A$AP Rocky at Breakout Festival 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. Image source: Andrew Chin, Getty Images.
On Feb. 24, 2022, the Russian army began invading a neighboring country, killing thousands of civilians and committing numerous war crimes for no good reason or purpose. The so-called military forces in question also drew the letter ‘Z’ on their tanks, later making it an official brand logo of the invasion.
(Left) Letter ‘Z’ on a Russian tank in the Russia-occupied city of Mariupol, Ukraine. (Right) The letter ‘Z’ on a large-scale TV screen in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Image source: Anatoly Maltsev/Shutterstock, Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters.
With the ongoing war, even the slightest sign of support for the wrong side can spark controversy. The “Babushka Boi” artist found himself amidst one a couple of days ago.
A$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.
The controversial picture in A$AP Rocky’s controversial post. Image source: Instagram.
Commentators were asking Rocky if he was okay and accused the artist of supporting war crimes. Metro Boomin also showed up to leave six fire emojis in the comment section, probably rooting for the new track, not the alleged political message.
The comment section under A$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$AP Rocky also never said anything regarding the ‘Z’ incident, only deleting the controversial picture.
All in all, the controversial situation seems like a big misunderstanding. A$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$AP Rocky somehow got involved with Kremlin.
G Herbo's arrest record. Image source: Splash News.
Transporting or carrying something illegal in one’s car requires full attention to the driving rules; ask G Herbo, who went under arrest for gun possession after simply failing to signal on the road that he was turning.
The incident occurred on Jul. 9 in Chicago. The “Chi-Raq” author had been driving down East Ontario Street before he got pulled over by the police for failing to use the turn signal. For some reason, the officers searched the artist’s car and found a Glock 33 in G Herbo’s vehicle.
The police took the artist under arrest. G Herbo then spent a night in jail for gun possession until approximately 5 a.m. on Jul. 10 and left after paying a bond.
The mugshot taken after G Herbo’s arrest on Jul. 10. Image source: Splash News.
G Herbo got charged with “carrying or possessing on or about his person, upon any public street, alley, or other public lands within the corporate limits of a city.”
More details regarding the case should soon appear.
Semiautomatic Firearm Assault Court Case
Another Hip-Hop artist currently facing troubles for gun-related occurrences is A$AP Rocky. The artist recently faced two charges of felony assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If proven guilty, A$AP Rocky will face up to 4 years per charge.
However, Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, doesn’t seem to have too many concerns about the case’s outcome. “What will become abundantly clear in the upcoming months, based on facts and evidence,” Tacopina said. “Is that Rocky is innocent of these charges.” Rocky also seems to be sure of his innocence, as he pleaded so in court and now will go to the trial.
YSL Rico Case
Artists and the whole labels find themselves in ties with the law these days. Young Thug, together with 28 other members of YSL, have spent the last year fighting their RICO case. The evidence against the artists includes Young Thug’s lyrics from songs like “Anybody,” “Take it to Trial,” “Ski,” and “Slatty.”
Young Thug recently also contacted T.I. and Boosie BadAzz from prison, asking the two to drop a record together. “Yo, [Boosie BadAzz] and [T.I.],” the YSL head posted on Instagram stories. “Ya’ll go ahead and drop that album together. That’s all a n**** wants.”
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky celebrate Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin on February 11, 2022. Image source: Rich Fury/Getty Images.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s son RZA Athelston Mayers celebrated his first birthday with his superstar parents recently. RZA turned one on May 13, 2023. His name was recently disclosed after The Daily Mail obtained his birth certificate, amid mass speculation from fans that their baby was named Noah.
However, the New York rapper officially confirmed his name with a carousel Instagram post. A$AP showed off his beautiful growing family with the caption, “WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN’ HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN . RZA (Heart emoji).” He concluded the family photos with a video of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard at the 1998 Grammy Awards. That year Wu Tang lost to Diddy for Rap Album of the Year and ODB explains in the clip Wu Tang is for the children. So it seems their beautiful first born is named after hip-hop royalty.
Rihanna Talks Enjoying Time With Her Baby RZA
Around the end of last year, Rihanna explained that her and the East Coast native was not keeping her first born’s name a secret as a strategy. But the pair just didn’t get around to it yet, they were just enjoying their time with him.
Rih And A$AP Expecting Baby Number 2
Rihanna performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. Image source: Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images.
This precious milestone celebrated by RZA’s parents amid his mommy expecting, making him a big brother soon. Rihanna‘s big reveal took place at the Super Bowl this year during her epic halftime show performance. Rihanna‘s fans, the Navy, thought she may have been pregnant based on her outfit and her subtle movements while performing. The Bajan singer even cradled her belly towards the end of the performance hinting at her “special guest.” Her halftime show was the most-watched ever at 121.017million views, knocking Katy Perry’s 2015 performance out the spot.
