Tag: A$AP

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FM Politics Trending

A$AP Rocky Z-shaped Chain Instagram Post Ended In A Worldwide Controversy

A$AP Rocky 'Z'-shaped Chain Instagram Post Ended In A Worldwide Controversy
A$AP Rocky at Breakout Festival 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. Image source: Andrew Chin, Getty Images.

On Feb. 24, 2022, the Russian army began invading a neighboring country, killing thousands of civilians and committing numerous war crimes for no good reason or purpose. The so-called military forces in question also drew the letter ‘Z’ on their tanks, later making it an official brand logo of the invasion.

A$AP Rocky 'Z'-shaped Chain Instagram Post Ended In A Worldwide Controversy
(Left) Letter ‘Z’ on a Russian tank in the Russia-occupied city of Mariupol, Ukraine. (Right) The letter ‘Z’ on a large-scale TV screen in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Image source: Anatoly Maltsev/Shutterstock, Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters.

With the ongoing war, even the slightest sign of support for the wrong side can spark controversy. The “Babushka Boi” artist found himself amidst one a couple of days ago.

A$AP Rocky promoted his new single on Instagram, with one of the carousel’s images being a chain shaped like a letter ‘Z.’ The letter in question also consisted of tank-shaped diamonds, which doesn’t make it any better.

A$AP Rocky 'Z'-shaped Chain Instagram Post Ended In A Worldwide Controversy
The controversial picture in A$AP Rocky’s controversial post. Image source: Instagram.

Commentators were asking Rocky if he was okay and accused the artist of supporting war crimes. Metro Boomin also showed up to leave six fire emojis in the comment section, probably rooting for the new track, not the alleged political message.

A$AP Rocky 'Z'-shaped Chain Instagram Post Ended In A Worldwide Controversy
The comment section under A$AP Rocky’s controversial post. Image source: Instagram.

In A$AP Rocky’s Defense

Considering Rocky’s self-acclaimed total apoliticism (“I’m A$AP Rocky. I did not sign up to be no political activist. I wanna talk about my mother****in’ lean, my best friend dying, the girls that come in and out of my life, the jiggy fashion that I wear, my new inspirations in drugs!”), all of it might be just a stupid mistake.

However, A$AP Rocky also never said anything regarding the ‘Z’ incident, only deleting the controversial picture.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by A$AP ROCKY (@asaprocky)

In Conclusion

All in all, the controversial situation seems like a big misunderstanding. A$AP Rocky probably should’ve known better before posting a Z-shaped chain, considering what it symbolizes for the past year and a half.

But also, as unfortunate as it is, not everyone follows the abhorrent events currently taking place in Ukraine. Especially people who consider themselves “to be no political activist.” This might not be the right choice after all, but definitely not on the same scale as supporting war crimes.

Unless, of course, A$AP Rocky somehow got involved with Kremlin.

Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk

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FM News Trending

A$AP Rocky Apologizes to Fans for Shortened Rolling Loud Set

A$AP Rocky Apologizes For Short Rolling Loud Set
A$AP Rocky performing at the Rolling Loud. Image source: Arturo Holmes, Getty Images.

A$AP Rocky is yet another rapper unhappy with this year’s Rolling Loud Festival.

A$AP Rocky Is 30 Minutes Too Late For His Rolling Loud Set

Rolling Loud in New York has been a mix of exciting and disorganized according to the stars on its lineup. Newcomers like Ice Spice experienced some sound issues, and 21 Savage has confirmed he’s not interested in attending ever again. ASAP Rocky seemingly isn’t exempt from the mishaps and posted to his Instagram story today to communicate with his fanbase.

Last night (Sep 24), the “Praise Tha Lord” artist performed for a massive crowd at the 2022 Rolling Loud Festival held in Citi Fields, Queens. The 30-minute set included hits like ‘Telephone Calls’ and unreleased tracks like “OUR DE$TINY.” The crowd was electric and loved the Harlem rapper’s energy, but apparently, things didn’t go according to plan.

A$AP’s set was cut short, and the East Coast MC quickly apologized for the misunderstanding. “I am so hurt right now,” Rocky typed in his notes app. “I will take full responsibility for the circumstances of what led to last nights show being everything it was and everything it wasn’t,” he continued to explain.

