ASAP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, is an American rapper from Harlem, New York. He gained recognition as a member of the hip hop group ASAP Mob. His single "Peso" gained significant popularity after being leaked online in 2011, leading to radio airplay and a record deal with Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records. That same year, he released his critically acclaimed debut mixtape, "Live. Love. A$AP".
October 3, 1988: Birth of Rakim Mayers
Rakim Athelaston Mayers, later known as ASAP Rocky, was born on October 3, 1988.
2000: Release of Moby's "Porcelain"
The song "Porcelain" by Moby, which ASAP Rocky later sampled for his track "ASAP Forever," was released in 2000.
2006: ASAP Rocky Spends Time in Rikers Island
In 2006, ASAP Rocky spent two weeks incarcerated at Rikers Island, where he shared a cell with future rapper Casanova.
2007: Joining the ASAP Mob
ASAP Rocky became a member of the ASAP Mob, a Harlem-based collective, in 2007, marking a pivotal point in his career.
July 2011: "Purple Swag" Makes Waves
In July 2011, ASAP Rocky released "Purple Swag," a single that gained significant traction and became a popular anthem in New York City.
August 2011: "Peso" Leaks and Makes Impact
ASAP Rocky's single "Peso" was leaked online in August 2011, quickly gaining popularity and radio airplay, leading to his recognition by major record labels.
August 2011: "Peso" Generates Buzz
In August 2011, ASAP Rocky's single "Peso" was leaked online and gained significant attention, receiving radio airplay within weeks.
October 2011: ASAP Rocky Signs Record Deal with Sony Music Entertainment
In October 2011, ASAP Rocky signed a significant record deal with Sony Music Entertainment, marking a pivotal step in his career. The deal, valued at $3 million, provided resources for his solo endeavors and his company, reflecting his growing influence and ambition within the music industry.
2011: ASAP Rocky Begins Dating Iggy Azalea
ASAP Rocky began dating Australian rapper Iggy Azalea in 2011.
2011: Original Release of "Live. Love. ASAP"
ASAP Rocky initially released his mixtape "Live. Love. ASAP" in 2011.
February 2012: Touring with Drake
ASAP Rocky joined Kendrick Lamar as an opening act for Drake's Club Paradise Tour in February 2012.
July 2012: Performance at Pitchfork, Arrest, and Collaboration with Rihanna
ASAP Rocky performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival in July 2012. He was scheduled to perform on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" but was arrested. He later performed on the show in August and collaborated with Rihanna on her MTV Video Music Awards performance in September.
2012: ASAP Rocky Adopts a Vegetarian Diet
In 2012, ASAP Rocky transitioned to a vegetarian diet, influenced by his vegan manager and a newfound awareness of the ethical concerns surrounding the poultry industry.
2012: Loss of His Father
ASAP Rocky's father passed away in 2012.
2012: BBC's Sound of 2012 Nomination
ASAP Rocky was nominated for BBC's Sound of 2012 poll, highlighting his rising prominence in the music scene.
2012: ASAP Rocky and Iggy Azalea's Relationship Ends
ASAP Rocky and Iggy Azalea's relationship ended in 2012.
January 15, 2013: "Long. Live. A$AP" Released to Acclaim
ASAP Rocky's debut album, "Long. Live. A$AP," was released on January 15, 2013, receiving positive reviews and debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
March 13, 2013: Sales Milestone for "Long. Live. A$AP"
By March 13, 2013, "Long. Live. A$AP" had sold 284,000 copies, reflecting its commercial success.
April 12, 2013: Instrumental Album in the Works
On April 12, 2013, ASAP Rocky revealed he was working on an instrumental album, "Beauty & The Beast: Slowed Down Sessions (Chapter 1),", intended for free release, though it was ultimately delayed and remains unreleased.
2013: ASAP Rocky and Rihanna First Linked Romantically
ASAP Rocky and Rihanna were first romantically linked in 2013 when ASAP Rocky opened for Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour.
2013: "Long. Live. A$AP" Released
ASAP Rocky released his debut studio album, "Long. Live. A$AP," in 2013, achieving critical acclaim and commercial success.