ASAP Rocky and Rihanna backstage at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Image source: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images.
A$AP Rocky. Image source: The Daily Stardust, ShotByNYP.
A$AP Rocky is still dealing with legal fallout following the shooting of former associate A$AP Relli in 2021. Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, faces two charges of felony assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Last August, the 34-year-old A$AP Rocky pled not guilty at the hearing in court. Judge Kerry White scheduled a hearing for the rapper on Jun 5. The rapper was not present when the date was set. If Rocky is convicted on both counts, he faces up to 4 years per charge. Previously, Mayers’ lawyer Joe Tacopina, told TMZ, “What will become abundantly clear in the upcoming months, based on facts and evidence, is that Rocky is innocent of these charges.” A$AP Rocky is currently out on $550,000 bail.
Rocky’s Life Outside Of Court
Outside of A$AP Rocky’s upcoming hearing, the rapper expects his second child with singer Rihanna. Their first child was born back in May 2022. The new family unit debuted on the cover, where the rapper is kissing his son in the pictures. Though he has garnered a fair amount of criticism on social media for this display of affection, people are just as, if not more so, supportive of the new dad. And for the rapper’s music fans, he is also preparing to birth a new album.
Though there is no release date yet, Rocky sat down with Complex and revealed he would be dropping soon. But of course, Rocky’s most significant source of joy right now is his family.
“I love it. Everything is just based around my newfound love for being a dad and a family man. It’s lit right now. I can’t even describe it.”
Rocky is focusing on his various projects outside the home and studio. He announced the launch of his interior decor brand, Hommemade, last December. In fact, the first piece was a collab with the Italian brand Guffam. It’s a cactus and mushroom installation inspired by artists Guido Drocco and Franco Mello. It’s been on display in Art Miami and made into nine limited-edition pieces. Though the legal outcome of the rapper’s troubles is uncertain, he undoubtedly has fans and family rooting for him behind the scenes.
Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and their son. Image source: RMBI,
Rihanna gave birth to her son back in May. Now, we’re finally getting a peek into motherhood for the multi-billion-dollar mogul.
Meeting Rih’s Mini Me
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their baby earlier this year to global anticipation. While the name of the baby still hasn’t yet been revealed, the couple is now slowly opening up. Saturday morning, Rihanna posted a short TikTok of her newborn playing with the phone camera.
“You’re trying to get mommy’s phone,” Rih asks in the background. This was not only an intro to Rih’s son, but to her verified account. This was her first ever post to the platform. Rihanna joins Beyonce, Will Smith, Selena Gomez, and Mariah Carey as one of the biggest names on TikTok.
“Seeing a baby with, like, little bags and waking up and they’re just, like, startled. They’re trying to figure out where they’re at. It’s the cutest, it’s my favorite part of the day.” In the same interview, she mentioned her affinityfor singing to her baby at night. Well, at least one person has heard her long awaited ninth album.
For now, fans are still reeling with excitement over the ANTI artist’s upcoming Superbowl performance. This marks Rihanna’s first time gracing the career-making stage. Details on the set-list and guest performers aren’t out yet, so it looks like we’ll just have to wait for the big night on Feb 12.
Rakim Mayers also known as A$AP Rocky welcomed a baby with music artist and business mogul, Rihanna, this past spring. The proud father revealed he is completely focused on his music and family in an interview for Complex. The Harlem-raised rapper has seemed to be enjoying his private life with his girlfriend and new born. “I love it. Everything is just based around my newfound love for being a dad and a family man.” he told the publication. They referred to him as a man of mystery as we have only seen him in a few paparazzi photos here and there with the Barbadian singer, since the announcement of their union.
A$AP Rocky 2022 Singles
Throughout this year Rocky has dropped a string of singles including, his ode to Robyn Fenty “D.M.B.” and the most recent track “Shittin’ Me.” The release of “D.M.B.” came with the iconic music video of him and Rihanna running the streets of New York City. Previously the pair shared the screen in his music video for his 2013 track “Fashion Killa.”
RCA RECORDS
Album On The Way
It looks like an album will be coming soon, but there is still no release date. Mayers last project was in 2018, Testing. He told Complex, it’s some cool shit in store… And it’s not a situation where they [fans] are going to have to wait long. It’s like ASAP, no pun intended.” A$AP Rocky spoke to the publication with a certain excitement in the interview even though he described this moment in the hip-hop community as “really weird,” because of the deaths of important figures. Most recently hip-hop lost greats such as Take0ff from Migos and PnB Rock.