Fans Being Unforgiving

While A$AP obviously found it necessary to apologize, the audience looked pretty happy with the abridged set. Specifically, his special guests, French Montana and GloRilla, garnered a massive reaction from the sea of rap fanatics. You can clearly see a saddened look on Rocky’s face near the 32-minute mark of his set, likely wanting to continue for another half hour.

The fans in attendance didn’t mind, but social media is another story. Some A$AP’s fans expressed annoyance with his apparent lateness and filler content between songs that caused the celebration to end early. “love rocky to death but that set was so ass and delayed but at least he acknowledged it,” one Twitter user typed. 

“It would be easier if you weren’t late for your own shows,” another responded.

https://twitter.com/TheDonBoston/status/1574130988636336128

https://twitter.com/margiela_mask/status/1574087493863063553

Lateness wasn’t the only factor working against Rocky. NYPD enforced a strict curfew last night, which also applied to concertgoers and performers. This may also be why the performance shortened so dramatically.

Of course, it’s not Rolling Loud without a little bit of controversy.

Written By Dreema Carrington

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FM Legal Trending

A$AP Rocky Pleads Not Guilty

A$AP Rocky Pleads Not Guilty
A$AP Rocky in court. Image source: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times.

A$AP Rocky was charged for allegedly shooting fellow A$AP Mob member and former friend A$AP Relli earlier this week. Now, Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has appeared in a Los Angeles court for the alleged shooting. Mayers pleaded not guilty to the charges of shooting his former friend, A$AP Relli, on a Hollywood street last November.  

According to Rolling Stone, Mayers appeared in court with his lawyer Sara L.Caplan, who entered the plea on his behalf. The only time that Rocky actually spoke was to confirm his next court date. His next scheduled court date is on Nov 2, 2022. However, the judge, Victoria Wilson, agreed to the protective order requested by prosecutors. This prevents Rocky from “possessing any firearms or ammunition and prohibits him from contacting or coming within 100 yards” from Relli.

Charges Against A$AP Rocky

Prosecutors charged the famous Harlem rapper with two counts of using a semi-automatic firearm to assault A$AP Relli, also known as Terrel Ephron. Relli’s lawyer, Tamal Tooson, was also in court, where a process server attempted to serve Mayers with a civil lawsuit.

According to the complaint issued by Ephron, Mayers asked to meet in a specific Hollywood location on Nov 6, 2021. Tooson and his co-counsel Brian Hurwitz spoke with Rolling Stone previously. They said, “unbeknownst to Mr. Ephron, A$AP Rocky was not just planning for a conversation and came armed with a semi-automatic handgun.” 

In response to this action taken against Mayers, his lawyer asked the court if he would be able to travel for work. The judge stated that Mayers would have to “clear dates” with the court beforehand. Though the incident happened back in November, Mayers did not go under arrest for the incident until April. At the time, he was returning from Barbados with Rhiana, who was also pregnant. However, he was quickly released and posted bail to see his and Rhiana’s child born in May. Rocky remains free on a $550,000 bond but could face up to nine years in prison if convicted. 

Written by Patrick Rodriguez | Twitter

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FM News

Rihanna Seen Backstage During A$AP Rocky’s Smoker’s Club Festival Set

Rihanna seen backstage A$AP Rocky's set at the Smoker's Club Festival
Asap Rocky and Rihanna seen at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week.

A very pregnant Rihanna appeared backstage at ASAP Rocky’s performance at the Smoker’s Club Festival in West Hollywood Saturday, Apr. 30. After an eventful past few months, things might be leveling out for the couple, at least for now. The New York rapper and Bajan singer are taking it easy in preparation for their first child. At the end of last month, the couple threw a rave-themed baby shower with adorable gift bags to match.

Riri And Rocky Are A United Front

Earlier this year, ASAP Rocky had some bad luck. First, someone started a rumor he was having an affair with clothing designer Amina Muaddi. This turned out to be untrue. However, this wasn’t the end of his troubles. After the happy couple came back from Ri’s home country, Barbados, police met them at the airport to arrest Rocky. The reason? His alleged involvement in a shooting back in November 2021. The rapper allegedly approached the victim and fired a gun several times. A bullet grazed the victim’s hand, then A$AP and two other people fled the scene. After being in custody for several hours, the rapper got released on bail. Unfortunately, the story gets messier. According to an earlier story published by FM Hip Hop, One of the A$AP Mob’s members, said someone from the group snitched on Rocky. People are assuming A$AP Relli as the culprit.

