The leak of the single "Peso" in August 2011 propelled Rakim Athelston Mayers into the center of the music industry. Known professionally as ASAP Rocky, he leveraged this momentum to sign with Polo Grounds Music, an imprint of RCA Records, effectively shifting the landscape of cloud rap from niche internet curiosity to mainstream commercial success.
Early Life and Musical Origins
Born in Harlem on October 3, 1988, to Adrian Mayers and Rina Black, he grew up surrounded by namesakes of the duo Eric B. & Rakim. His upbringing involved significant mobility, including periods in homeless shelters following his father's incarceration. The loss of his brother, Ricky, to gun violence when Mayers was 13 served as a primary catalyst for his commitment to hip-hop. Influenced by local groups like the Diplomats, he developed his craft and eventually joined the collective ASAP Mob in 2007.
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His debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, reached the top of the Billboard 200 following his successful mixtapes. This project earned double platinum status from the RIAA. Subsequent records, including At. Long. Last. A$AP and Testing, continued his chart dominance. By his fourth studio album, Don't Be Dumb, released in 2026, he maintained his commercial standing by once again debuting atop the charts.
Entrepreneurship and Creative Ventures
Beyond music, Mayers founded the creative agency and label AWGE in 2014. This entity has facilitated high-profile partnerships with brands including Marine Serre, Moncler, and Mercedes-Benz. He has acted as a creative director for Puma F1 and Ray-Ban while contributing to the fashion industry as a co-founder of the label VLONE. His multifaceted career includes acting credits in films such as Dope, Monster, and Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Harlem, New York
- Stage Name: ASAP Rocky
- Education: Bayard Rustin Educational Complex
- Collective: ASAP Mob
- Agency Founded: AWGE, 2014
- Major Album Debut: Long. Live. A$AP, 2013
- Occupation: Rapper, actor, songwriter, record producer
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What was ASAP Rocky's first major musical breakthrough?
His 2011 single "Peso" leaked online and gained rapid radio airplay, leading to his major record deal.
Has he worked in films?
Yes, he has appeared in films including Dope, Monster, and Spike Lee's 2025 production, Highest 2 Lowest.
Achievements
- Educated at Bayard Rustin Educational Complex
- Worked as rapper, songwriter and record producer
