Rakim Mayers
Born 1988 · Age 38
Known professionally as A$AP Rocky, American rapper, record producer, actor, fashion designer, model and creative entrepreneur; prominent ASAP Mob member and founder of AWGE and A$AP Worldwide.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Harlem, New York
Rakim Athelston Mayers is born in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Moved to Harrisburg and started rapping
At around age nine Mayers moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and began rapping, learning from his older brother.
Father incarcerated
Mayers' father went to jail when Mayers was 12; family experienced homelessness and shelters during his teens.
Brother Ricky killed
Mayers' older brother Ricky was killed by gun violence in Harlem when Mayers was 13; the death pushed him to take rap more seriously.
Served two weeks in Rikers Island
Mayers served a two-week stint at Rikers Island early in his life (shared cell with future rapper Casanova).
Joined A$AP Mob collective
Mayers joined the Harlem-based A$AP Mob (founded by A$AP Yams, A$AP Bari and A$AP Illz) and adopted the stage name A$AP Rocky.
Released single 'Purple Swag'
'Purple Swag' was released in July 2011 and became a New York street anthem, raising Rocky's profile.
'Peso' leaked and got radio airplay
The single 'Peso' leaked online in August 2011 and received strong radio airplay (Hot 97), propelling Rocky into mainstream attention.
Signed $3M record deal with Polo Grounds / Sony/RCA
In October 2011 Rocky signed a two-year, $3 million record deal with Bryan Leach's Polo Grounds Music (distributed by Sony/RCA). Reported split: $1.7M to Rocky, $1.3M to support A$AP Worldwide.
Released debut mixtape Live.Love.A$AP
Rocky's debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP was released in October 2011 to widespread critical acclaim.
Launched A$AP Worldwide (label)
Upon signing, Rocky and A$AP Yams started the imprint/label A$AP Worldwide to organize releases by the collective.
RCA merger shuts J Records; artist moved to RCA
On October 7, 2011 RCA Music Group announced the merger/shutdown of Jive/Arista/J Records; Rocky's future releases would be under RCA.
Nominated for BBC 'Sound of 2012' poll
Rocky was nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2012, recognizing emerging artists.
Joined Drake's Club Paradise Tour as opener
In February 2012 Rocky opened for Drake on the Club Paradise Tour (joined Kendrick Lamar on select dates).
Released single 'Goldie'
'Goldie' was released as a single from his upcoming debut studio album and helped build momentum for the LP.
Arrest after downtown Manhattan scuffle
Rocky was arrested after an alleged brawl in July 2012; a scheduled television debut was canceled and later rescheduled.
A$AP Mob released mixtape 'Lords Never Worry'
The A$AP Mob collective released Lords Never Worry as a free download on August 27, 2012.
Performed with Rihanna at MTV VMAs
Rocky made a high-profile guest appearance performing on Rihanna's 'Cockiness (Love It)' at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.
Father died
Rocky's father died in 2012; personal event that affected him during career rise.
Launched A$AP merchandise brand with A$AP Bari
Rocky and A$AP Bari released A$AP-themed merchandise and began collaborating with fashion designers (relationship with Raf Simons developed thereafter).
Released debut studio album Long.Live.A$AP (Billboard #1)
Long. Live. A$AP was released to positive reviews and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 139,000 copies in the U.S.
Long.Live.A$AP sales update: 284,000 copies
As of March 13, 2013 the album had sold 284,000 copies (reported update).
Completed instrumental project (delayed release)
Rocky announced completion of an instrumental/ambient project, Beauty & The Beast: Slowed Down Sessions (Chapter 1), which was later delayed and unreleased as of 2025.
Founded AWGE (creative agency/label)
Rocky launched AWGE, a creative agency and record label to handle creative projects and partnerships.
Signed worldwide representation with William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Rocky announced a contract for worldwide representation with talent agency WME.
Launched 'Flacko Jodye Season' music giveaway
On his 26th birthday Rocky launched a short-lived music giveaway called Flacko Jodye Season, starting with the track 'Multiply'.
Released single 'Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2)'
Lead single for his second album; released January 1, 2015 ahead of the LP.
A$AP Yams (mentor/co-founder) died
Steven 'A$AP Yams' Rodriguez, Rocky's friend and A$AP Mob leader, died on January 18, 2015. Yams was a major creative influence and collaborator.
Film premiere: Dope (Sundance)
Rocky made a cameo role in the indie film Dope, which premiered at Sundance on January 21, 2015.
Released second album At. Long. Last. A$AP (debut #1)
At. Long. Last. A$AP was released (officially May 26 after a May 25 leak) and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 116,000 copies.
Performed 'L$D' on The Tonight Show and featured on Selena Gomez song
Performed 'L$D' with The Roots on The Tonight Show (June 11) and was confirmed as a feature on Selena Gomez's 'Good for You' (June 2015).
