A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers on October 3, 1988 in Harlem, is a rapper, producer, and fashion figure who rose with the A$AP Mob collective. His 2011 single ‘Peso’ sparked a major RCA deal, and his 2013 debut Long.Live.A$AP topped the Billboard 200 and went double platinum, cementing his style-driven influence.
Key Facts
- Real name: Rakim Athelaston Mayers
- Born: Oct 3, 1988 — Harlem, NY
- Role: Rapper, producer, fashion figure
- Collective: A$AP Mob
- Known for: Long.Live.A$AP (2013, No.1, 2x platinum); ‘Peso’
Rakim Athelaston Mayers, known in the music industry as A$AP Rocky, was born in Harlem on October 3, 1988. As part of the hip hop group ASAP Mob, Rocky climbed the charts when his 2011 single “Peso” garnered radio attention. This led to a significant record deal with Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records.
His debut album “Long. Live. A$AP” (2013) not only topped the Billboard 200 but also achieved double platinum status. The album’s primary single, “Fuckin’ Problems,” was recognized with a Grammy nomination. Following this, “At. Long. Last. A$AP” in 2015 again claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, with its single “L$D” nominated for Best Music Video at the Grammys. By 2018, Rocky released “Testing,” his third album.
The rapper’s journey hasn’t been without struggle. At 12, Mayers saw his father imprisoned, and the following year, tragedy struck when his elder brother was killed. These incidents shaped Rocky’s youth, spent in homeless shelters with his family. Despite the setbacks, he signed a $3 million deal with Sony Music Entertainment in 2011, benefiting both his solo career and his collective, ASAP Mob.
Outside music, Rocky has made a mark in the fashion industry. Collaborations with renowned designers like Raf Simons and ventures like a 2016 partnership with Guess showcase his fashion influence. By 2017, he was a staple at high-profile fashion events and made headlines with his relationship with model Kendall Jenner, revealed at that year’s Met Gala.
In his personal life, Rocky’s relationships have drawn attention. Notable are his past relationships with rapper Iggy Azalea and model Chanel Iman. Most recently, in 2021, Rocky’s relationship with singer Rihanna became public, with the couple announcing the birth of their first child in May 2022.
Rocky’s transition from pescetarianism to veganism, his upbringing in a Christian household, and his 2019 incarceration in Sweden, during which he leaned on his faith, showcase his multi-faceted life. Through it all, A$AP Rocky remains a dominant figure in both hip hop and fashion worlds, defining himself more as an artist than just another celebrity.
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