2013: ASAP Rocky Launches A$AP Merchandise Brand
In 2013, ASAP Rocky, in partnership with ASAP Mob co-founder ASAP Bari, launched their own A$AP merchandise brand, showcasing their eye for fashion and entrepreneurial spirit. They also collaborated with renowned fashion designer Raf Simons, highlighting their growing influence in the fashion industry.
March 16, 2014: Work Begins on "A.L.L.A."
ASAP Rocky announced his second studio album, "A.L.L.A." (At. Long. Last. A$AP), on March 16, 2014.
April 2014: ASAP Rocky and Chanel Iman's Engagement
ASAP Rocky and model Chanel Iman reportedly got engaged in April 2014 after beginning their relationship in early 2013.
June 6, 2014: "Hella Hoes" Released, "L.O.R.D." Shelved
"Hella Hoes," a collaboration featuring ASAP Mob members, was released on June 6, 2014. The ASAP Mob album, "L.O.R.D.," was subsequently shelved.
June 2014: ASAP Rocky and Chanel Iman Break Up
ASAP Rocky and Chanel Iman ended their engagement and relationship in June 2014.
October 2, 2014: ASAP Rocky Signs With William Morris Endeavor
On October 2, 2014, ASAP Rocky announced his worldwide representation agreement with the prominent talent and media agency, William Morris Endeavor, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment world.
October 3, 2014: "Multiply" Kicks Off "Flacko Jodye Season"
ASAP Rocky celebrated his 26th birthday by launching a music giveaway, "Flacko Jodye Season," starting with the release of "Multiply," featuring Juicy J.
January 21, 2015: ASAP Rocky's Cameo in "Dope"
On January 21, 2015, the indie comedy-drama "Dope", featuring ASAP Rocky in a cameo role, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
March 2015: ASAP Rocky Expresses Dislike for Past Hits
In March 2015, ASAP Rocky revealed in an interview with MTV News that he had come to dislike some of his previous commercially successful tracks, such as "Wild For The Night" and "Fuckin' Problems," which he admitted to creating for mainstream appeal.
March 16, 2015: "Long. Live. A$AP" Certified Gold
"Long. Live A$AP" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on March 16, 2015, for surpassing 500,000 copies shipped in the United States.
April 8, 2015: Release of "M'$" and Album Leak
ASAP Rocky released the song "M'$" on April 8, 2015. Initially debuted during a Red Bull Music Academy interview, the track was made available on iTunes two days later. Although not an official single, a remixed version featuring Lil Wayne was included in the album.
May 25, 2015: Album Leak and Early Release
On May 25, 2015, "At. Long. Last. A$AP" was leaked online a week before its scheduled release. In response, ASAP Rocky decided to release the album early, dropping it at midnight on May 26.
June 2, 2015: Initial Release Date for "At. Long. Last. A$AP"
ASAP Rocky's album "At. Long. Last. A$AP" was initially slated for release on June 2, 2015.
June 11, 2015: Performance on "The Tonight Show"
ASAP Rocky performed "L$D" with The Roots on "The Tonight Show" on June 11, 2015.
June 2015: Collaboration with Selena Gomez and Appearance on "Carpool Karaoke"
In June 2015, ASAP Rocky was featured on Selena Gomez's single "Good for You." He also appeared on the "Carpool Karaoke" segment of "The Late Late Show" with Rod Stewart and James Corden that same month.
June 2015: Commercial Success of "At. Long. Last. A$AP"
By June 2015, "At. Long. Last. A$AP" had sold 60,662 copies in the United Kingdom.
July 2015: Commercial Success of "At. Long. Last. A$AP"
By July 2015, "At. Long. Last. A$AP" had sold 215,000 copies in the United States and 60,662 copies in the United Kingdom.
2015: Release of "Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2)" and Death of A$AP Yams
In 2015, ASAP Rocky released "Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2)", the lead single from his second album. Sadly, on January 18, 2015, his mentor and partner, Steven "A$AP Yams" Rodriguez, passed away. While the official cause of death was reported as an acute mixed drug intoxication, some, including ASAP Rocky, attributed Yams' death to his sleep apnea.
