A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, was relatively unknown when he dropped his 2011 banger "Purple Swag." The song perfectly meshed Houston rap's chopped and screwed sound with his street bravado and flipped the rap game on its ears. Rocky's braided hair, gold grills, chiseled good looks and lyrical charm made him a heartthrob and newly-crowned prince of New York rap.

When the Harlem, N.Y. native dropped his fantastic mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP (the acronym stands for "Always Strive and Prosper"), in October of 2011, it catapulted him to fame. The collection's swampy sounds featured on songs like "Wassup" and "Peso" helped bolster Rocky's debonair persona.

In January of 2013, Rocky dropped his debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, via Polo Grounds/RCA Records. The sprawling collection featured Rocky displaying his influential couture fashion style and rapping flair over a myriad of beats by Danger Mouse, 40, Hit-Boy and Clams Casino. Songs like "F**kin' Problems" featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar and the Skrillex-produced "Wild for the Night" show Rocky's lyrical flexibility from rap to rock. He continued that formula on his second album, At. Long. Last. ASAP, but garnered lukewarm reactions from critics and fans.

But Rocky's influence goes beyond music. The charismatic rhymer dabbles in fashion, acting (watch him in the 2015 coming-of-age film Dope) and the spirits industry with his Mercer and Prince whiskey. He also has the beautiful Rihanna by his side with their 1-year-old son RZA and they are expecting another baby on the way. A$AP Rocky is living a charmed life, and deservedly so.

  • Selected Discography: Live.Love.A$AP (2011), Long.Live.A$AP (2013), At.Long.Last.A$AP (2015), “Purple Swag” (2011), “F**kin’ Problems” featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar (2013) and “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” featuring Skepta (2018)
  • Related Artists: Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert
  • Read More: Breaking Down 10 of A$AP Rocky’s Biggest Influences

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