A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky
Gabriel Hutchinson Photography · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	A$AP Rocky
Birth name	Rakim Athelaston Mayers
Birth date	October 3 1988
Birth place	Harlem, Manhattan, New York City
Genres	Hip hop, trap, Cloud rap
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor, model, fashion designer
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Lord Flacko; A$AP Worldwide; Sony; RCA

A$AP Rocky is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor, model, and fashion entrepreneur from Harlem, Manhattan. He rose to prominence in the early 2010s through mixtapes and viral singles, becoming a central figure in contemporary Hip hop music and global fashion scenes. Known for collaborations with producers and artists across genres, he has engaged with music video directors, fashion houses, and film productions while cultivating a public persona tied to both A$AP Mob collective activities and solo artistry.

Early life and background

Born Rakim Athelaston Mayers in Harlem, Manhattan, he was named after Rakim of Eric B. & Rakim and raised amid the cultural landscape of New York City, including influences from neighboring boroughs such as Brooklyn and The Bronx. His family background connected him to communities dealing with socioeconomic challenges and street culture, where he encountered figures linked to rap music scenes, skate culture, and local entrepreneurs. Early exposure to records from Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and producers like DJ Premier shaped his musical interests, while formative experiences included interactions with collectives such as A$AP Mob and creative partners who later became collaborators in recording and fashion ventures.

Musical career

He first gained attention with the 2011 mixtape "Live. Love. A$AP", which featured production from Clams Casino, SpaceGhostPurrp, Hit-Boy, Sounwave, and Friendzone, and singles that circulated via platforms associated with MTV, YouTube, Pitchfork (magazine), and Complex (magazine). His major-label debut album, "Long. Live. A$AP" (2013), included collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, M.I.A., Drake, 2 Chainz, and producers such as Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, and Rick Rubin, earning chart success on the Billboard 200 and nominations from institutions like the Grammy Awards. Subsequent albums, including "At. Long. Last. A$AP" (2015) and "Testing" (2018), featured work with artists and producers such as Schoolboy Q, FKA Twigs, Skepta, Metro Boomin, and Danger Mouse, continuing a trajectory of experimentation with electronic music textures, psychedelia, and international sounds while touring venues promoted by agencies like Live Nation and appearing on festival bills such as Coachella, Wireless Festival, and Glastonbury Festival.

Artistry and influences

His sound merges elements from Southern hip hop, East Coast hip hop, and underground producers associated with collectives like Beast Coast and artists such as external collaborators; influences include Rakim, KRS-One, Lil Wayne, Outkast, and producers like Pharrell Williams and Clams Casino. Lyrically and sonically he often references urban narratives tied to Harlem and pan-American musical threads connecting to scenes in London, Toronto, and Los Angeles, engaging photographers and visual directors such as Hiro Murai, Floria Sigismondi, and music video directors to craft aesthetics. Critics from outlets like The New York Times, Rolling Stone, NME, and Pitchfork (magazine) have commented on his role in blending high fashion with hip hop performance, citing influences ranging from Yves Saint Laurent retrospectives to Japanese streetwear designers.

Fashion, modeling, and business ventures

He has collaborated with fashion houses and designers including Givenchy, Gucci, Dior, Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent and appeared on runways and in campaigns for publications such as Vogue (magazine), GQ, and Vogue Italia. Modeling work and brand partnerships involved agencies and creative directors tied to IMG Models, V Magazine, and designers like Riccardo Tisci and Virgil Abloh, while entrepreneurial efforts expanded into clothing collections, footwear collaborations with labels similar to Converse and Nike, and partnerships with retailers operating in markets like Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. He launched or endorsed ventures under imprints connected to A$AP Worldwide and engaged in licensing, merchandising, and creative direction with commercial partners and e-commerce platforms.

Personal life and legal issues

His personal relationships and family connections have been covered by outlets including People (magazine), The Guardian, and The New York Times, with public attention on partnerships involving figures from music, fashion, and film communities. Legal incidents have included high-profile cases in multiple jurisdictions, interactions with law enforcement agencies in New York City and other locales, court proceedings in state and international contexts, and media coverage by broadcasters such as CNN, BBC News, and TMZ. Outcomes involved settlements, legal representation from attorneys linked to entertainment law practices, and public statements managed through representatives and publicists associated with agencies handling crisis communications for artists.

Film and acting appearances

He has acted in and appeared in films and television projects alongside performers and directors from the film industry, including collaborations with filmmakers connected to A24, HBO, and independent cinema circuits, and has been credited in roles involving partnerships with actors from Hollywood and international film festivals such as Sundance Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. Music placements in film and television have involved licensing to productions by studios like Warner Bros. Pictures, Universal Pictures, and streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Studios, while cameo appearances and original score contributions connected him with composers and supervisors in the film music community.

Category:American rappers Category:People from Harlem