2015: ASAP Rocky Discusses His Faith on "Holy Ghost"
In 2015, ASAP Rocky explored his religious beliefs on the song "Holy Ghost" from his album *At. Long. Last. ASAP*. He articulated a personal relationship with God, distinct from organized religion, indicating a nuanced approach to faith.
2015: "At. Long. Last. A$AP" Drops
ASAP Rocky's second album, "At. Long. Last. A$AP," was released in 2015, further solidifying his presence in the music industry.
February 2016: ASAP Rocky Collaborates with Guess on GUE$$ Collection
In February 2016, ASAP Rocky unveiled a collaborative clothing line with Guess, titled GUE$$. The collection drew inspiration from Rocky's fondness for the brand's classic 1990s aesthetic, which he had admired and worn in his youth.
2016: Collaboration with Alicia Keys and Lana Del Rey
In 2016, ASAP Rocky was featured on Alicia Keys' song "Blended Family (What You Do for Love)." He also collaborated with Lana Del Rey on two tracks, "Summer Bummer" and "Groupie Love," from her 2017 album "Lust for Life."
October 2017: Feature on Famous Dex's "Pick It Up"
ASAP Rocky was featured on Famous Dex's song "Pick It Up," released in October 2017.
January 23, 2018: Release of "☆☆☆☆☆ 5ive $tar$"
ASAP Rocky released "☆☆☆☆☆ 5ive $tar$" on SoundCloud on January 23, 2018. The track was produced by Metro Boomin, Frans Mernick, Jordan Blackmon, and Daniel Lynas, and featured uncredited vocals by DRAM.
May 25, 2018: Release of "Testing"
"Testing", ASAP Rocky's third studio album, was released on May 25, 2018. Despite receiving generally positive reviews, it was a low-seller compared to his previous works.
July 23, 2018: Announcement of WANGSAP Project
ASAP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator announced a collaborative project called WANGSAP on July 23, 2018, with the release of a music video for "Potato Salad," a remix of Monica's "Knock Knock." However, Tyler later clarified in January 2019 that the album never actually existed.
2018: "Testing" the Waters
In 2018, ASAP Rocky released his third album, "Testing," which continued to showcase his musical evolution.
January 23, 2019: Tyler, the Creator Announces WANGSAP Doesn't Exist
Tyler, the Creator announced on January 23, 2019, that the collaborative album with ASAP Rocky, WANGSAP, does not exist.
May 2019: Juicy J Announces ASAP Rocky's Work on a New Album
Juicy J revealed in May 2019 that ASAP Rocky had begun working on his next album, initially titled "All Smiles."
July 2019: ASAP Rocky Arrested for Assault in Stockholm
In July 2019, ASAP Rocky was arrested in Stockholm, Sweden on charges of assault. The incident, which occurred on June 30, involved an altercation between Rocky, his entourage, and two other individuals, Mustafa Jafari and another person. Jafari sustained injuries during the altercation, including cuts requiring stitches and a fractured rib. ASAP Rocky maintained that he acted in self-defense, and the incident sparked international attention and legal proceedings.
2019: Recording of "Lost and Found Freestyle 2019"
ASAP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator recorded "Lost and Found Freestyle 2019" in 2019.
2019: ASAP Rocky Finds Solace in Prayer During Incarceration
During his 2019 incarceration in Sweden, ASAP Rocky turned to prayer as a source of solace and occupation during a challenging period in his life. This experience underscores a personal dimension to his faith, going beyond his previously expressed views on organized religion.
2019: ASAP Rocky Announces He Is Vegan
In 2019, ASAP Rocky declared himself vegan on his single "Babushka Boi," marking a further evolution in his dietary choices and lifestyle.
May 19, 2021: ASAP Rocky Confirms Relationship with Rihanna
In a May 19, 2021 interview with GQ, ASAP Rocky publicly confirmed his relationship with Rihanna, referring to her as "the love of my life." This declaration marked a significant moment in their public relationship timeline.
