ASAP Rocky Biography Rakim Athelaston Mayers born October 3, 1988, better known as A$AP Rocky, is an American rapper. Raised in Harlem, New York, he began his music career as part of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob, which is where he adopted his stage name. In August 2011, his single “Peso” was leaked online, quickly gaining radio play. A month later, he signed with Polo Grounds Music, a subsidiary of RCA Records, and released his debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP to critical acclaim. A$AP Rocky’s single “Fuckin’ Problems” (featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar) reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song and serving as a precursor to his first studio album, Long. Live. A$AP (2013). The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved double platinum certification from the RIAA.
ASAP Rocky Biography
Rakim Athelaston Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, is an American rapper from Manhattan, New York City. He is a prominent member of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob, from which he adopted his stage name. Rocky’s breakthrough came in 2011 with the release of his debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP, which led to a record deal with Polo Grounds Music, RCA Records, and Sony Music Entertainment. He went on to release his debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, in 2013. Born to a father from Barbados and a younger sister, Mayers was named after the legendary rapper Rakim, who was one half of the influential duo Eric B. & Rakim. His cousin, A$AP Nast, is also a member of A$AP Mob. Rocky began rapping at the age of eight, learning the craft from his older brother, who influenced his iconic French braids hairstyle.
ASAP Rocky Biography Details 2025
| Born | Rakim Athelaston Mayers October 3, 1988 (age 36) New York City, U.S. |
| Other names | Lord Flacko Pretty Flacko Jodye II |
| Education | Bayard Rustin Educational Complex |
| Occupations | Rapper singer songwriter record producer music video director entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Agent | William Morris Endeavor |
| Works | Discography production |
| Partner | Rihanna (2020–present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Biography |
About ASAP Rocky
Rakim Athelaston Mayers, known professionally as ASAP Rocky, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Harlem, he embarked on his musical career as a member of the hip hop collective ASAP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker.
- Born: 3 October 1988 (age 36 years), Harlem, New York, United States
- Partner: Rihanna (2020–)
- Full name: Rakim Mayers
- Height: 79 m
- Parents: Renee Black, Adrian Mayers
Early Life
Born in Harlem, Manhattan, on October 3, 1988, Rakim Athelaston Mayers has roots in Barbados through his father. He has an older sister named Erika, and an older brother, who tragically passed away. Both Rakim and his sister were named after the influential hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim. A$AP Rocky’s cousin is fellow A$AP Mob member A$AP Nast.
Mayers began rapping at age nine, after moving to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was taught how to rap by his older brother, who also influenced his iconic cornrows hairstyle. When Mayers was 13, his brother was murdered in Harlem, an event that deeply impacted him and inspired him to pursue music more seriously. Growing up, he was a big fan of Harlem’s own Diplomats and was influenced by groups like Mobb Deep, Three 6 Mafia, UGK, Run DMC, Wu-Tang Clan, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
How Did A$AP Rocky Become Famous?
Born Rakim Athelaston Mayers in Harlem on October 3, 1988, A$AP Rocky was raised with a deep love for hip-hop, with his parents reportedly naming him and his sister Erika after the iconic rap duo Eric B. & Rakim. He started rapping at age 9 after his family moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. When he was 12, his father was imprisoned for drug-related charges, and his family faced financial hardship, even living in shelters. Tragically, his older brother was murdered when Rocky was 13, which fueled his determination to pursue music.
In an interview with The Fader, Rocky reflected on his brother’s influence: “He was like the revolutionary big brother… if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to realize I had talent.” At one point, Rocky turned to selling drugs to support himself until his music career took off. He moved to Elmwood, New Jersey with his mom and sister, seeking a peaceful environment that would inspire his creativity.
What is A$AP Rocky Net Worth in 2025?
A$AP Rocky’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Despite his wealth, Rocky jokes that his “favorite price is free-99.” A significant part of his income comes from his distinctive fashion sense, which has made him a favorite among designers. He has shared that he’s been choosing his own clothes since kindergarten and that his passion for design and attention to detail extends beyond music into all his projects.
How Much Does A$AP Rocky Make a Year?
Rocky made $14.5 million, according to Forbes. However, his income fluctuates depending on his touring schedule and music releases.
How Much Does A$AP Rocky Charge per Show?
A$AP Rocky’s booking fee is estimated to range between $100,000 to $200,000 per show, although this figure hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Who is Richer, A$AP Rocky or Rihanna?
Rihanna is the wealthier of the two, with a reported net worth of $1.4 billion.
How Many Grammys Does A$AP Rocky Have?
Despite being nominated twice for Grammy Awards—once in 2014 for Best Rap Song for his collaboration on “F–kin’ Problems” and again in 2016 for Best Music Video for “L$D”—A$AP Rocky has yet to win a Grammy.