ASAP Rocky

Rakim Athelston Mayers, known professionally as ASAP Rocky (stylized as A$AP Rocky), is an American rapper, record producer, actor, fashion designer, and model. Born and raised in Harlem, New York City, he embarked on his musical career as a member of the hip hop collective ASAP Mob, adopting his stage name from the group. He gained widespread recognition in 2011 after his single "Peso" leaked online, propelling cloud rap into mainstream attention and leading to his critically acclaimed debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP.

Mayers was born on October 3, 1988, to Adrian "Duke" Athelston Mayers and Rina "Renee" Black. He began rapping at age nine after moving to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, learning from his older brother, Ricky. After his brother was killed by gun violence when Mayers was 13, he began taking rapping more seriously. During his teenage years, Mayers lived in homeless shelters with his mother and sister after his father was incarcerated.

In 2007, Mayers joined ASAP Mob, a Harlem-based collective of artists and creators. Following the release of his early singles "Purple Swag" and "Peso" in 2011, he signed a $3 million deal with Polo Grounds Music, an imprint of RCA Records, and co-founded the record label A$AP Worldwide. In 2012, his single "Fuckin' Problems," featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first entry on the chart.

Mayers released his debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, in January 2013. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and received double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His second album, At. Long. Last. A$AP, released in 2015, also debuted at number one and earned critical praise. His third studio album, Testing, debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200 in 2018, while his fourth album, Don't Be Dumb, debuted atop the chart.

Beyond his solo recording career, Mayers founded the creative agency and record label AWGE in 2014, forming partnerships with brands such as Moncler, Mercedes-Benz, PacSun, and Under Armour. He co-launched the fashion label VLONE, serves as creative director for Ray-Ban and Puma F1, and co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala. Mayers has also pursued acting, landing supporting roles in films such as Dope (2015), Monster (2018), Highest 2 Lowest (2025), and If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (2025).

Throughout his career, Mayers has received accolades including a BET Award, two BET Hip Hop Awards, an MTV Video Music Award Japan, and an MTVU Woodie Award. He has been nominated for two Grammy Awards, six World Music Awards, and three MTV Video Music Awards. His work in fashion and entrepreneurship has been recognized with honors such as the Fashion Icon Award, Global Style Icon Award, and Cultural Innovator Award.