October 2021: Re-release of "Live. Love. ASAP"
ASAP Rocky re-released his 2011 mixtape "Live. Love. ASAP" on all streaming platforms in October 2021 to commemorate its 10th anniversary.
November 6, 2021: ASAP Rocky Allegedly Involved in Hollywood Shooting
On November 6, 2021, ASAP Rocky was allegedly involved in a shooting in Hollywood. The victim, who survived, was identified as Terell Ephron, known as ASAP Relli, a former friend and collaborator of ASAP Rocky.
January 31, 2022: Rihanna and ASAP Rocky Expecting First Child
On January 31, 2022, People magazine reported that Rihanna and ASAP Rocky were expecting their first child together.
March 25, 2022: Collaborations on Nigo's "I Know Nigo!"
ASAP Rocky was featured on two tracks from Nigo's album "I Know Nigo!," released on March 25, 2022. He collaborated with Tyler, the Creator on "Lost and Found Freestyle 2019" and had a solo track titled "Arya."
April 20, 2022: ASAP Rocky Arrested in Los Angeles
On April 20, 2022, upon returning to Los Angeles from a trip with Rihanna, ASAP Rocky was arrested by LAPD officers at Los Angeles International Airport. The arrest pertained to a potential assault with a deadly weapon charge stemming from a shooting incident in Hollywood on November 6, 2021. The victim, ASAP Relli, a former friend and collaborator, survived the shooting. ASAP Rocky was released on a $550,000 bail.
May 2022: Release of "D.M.B."
ASAP Rocky released the single "D.M.B." in May 2022.
May 19, 2022: Rihanna Gives Birth to First Child with ASAP Rocky
On May 19, 2022, Rihanna gave birth to her and ASAP Rocky's first child, a son, signifying a new chapter in their lives as parents.
August 15, 2022: Los Angeles County District Attorney Files Charges Against ASAP Rocky
On August 15, 2022, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office officially filed charges against ASAP Rocky in relation to the November 6, 2021 shooting incident in Hollywood. This action followed a search warrant executed at his residence, where detectives seized potential evidence.
2022: ASAP Rocky Launches Mercer + Prince Whisky Brand
In 2022, ASAP Rocky furthered his entrepreneurial pursuits by launching his own whisky brand, Mercer + Prince. The brand's official unveiling took place during a two-hour interview on the Revolt TV show, Drink Champs, demonstrating his evolving business ventures beyond the music industry.
May 10, 2023: ASAP Rocky Reveals Son's Name
On May 10, 2023, ASAP Rocky revealed the name of his son with Rihanna: RZA Athelaston Mayers, named in honor of the Wu-Tang Clan's founder and leader, RZA.
November 2023: Judge Rules Sufficient Evidence for ASAP Rocky to Stand Trial
On November 20, 2023, a Los Angeles judge, M.L. Villar, ruled that there was sufficient evidence for ASAP Rocky to stand trial in the shooting case, after hearing testimonies from two witnesses during a preliminary hearing.
2023: Instrumental Project Still Unreleased
As of 2023, ASAP Rocky's instrumental album, "Beauty & The Beast: Slowed Down Sessions (Chapter 1)", remains unreleased.
2023: ASAP Rocky's Collaborations with Gucci, Puma, and Bottega Veneta
In 2023, ASAP Rocky engaged in multiple high-profile collaborations, underscoring his significant presence in the fashion world. He partnered with Gucci for their Guilty perfume campaign, Puma for a sneaker collaboration linked to Formula 1, and Bottega Veneta for an innovative campaign centered around candid paparazzi shots, further solidifying his influence and reach within the industry.
January 2024: ASAP Rocky Trial Proceedings Set to Begin
Following the judge's ruling, the trial proceedings for ASAP Rocky were scheduled to commence on January 8, 2024. On the same day, he entered a plea of not guilty, with the subsequent court hearing set for March 6, 2024.
March 2024: ASAP Rocky Misses Court Hearing
ASAP Rocky failed to appear for his scheduled court hearing on March 6, 2024, raising further questions about the progression of his legal case.
2024: "Don't Be Dumb" Anticipated
ASAP Rocky's fourth album, "Don't Be Dumb," is expected to release in 2024.