A$AP Rocky is currently in the spotlight as he stands trial for allegedly shooting a former friend. Here’s a look at the rapper’s early career compared to his recent years.
A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has made a significant mark in the music and fashion industries over the past decade or so. His influence extends beyond his music, as he has become a notable figure in style and culture. Additionally, at home, he has built a beautiful life with partner Rihanna and their two children, RZA, 2, and 15-month-old Riot Rose. However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges; he is currently facing trial for allegedly shooting a former friend. In August 2022, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested him at LAX, charging him with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, to which he pleaded not guilty.
In August 2011, Rocky’s single “Peso” was leaked online, and within weeks, began receiving radio airplay. He signed with Polo Grounds Music, an imprint of RCA Records in October of that year, and shortly after, released his debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP (2011) to widespread critical acclaim.
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Early Days in 2011
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Rocky posed for a portrait during The FADER Fort by FIAT at the Drive-In Studio in New York City in October.
In August 2011, his single “Peso” leaked online and quickly gained radio airplay. By October, he signed with Polo Grounds Music, an RCA Records imprint, and shortly after released his debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP (2011), which received widespread critical acclaim.
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Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2012
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Rocky performed at the 2012 Coachella Music Festival at The Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, showcasing his A$AP tattoo. He adopted the A$AP moniker after joining A$AP Mob, an American hip-hop collective formed in 2006.
In 2007, Rocky became part of the Harlem-based group, which includes rappers, producers, music video directors, fashion designers, and bikers. The Mob was founded by A$AP Yams, A$AP Bari, and A$AP Illz.
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BET Awards 2012
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Rocky at the 2012 BET Awards
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MTV Video Music Awards 2012
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At the 2012 MTV VMAs, Rocky and Rihanna performed together at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The two artists first met during rehearsals for the performance. Although he was seen cupping the backside of the now mother of his two kids at the time, they were just friends and remained so until starting their relationship seven years later.
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MADE Fashion Week 2013
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Rocky walked the runway at the Hood By Air fall 2013 fashion show during MADE Fashion Week at Milk Studios in New York City.
In the early days of his career, he frequently sported what became his signature look: a snapback, grills, and a flannel shirt, often paired with a hoodie or worn without a shirt at all.
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A$AP Rocky at the Staples Center, 2013
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Rocky performed as the opening act for the North American leg of Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour in the spring of 2013.
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Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2013
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Rocky at the 2013 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
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BET Awards 2013
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Rocky, A$AP Ferg, and Kendrick Lamar performed onstage during the 2013 BET Awards.
At the awards show, Rocky was geared up for a big night, nominated in five categories. He ultimately took home one trophy for Best Collaboration for his all-star track “F***in’ Problems,” featuring Drake, Lamar, and 2 Chainz. The song is part of Rocky’s debut album, Long.Live.A$AP.
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Yahoo Wireless Festival 2013
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Rocky performed at the festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park during the summer in London, England.
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BET’s 106 & Park With A$AP Mob, 2013
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Part of the A$AP Mob—pictured are Ferg, Rocky, Bari, A$AP Twelvy, Illz, and Yams—at BET’s 106 & Park at BET Studios in New York City.
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The Novak Djokovic Foundation Dinner 2013
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Rocky and model Chanel Iman in New York City. The two started dating in 2013, and it seemed like a match made in heaven. The rapper often referred to himself as a “pretty motherfu**er,” while Iman was a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
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New York City 2013
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Rocky was spotted in NYC attending Drake’s album release party at Alife Store.
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“Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” Screening Hosted By U2, Anna Wintour, Bob And Harvey Weinstein With Burberry
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Iman and Rocky attended a screening of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, hosted by U2, Anna Wintour, and Bob & Harvey Weinstein, with Burberry at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City.
While dating Iman, Rocky transitioned from his “bad boy” look to a more tailored style. He swapped out hoodies for fitted blazers and leather jackets.
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iTunes Festival 2014
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Rocky performed on stage with Sam Smith during the iTunes Festival at The Roundhouse in London, England.
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Jeremy Scott & Moschino Party 2014
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Rocky and singer Miley Cyrus were photographed together at the Jeremy Scott & Moschino Party with Barbie in Miami Beach, Florida.
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68th Cannes Film Festival 2015
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Pharrell Williams, Zoë Kravitz, and Rocky attended the Dope premiere at the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs during the 68th Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Rick Famuyiwa and executive-produced by Williams and Sean “Diddy” Combs, the 2015 film garnered positive reviews for its fresh take on the coming-of-age genre. Critics praised its strong performances and its ability to address serious issues with a light-hearted tone, making it a standout in contemporary cinema.
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Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival 2016
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Tyler, The Creator and Rocky performed together during Day 1 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
Earlier in 2015, Rocky and Tyler had teamed up for a co-headlining tour, featuring support from Vince Staples and Danny Brown. This tour provided fans with an ultimate rap experience, showcasing a diverse range of styles. Both artists had recently released their respective albums: Cherry Bomb and At.Long.Last.A$AP. Their collaboration during the tour highlighted their unique chemistry and further solidified their status in the hip-hop community.
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Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020
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Fast forward to 2019/2020, A$AP Rocky showcased his elevated style with a brown blazer, blue jeans, a Gucci bag, and Gucci shoes. He was photographed outside the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week in September 2019.
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WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards 2019
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Tyler and Rocky
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Yams Day 2020
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Rocky attended Yams Day 2020 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Yams, a key member of A$AP Mob, passed away on January 18, 2015, at the age of 26, due to acute mixed drug intoxication, including opiates and benzodiazepines. Rocky and fellow crew member A$AP Lou discovered Yams after his death. Reflecting on the tragic event in a New York Times interview, Rocky recalled, “I just looked at his face. I looked at Lou. You could just tell. We knew.” He expressed his fear and frustration, saying, “I was scared. I was wilding on everybody, like, ‘Who let him do drugs?’ even though you can’t blame nobody.”
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Met Gala 2021
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Rocky and Rihanna attended the 2021 Met Gala, themed “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rocky showcased a quilt-style cape designed by Eli Russell Linnetz, paired with a custom silk taffeta tuxedo underneath.
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Met Gala 2023
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Rihanna and Rocky attended the 2023 Costume Institute Benefit, celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The couple captivated onlookers with their stunning outfits, further solidifying their presence as a stylish and influential duo in the fashion world.
Rihanna, who was expecting her second child at the time, wore an all-white Valentino ensemble that elegantly covered most of her body.
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Rihanna and Rocky 2023
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Rocky and Rihanna were spotted at Carbone celebrating his birthday, which is on October 3.
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Milan Fashion Week 2024
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Rocky attended Milan Fashion Week for Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025.
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Tiffany & Co Event 2024
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Rocky attended the Tiffany & Co. event celebrating the Tiffany Titan collection by Pharrell Williams, held at the Tiffany & Co. Landmark in New York.
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Paris Fashion Week 2024
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Rocky made a stylish statement at the A$AP Rocky X American Sabotage by AWGE Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week over the summer.
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Rocky 2024
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Rocky in New York City
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