How ASAP Rocky built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
ASAP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, is an American rapper from Harlem. He gained recognition as a member of the hip hop collective ASAP Mob. His career took off after his single "Peso" was leaked online in August 2011, quickly gaining radio play. This led to him signing with Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records in October 2011. He subsequently released his critically acclaimed debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP (2011).
In 2007, ASAP Rocky joined the A$AP Mob crew, a Harlem-based collective.
In July 2011, ASAP Rocky released his single "Purple Swag", which became a street anthem in New York City.
In August 2011, ASAP Rocky's single "Peso" leaked online and quickly gained radio airplay.
In August 2011, ASAP Rocky's single "Peso" received airplay on Hot 97 New York radio station.
In October 2011, ASAP Rocky signed a record deal with Sony Music Entertainment worth $3 million, with a portion earmarked for his solo work and another to fund his company.
In 2011, ASAP Rocky released his mixtape Live. Love. ASAP.
In 2012, ASAP Rocky's single "Fuckin' Problems" featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number eight.
On January 15, 2013, ASAP Rocky's debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, was released to positive reviews.
As of March 13, 2013, ASAP Rocky's album Long. Live. A$AP had sold 284,000 copies.
On April 12, 2013, ASAP Rocky revealed that he was working on an instrumental album to be released without notice.
In 2013, ASAP Rocky and ASAP Mob co-founder ASAP Bari released the A$AP merchandise brand, collaborating with fashion designer Raf Simons.
In 2013, ASAP Rocky opened up for Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour. The two were first linked that year.
In 2013, ASAP Rocky's debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, was released and met with critical and commercial success, debuting atop the Billboard 200.
On March 16, 2014, ASAP Rocky announced that he was working on his second studio album, A.L.L.A. (At. Long. Last. A$AP).
On June 6, 2014, ASAP Rocky collaborated with A$AP Ferg, Nast, and Twelvyy on the album's third single, "Hella Hoes."
On October 2, 2014, ASAP Rocky announced that he had officially signed a contract for worldwide representation with William Morris Endeavor.
On October 3, 2014, ASAP Rocky launched a music giveaway called Flacko Jodye Season, premiering with "Multiply".
On January 21, 2015, the indie comedy-drama Dope, featuring ASAP Rocky in a cameo role, premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
On April 8, 2015, ASAP Rocky debuted the song "M'$" during an interview with the Red Bull Music Academy.
On May 25, 2015, ASAP Rocky's album A.L.L.A. leaked online, leading to an official release at midnight on May 26.
As of June 2015, ASAP Rocky's album At. Long. Last. A$AP had sold 60,662 copies in the United Kingdom.
As of July 2015, ASAP Rocky's album At. Long. Last. A$AP had sold 215,000 copies in the United States.
In 2015, ASAP Rocky's second album, At. Long. Last. A$AP, was released and debuted atop the Billboard chart, continuing his critical acclaim.
In February 2016, Guess released a collaboration with ASAP Rocky called GUE$$, which was inspired by Mayers’ admiration for the brand's vintage '90s clothing that he wore while growing up.
On July 23, 2018, ASAP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator announced a collaborative project, WANGSAP, releasing a music video for "Potato Salad".
In 2018, ASAP Rocky's third album, Testing, peaked within the top five of the Billboard 200.
On January 23, 2019, Tyler, the Creator announced that the WANGSAP album never existed.
In May 2019, Juicy J announced ASAP Rocky began working on his upcoming album, formerly titled All Smiles.
In 2019, ASAP Rocky was featured on the track "Lost and Found Freestyle 2019" with Tyler, the Creator, which appeared on Nigo's album released in 2022.
In October 2021, ASAP Rocky's 2011 mixtape Live. Love. ASAP was released to all streaming platforms to celebrate its 10-year anniversary.
On March 25, 2022, ASAP Rocky appeared on two tracks from Nigo's album I Know Nigo!, specifically the opening track "Lost and Found Freestyle 2019" with Tyler, the Creator, and the single, "Arya".
In May 2022, ASAP Rocky released the single, "D.M.B.".
In 2022, ASAP Rocky launched his own brand of whisky called Mercer + Prince, which was officially launched on the Revolt TV show, Drink Champs.
As of 2023, the instrumental album Beauty & The Beast: Slowed Down Sessions (Chapter 1), originally planned for release in 2013, has not been released.
In 2023, ASAP Rocky collaborated with Gucci (Guilty perfume advertisements), Puma (sneakers in collaboration with F1), and Bottega Veneta on a campaign based on paparazzi candids.
In 2025, ASAP Rocky's fourth album, Don't Be Dumb, is scheduled for release.