At. Long. Last. A$AP sales & certifications (initial)
By July 2015 the album had sold ~215,000 copies in the U.S.; several singles from the album later received RIAA multi-platinum certifications.
Grammy nomination: 'L$D' (Best Music Video, 58th Grammys)
'L$D' was nominated for Best Music Video at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards (held in 2016).
Named face of Dior Homme (approx.)
Rocky became a prominent brand ambassador and the face of Dior Homme in 2016 (first person of color to represent the menswear brand).
Collaboration with Guess: GUE$$ capsule
In February 2016 Guess released a collaboration inspired by Rocky's admiration for '90s Guess styles (GUE$$).
Featured on G-Eazy's 'No Limit' (with Cardi B)
Rocky was featured on the widely streamed single 'No Limit' by G-Eazy in September 2017.
Released '☆☆☆☆☆ 5ive $tar$' and teased Testing
Released '5ive $tar$' and other tracks in January 2018 hinting at his forthcoming album Testing.
Released third studio album 'Testing' (debuted #4)
Testing was released on May 25, 2018 and debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 (third consecutive top-five album).
Announced WANGSAP collaborative project with Tyler, the Creator (video)
On July 23, 2018 Rocky and Tyler, the Creator announced a collaborative project WANGSAP via a music video release; project later did not materialize as of early 2019.
Arrested in Stockholm after street altercation (detained)
On June 30, 2019 Rocky and members of his entourage were involved in a street brawl in Stockholm; he was detained and later jailed pending trial.
Convicted in Sweden (assault) — suspended sentence & damages
Rocky was found guilty of assault by a Swedish court, given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay 12,500 kr (~$1,270) in damages; time already served covered the sentence.
Released 'Babushka Boi' music video
Directed by Nadia Lee Cohen, the 'Babushka Boi' video was released August 28, 2019 and generated widespread attention.
Publicly confirmed relationship with Rihanna
Rocky confirmed his relationship with Rihanna in November 2020 (they had been linked earlier).
Re-released Live.Love.A$AP on streaming platforms (10-year anniversary)
To celebrate the mixtape's 10-year anniversary, Rocky released Live. Love. A$AP to streaming services in October 2021.
Launched Mercer + Prince whisky brand
In 2022 Rocky launched his own whisky brand, Mercer + Prince, announced on Drink Champs/ Revolt TV.
Arrested at LAX over alleged 2021 Hollywood shooting (later charged)
Rocky was arrested upon return to L.A. in April 2022 in relation to a November 6, 2021 shooting allegation; bail set at $550,000 and he was released.
Released single 'D.M.B.'
Rocky released the single 'D.M.B.' in May 2022 as new solo material.
Birth of first son with Rihanna (RZA)
Rihanna gave birth to the couple's first son (RZA) in May 2022 — Rocky's first child.
Prosecutors filed charges related to 2021 shooting (LA County)
On August 15, 2022 the Los Angeles County DA filed charges against Rocky regarding the Nov 2021 Hollywood shooting incident.
Released single 'Shittin' Me' and featured on Metro Boomin album
In December 2022 Rocky released 'Shittin' Me' and appeared on Metro Boomin's Heroes & Villains on the track 'Feel the Fiyaaaah'.
Birth of second child with Rihanna (Riot)
Rihanna gave birth to the couple's second child in August 2023.
Judge finds sufficient evidence for trial (prelim. hearing)
On November 20, 2023 a Los Angeles judge determined sufficient evidence existed for Rocky to stand trial after preliminary hearing testimony.
Entered plea of not guilty in LA shooting case
Rocky pleaded not guilty on January 8, 2024, turning down a plea deal and preparing to go to trial.
Trial scheduled (date set)
On May 23, 2024 Rocky had his trial set (originally for Oct 21, then moved) in the Los Angeles County court system.
Trial start date pushed to January 21, 2025
The trial date for the LA shooting case was pushed to January 21, 2025 (judge allowed extensive camera coverage).
Named creative director for Puma F1 and Ray-Ban (as of 2025)
By 2025 Rocky served as creative director for Puma F1 and Ray-Ban and led major fashion campaigns and brand partnerships.
Acting roles in 2025 films
Rocky had supporting roles in Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest (2025) alongside Denzel Washington and in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (2025).
Major fashion awards & recognitions (recent)
Rocky's creative entrepreneurship earned him awards including Global Style Icon, Virgil Abloh Award, Cultural Innovator, Collaboration of the Year and Fashion Icon (dates through 2025).
Acquitted of assault charges in LA trial
On February 18, 2025 a Los Angeles jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Co-chaired the Met Gala
Rocky co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala and further expanded his presence in fashion and culture.
Upcoming studio album 'Don't Be Dumb' (scheduled)
Rocky's fourth/forthcoming studio album Don't Be Dumb is scheduled for release in 2026 (album name announced earlier; release subject to delays).
Key Achievement Ages
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