ASAP Rocky

Who is ASAP Rocky?

ASAP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers in Harlem, New York on October 3, 1988, has carved out a unique niche in the hip-hop world. His journey from the streets of Harlem to becoming one of the most sought-after artists is nothing short of inspiring.

Early Life and Struggles

When Mayers was just 12 years old, his father went to jail, leaving him to navigate life with his mother and sister in homeless shelters. This early hardship didn’t break him; instead, it fueled his determination to rise above his circumstances. Moving from shelter to shelter, he eventually found a home in Midtown Manhattan, where he began to explore his passion for music.

From Homeless Shelters to Music Stardom

Living in shelters as a teenager is no easy feat, but Mayers used this experience to fuel his creativity. His resilience and talent eventually led him to join the A$AP Mob crew at 15 years old, where he adopted the moniker ‘A$AP’ from the group name.

Music Career

When Mayers joined the A$AP Mob in 2007, his journey truly began to take shape. His single ‘Purple Swag’ quickly became a street anthem, and he signed with Polo Grounds Music, releasing his debut mixtape ‘Live. Love. A$AP.’

Debut Success

The critical acclaim for ‘Live. Love. A$AP’ set the stage for what was to come. His debut studio album ‘Long. Live. A$AP’ debuted at number one and was certified double platinum, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Albums and Collaborations

Mayers has released several successful albums, including ‘At. Long. Last. A$AP’ and ‘Testing’. His work with other artists like Selena Gomez, Lana Del Rey, and Cardi B showcases his versatility and reach in the music industry.

Testing the Waters

In 2018, Mayers released ‘Testing’, which debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200. The album featured collaborations with BlocBoy JB and further allusions to Testing in its marketing. Despite being a low-seller, it received generally positive reviews from critics.

Collaborative Projects

Mayers has also been involved in collaborative projects like WANGSAP with Tyler, the Creator, which never materialized, and his upcoming album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’, which he named after a $10 million investment from Red Bull.

Personal Life

Mayers has had a series of high-profile relationships, including dating Iggy Azalea, model Chanel Iman, and singer Rihanna. He and Rihanna have two sons together, born in 2022 and 2023.

Legal Troubles

In 2019, Mayers was arrested for simple assault in Stockholm, Sweden, after an altercation with a man named Mustafa Jafari. He uploaded videos of the incident to Instagram, showing his side of the story.

Business Ventures and Whisky Brand

Mayers has also ventured into business, launching his own whisky brand Mercer + Prince in 2022. His collaborations with brands like Gucci, Puma, and Bottega Veneta further cement his status as a multi-faceted artist.

Recent Arrests

In November 2021, Mayers was arrested for potential assault with a deadly weapon in connection to a shooting that injured his former friend ASAP Relli. He pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

A$AP Rocky: A Multifaceted Artist

ASAP Rocky’s journey from the streets of Harlem to becoming one of the most influential artists in hip-hop is a testament to his resilience, talent, and determination. His music, collaborations, and business ventures have made him a significant figure in the industry.

ASAP Rocky continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the music world. His story is a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

As we look forward to his future projects, one thing remains clear: ASAP Rocky’s impact on hip-hop will continue to be felt for years to come. Stay tuned!