LAPD conducted a search of the rapper’s home, and while they found guns, none of them matched the caliber of the weapon used in the assault. Rocky’s court date will be August 17. It’s not clear whether A$AP Rocky’s legals troubles will affect their future, the two are supporting one another. For now, the couple has time to focus on their relationship and their baby. Hopefully, for their sake, there will be cute backstage moments in the future.

Written by Kimberly Stelly | Instagram | Twitter

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Cam’ron Claims Responsibility for A$AP and Rihanna’s Expectancy

Yesterday, much of the world congratulated ASAP and Rihanna on the news. They are expecting. Cam’ron also had a little something to add.

On Monday, Cam’ron posted a throwback pic on Instagram, clearly defining his contribution to the expectancy.

“I’m just saying 🤷🏾‍♂️ check da dates👀. Congrats to Flocko and da Sis RiRi. Welcome to Harlem!!!@pinkhorsepower”

While cryptic to some, others knew full well what the “Purple Haze” artist was referring to.

Cam’ron’s Venture

Cam’ron is the CEO of the pinkhorsepower brand. Pinkhorsepower is a supplement that enhances libido like Viagra. Based on the rapper’s sentiments, his brand is 100% effective. He also attributes Rihanna’s pregnancy to A$AP’s use of his brand. Reportedly, he has the proof.

Where is Cam’ron’s Proof?

There is a video showing A$AP downing Cam’rons’ pinkhorsepower supplement. Cam’ron asserts if you look at the dates, they align. So, he has some credit for the bun in the oven. He may also have a point.

However, is that something one wants to take credit for at such a time? As an entrepreneur, yes. This is good marketing. His timing, though, may not be proper etiquette. Cam’ron is demonstrating as a CEO of a powerful brand; he’s taking advantage of an opportunity.

A$AP not the Only Testimonial

According to a source, A$AP is also not the only celebrity client. Quite a few celebrities attest to the quality of the product. Jadakiss, Ludacris, Rae Sremmurd, Amber Rose, and comedian Michael Blackson have co-signed the supplement. So, if Cam’ron’s product helped the couple conceive, then perhaps he has quite the product. When you got something good, you can’t help but boast about it.

Congratulations to Rihanna and A$AP on the news. And if Cam’rons’ product played a role, he’s also doing something right. We hope his product will help many more couples to manifest their dreams of bringing life into the world.

Were you there when the rumors first began circulating? If you desire a look back on when the news first broke, check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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“Live, Love, A$AP” to Debut on Streaming Services

It was officially announced on October 25 that A$AP Rocky’s Live, Love, A$AP will be streaming on platforms on October 29. So finally, fans will be able to ride the wave of nostalgia back to A$ AP’s beginnings.

Live, Love, A$AP

The original mixtape was released on October 30, 2011, not long after the artist hit the scene. And as sources indicate, the current release date will mark almost a decade since its debut.

The initial release of the first Live, Love, A$AP, which could be downloaded for free, did not get much attention. That would not be the end of the story.  According to Billboard, two years later, in 2013, the track “Peso,” which was included, climbed the charts. And as reported, the album later came in at number one on the Billboard 200 charts that same year.

Setting the Standard

This album is a significant piece in A$AP’s catalog. “Live. Love. A$AP preceded and set the tone for the rapper’s later releases,” according to Rolling Stones. And from that point on A$AP’s success was imminent. Surely, his $10million net worth can attest to that fact.

And, he is not only being hailed as one of the most successful members of the A$AP mob crew but one of the wealthiest rappers in the business, according to wealthygorilla.com.

The Re-release

The re-release includes some of A$AP’s greatest tracks except for a few. According to Rolling Stones, “Kissin’ Pink” and “Out of this World” will not appear on the 15 track release. However, there is a bonus track not included in the original. As Rolling Stones contributor Larisha Paul notes, “A$AP Rocky does tack on a previously unreleased song: ‘Sandman’. The new addition is produced by Kelvin Krash and Live. Love. A$AP collaborator Clams Casino.”

So, for fans eager for the debut, they can find the complete track list on RollingStones.com. And October 29 marks the date, so don’t forget to mark it down.

Renae Richardson

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To see what else A$AP has been up to check out FM HipHop’s retrospective articles.