Rakim Athelaston Mayers, most famously known as ASAP Rocky, is an American rapper born on October 3, 1988.
He began his career with the hip hop collective ASAP Mob and gained mainstream recognition in 2011 with the release of his singles Peso and Purple Swag.
ASAP Rocky’s career highlights include his 2012 single Fuckin’ Problems, featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
His debut album, Long. Live. A$AP, released in 2013, and his second album, At. Long. Last.
A$AP, released in 2015, both debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 charts.
Throughout his career, Mayers has received nominations for two Grammy Awards, six World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and two MTV Europe Music Awards.
Parents
ASAP Rocky was born to Renee Black and Rakim Mayers.
Not much information is publicly available about his parents beyond their names.
His father, Rakim Mayers, was incarcerated at one point, and ASAP Rocky has spoken about the impact of his father’s absence on his life.
His mother, Renee Black, raised him and his siblings, and he has credited her with supporting his early interest in music.
Career
ASAP Rocky embarked on his music career as a member of the hip hop collective ASAP Mob.
His breakthrough came in August 2011 when his single “Peso” gained radio airplay, leading to a significant record deal with Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records in October of the same year.
The deal was valued at $3 million, split between his solo work and his company, ASAP Worldwide.
His debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP, released in 2011, was met with widespread critical acclaim, establishing him as a prominent figure in the hip hop scene.
In 2012, his single “Fuckin’ Problems,” featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, achieved significant commercial success, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His debut album, Long. Live. A$AP, was released in 2013 and debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his status as a major artist.
Throughout his career, ASAP Rocky has garnered numerous accolades, including nominations for two Grammy Awards, six World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and two MTV Europe Music Awards.
He has also received recognition with a BET Award, two BET Hip Hop Awards, an MTV Video Music Award Japan, and an MTVU Woodie Award.
Beyond his musical achievements, ASAP Rocky has ventured into music video direction and production, often using the alias Lord Flacko.