New Decor Line
Although Rocky’s musical project is coming along, he recently introduced us to his “furniture interior design studio.” His new decor line is called HOMMEMADE. The artist leaves Complex with this quote “all I have is my craft, my art, my family. That’s just my life. That’s what encompasses or completes my life at this moment.”
A$AP Rocky has recently done a phone interview with Complex. The interview covers a bunch of topics ranging from his upcoming album, fatherhood, his new design studio, and his newest single, “Shittin’ Me”.
According to the interview, “Shittin’ Me” was sitting on Rocky’s shelf for years. In 2020, when EA came to him for a song to use in their videogame, Need for Speed: Unbound, he gave it to them, thinking it compliments the gameplay. Deciding to take things one step further, the song is also being used as part of the lead-up to the new album. While there is still no official date yet, he did confirm that an album will be coming soon.
The interview also touched on Rocky’s unique music videos. ASAP Rocky says he uses these visuals to create worlds and scenarios in a chaotic way, and to display his ADHD.
A$AP Rocky’s design studio, Hommemade, is going to start dropping innovative decor soon as well. He wants it to be like any other home decor brand out there.
He also talks about how much of a shame it is that the Raf Simons brand is ending. According to him, it was the pinnacle of the fusion between streetwear, hip hop culture, and high-end fashion. However, the brand’s articles are going to be worth a lot of money in a year or two.
Becoming a father has helped Rocky prioritize his life. It gives him time to do what he wants to do in life. He loves being a father and family man.
Rocky ends the phone interview by talking about how he is only interested in the art of his career. He only cares about his art, his craft, and his family. Instead of focusing on the politics, he just wants creativity to surge.
It’s no secret that there is much inequity between the rags and the riches. While some have been born with silver spoons and golden opportunities, others barely have boots to pull themselves up by. Thankfully, success is not predicated on what situation one is born into but on how one plays the cards they are dealt. And those who refuse to fold regardless of how many wrong hands they dealt with are the true inspirations.
Hip hop is not without its success stories; those who took the filthy rags they were handed down and converted them to a life of riches. So, here are five more rappers who have managed to come from rags to riches.
Rag to Riches Artist #1: Eminem
Eminem. Image source: Getty Images.
Eminem’s life has been no cakewalk. But, like a rose that struggles through asphalt, he has come a long way to reach the level of success he has garnered. Eminem’s life story is no secret, as the feature film 8-mile was a loose interpretation of his life story. He grew up with a drug-addicted parent. His life at home was a persistent threat. Where he indeed found his home was on the streets, sharpening his lyrical skills.
If lyricism was a weapon and the wielder an expert, his experience transformed him into an assassin. Eminem’s lyrical skills became not only his comfort but the springboard that would take him from rags to riches, proving that it doesn’t matter what situation you were born in but what you did with the talents that were born within you.
Jay-Z’s Hard Knock life is also no secret. Jay-Z grew up in the Brooklyn projects, as he aptly pens his opening verse of “Empire State of Mind.”
“Yeah, I’m out that Brooklyn, now I’m down in Tribeca. Right next to De Niro, but I’ll be hood forever.”
Poverty and crime were constant companions. However, Jay-Z would go on to become the storied dealer he went on to speak about in his earlier projects. While not an ideal lifestyle, it was a means of survival for him. Sadly, when trying to survive, you turn to the reachable things; at the time, dealing provided him with what he needed to make it.
When once asked if, at the time, he knew he was destroying lives with his choice, he stated, “No! No way. You just think people are buying your service, and it’s normal; you just think you’re coming of age. It’s everywhere. The smell, the stench in the hallway – that’s one of the things about the crack epidemic, people had lost their sense of pride.” Not only did Jay-Z sell drugs, but he once shot his brother at 12 years of age. However, his brother never filed charges.
In simple turns, Jay-Z is a hustler. And the same mentality has served him on the street and in his career. But, in 1996, after his first album, “Reasonable Doubt,” his life began to shift, and rap became his full-time hustle. Ultimately it was the bridge taking him straight to the top.
Rag to Riches Artist #3: Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg. Image source: Getty Images.
Much like Jay-Z, Snoop grew up impoverished. And he, too, has detailed his life in lyrics. Snoop started delving into the lyrical arts in his childhood. While he managed to stay out of trouble doing most of his formative years, his post-high school years told a different story.
According to biography.com, Snoop was arrested several times after graduating high school for drug possession and spent time in prison. Snoop embraced street life, also becoming a member of the notorious Crips.
