationship with Barbadian singer Rihanna, expressing that she is “the love of my life.” 

Their relationship traces back to 2013 when Rocky opened for Rihanna during her Diamonds World Tour. People reported on January 31, 2022, confirming the couple’s anticipation of their first child.

The joyous news arrived on May 19, 2022, when it was announced that Rihanna had given birth to a baby boy.

Later, on May 10, 2023, Rocky proudly announced their child’s name, R.Z.A. Athelaston Mayers, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan founder, R.Z.A. During the halftime show of Super Bowl LVII, Rihanna excitedly shared news of her second pregnancy with Rocky.

Their second son, Riot Rose, entered the world in August of that year. During a candid G.Q. interview on May 19, 2021, ASAP Rocky openly discussed his romantic involvement with Rihanna, acknowledging her as “the love of my life.”

Their connection initially sparked in 2013 when Rocky performed as the opening act for Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour.

People Magazine’s report on January 31, 2022, confirmed the anticipation of the couple’s first child. The joyous occasion of Rihanna giving birth to a baby boy was established on May 19, 2022.

On May 10, 2023, Rocky revealed their child’s name as R.Z.A. Athelaston Mayers, an homage to the Wu-Tang Clan’s revered leader, R.Z.A. During the halftime show of Super Bowl LVII, Rihanna proudly announced her second pregnancy with Rocky. Their second son, Riot Rose, arrived in August of that very year.

The revelation of Rocky’s relationship with Barbadian singer Rihanna came during a noteworthy G.Q. interview on May 19, 2021, where he affectionately described her as “the love of my life.”

Their bond was established in 2013 when Rocky performed as the opening act for Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour. People’s January 31, 2022 report confirmed the couple’s anticipation of their first child.

The heartening news of Rihanna giving birth to a baby boy was established on May 19, 2022. On May 10, 2023, ASAP Rocky subsequently shared their child’s name, R.Z.A. Athelaston Mayers, as a heartfelt tribute to the iconic Wu-Tang Clan leader, R.Z.A.

During the halftime show of Super Bowl LVII, Rihanna joyfully announced her second pregnancy with Rocky. Their second son, Riot Rose, joined the family in August of that year.

Rocky adhered to a pescetarian diet. He shifted to a vegetarian lifestyle in 2012 after being informed about the poultry industry’s distressing realities by his vegan manager.

Later, on his 2019 single “Babushka Boi,” ASAP Rocky indicated he had embraced a vegan lifestyle. Despite being raised in a Christian household, ASAP Rocky expressed his discomfort with organized church gatherings, opting for what he described as “[his] own relationship with God… I pray every day before I go to sleep.”

His song “Holy Ghost” reflects these beliefs from his 2015 album At. Long. Last. ASAP. During his 2019 detainment in Sweden, Rocky turned to prayer to occupy his time.

References

1. Wikipedia – ASAP Rocky
2. Branding Iron Online – Details on ASAP Rocky’s Age and Personal Life
3. Top Hots News – Release Updates on ASAP Rocky’s New Album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’
4. The Generation Now – Press Details from Jack Harlow’s Interview with G.Q.
5. Celebrity Pets – Information on ASAP Rocky’s Pets
6. Celebs Age Wiki – Biography and Details about ASAP Rocky
7. Net Worth Gorilla – Net Worth Information on ASAP Rocky
8. Newsd. in – Details about August Anthony Alsina Jr.
9. The Red Rocks Amphitheater – ASAP Rocky & Tyler, The Creator Event
10. Net Worth Gorilla – Additional Information on ASAP Rocky’s Net Worth