Snoop’s family, alongside rap, would serve as outlets wherein he would pave a path to success. Pre-success, Snoop recorded demos with Warren G and Nate Dogg. Snoop’s style and talent were unmistakable and caught the ear of Dr. Dre. After hearing Snoop, Dre brought in a young Snoop to see what he was working with, and from then, that was all they wrote. As Biography notes,
“Snoop became the key rapper on Dre’s hugely successful first solo album, The Chronic, in 1992.”
From then on, Broadus not only solidified his name in hip-hop history but became a successful personality and serial entrepreneur.
Rag to Riches Artist #4: Sean Combs
Sean Diddy Combs. Image source: Getty Images.
Diddy grew up in Harlem in what is known as one of the toughest neighborhoods. Even as a youngster, Diddy refused to let his situation get the best of him. As it is noted in Yahoo Finance,
“Combs got a paper route as a boy to earn money in his gritty Harlem neighborhood when his mother couldn’t afford to buy him sneakers.”
Combs had the heart of a lion. For him, like many, life hit back hard. Combs lost his father when he was only a boy. His father was gunned down, leaving him to be raised by a single mother. Yet, Combs let nothing hold him down or break his stride. After dropping out of Howard, he would start Bad Boy Records, an enterprise that would make a name for the young and hungry entrepreneur. According to Yahoo Finance, as of 2021, he had amassed a net worth of $885 million.
Rag to Riches Artist #5: A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky. Image Source: nbclosangeles.com
Like Diddy A$AP was born and raised in Harlem. Much like the artist above, his life was not without struggle. According to Hip Hop Scriptures, one of A$AP’s earlier memories was spending time in a shelter with his mom. Music also was an early outlet for the artist, who began rapping when he was only eight. However, later, he, too, would learn to live without his father’s presence as he went to jail when Rocky was only 12. However, it was a tragic event that would spurn Rocky’s turn towards rap.
“His brother was killed near his apartment at 13. This experience and his experiences growing up made him want to pursue rapping as a career.”
In 2007 Rocky was introduced to the world as a member of the A$AP Mob. After his track “Peso” was leaked, Rocky became the artist to watch. Following his debut mixtape “Live. Love. ASAP,” he signed to RCA Records and Polo Grounds Music. But that was only the start. Rocky continues to climb the ladder of success.
Many make excuses for what they can’t do, but these five artists are living examples that there is no such thing as can’t. Although they are each talented, their talent was only part of what it took to climb out of their rags to riches.
Instead, what makes them extraordinary is the push to commit to doing whatever it takes to live a life far beyond the initial expectations. These artists prove true success stories exist; they come from the girt, grime, and filth of improbability.
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 $550,000 bond but could face up to nine years in prison if convicted.
A$AP Rocky recently appeared in court for his arraignment to make his plea. The artist pleads not guilty to two firearm charges.
A$AP’s Arraignment
The arraignment took place at a court in downtown Los Angeles. A$AP Rocky pulled up to the court building in an all-black Escalade. He was rocking a navy blue suit and tie. A$AP always shows up wearing the right attire, even if it’s to court.
Rapper A$AP Rocky, also known as Rakim Mayers, leaves after his arraignment hearing/ credit- REUTERS/Ringo Chiu
Two bodyguards escort A$AP into the building. He remains silent as he quickly heads into court for his arraignment.
A$AP Makes His Plea During Arraignment
An arraignment is when the defendant hears the charges they are facing. The court needs to make sure that A$AP Rocky understands the charges being brought against him.
The court charges Rocky with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic weapon.
A$AP Rocky appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to charges he shot his former friend and A$AP Mob member during a “heated discussion” on a Hollywood street last November.https://t.co/XrLfvsPbZBpic.twitter.com/AUbqubim97
After, A$AP makes his plea known for the record. A$AP Rocky pleads not guilty to all charges against him. He made his plea with his lawyer Sara Caplin by his side.
The two men got into a disagreement. Sometime after the agreement A$AP Rocky wanted to discuss the disagreement. According to Relli, A$AP Rocky baited him into a sketchy location. The situation occurred back in November of last year.
According to FmHipHop attorneys Jamal Tooson and Brian Hurwitz state, “After arriving at the location, a conversation ensued whereby without provocation, warning, or any justification, A$AP Rocky produced the handgun and intentionally fired multiple shots at Mr. Ephron.”
LAPD Arrest A$AP
A$AP Rocky was arrested after vacationing with the mother of his child. Officers arrested him at the airport and give him a $550,000 bail. He posted bail the same day. Officers also raided his home but did not find the weapon.
Rocky near the LAPD HQ after paying $550k bail. Image source: BACKGRID.
