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|background = solo_singer
|background = solo_singer
|birth_name = Rakim Mayers
|birth_name = Rakim Mayers
|alias = Lord Flacko <!-- Pseudonym -->
|alias = Lord Flacko <!-- Pseudonym --> , That PMF
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1988|10|3}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1988|10|3}}
|birth_place = {{nowrap|[[Harlem]], [[New York City]], [[New York]], U.S.}}
|birth_place = {{nowrap|[[Harlem]], [[New York City]], [[New York]], U.S.}}

Revision as of 19:54, 6 June 2013

ASAP Rocky
ASAP Rocky in January 2012, performing at the Corona Theatre in Montreal, Canada.
ASAP Rocky in January 2012, performing at the Corona Theatre in Montreal, Canada.
Background information
Birth nameRakim Mayers
Also known asLord Flacko , That PMF
Born (1988-10-03) October 3, 1988 (age 35)
Harlem, New York City, New York, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, producer, fashion designer
Years active2007–present
LabelsASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds, RCA, Sony
Websitewww.asapmob.com

Rakim Mayers (born October 3, 1988), better known by his stage name, ASAP Rocky (stylized as A$AP Rocky), is an American rapper. He was born and raised in the New York City's Harlem neighborhood, he is a member of the hip hop collective ASAP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker.

Rocky released his debut mixtape Live. Love. ASAP in 2011 to critical acclaim. His debut album Long. Live. ASAP was released on January 15, 2013, and was also well received by critics and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.

Early life

Born in 1988, Mayers was named after the hip hop legend Rakim, one half of the Eric B. & Rakim duo.[1][2] When he was 12 years old, his father went to jail in connection with selling drugs. A year later his older brother was killed near his apartment, which inspired him to take rapping seriously.[3] Mayers, who had started rapping at age eight,[4] grew up admiring Harlem-based rap group The Diplomats, and also lists among his influences UGK,[5] Three 6 Mafia, Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang Clan, Run DMC and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.[6] After living in a shelter with his mother, and elsewhere around Manhattan, Mayers moved to Elmwood Park, New Jersey.[1]

Career

2007–11: Beginnings and mixtape

See also: Live. Love. ASAP

In 2007, Rocky joined the ASAP Mob crew, a Harlem-based collective of rappers, producers, music video directors, fashion designers, and bikers who shared similar interests in music, fashion, style, and art.[7] It had been formed by ASAP Yams, ASAP Bari and ASAP Illz.[8] ASAP was an acronym for "Always Strive and Prosper".[9] On July 8, 2011, an unofficial compilation titled Deep Purple was released,[10] which according to Rocky, was a compilation of his YouTube hits compiled by a fan in Paris.[11]

In August, Rocky's first single "Peso" was leaked onto the Internet and within weeks received airplay on the high-profile Hot 97 New York radio station.[12] After he released a music video for his song "Purple Swag", he received attention from several record labels. In October, he released the mixtape Live. Love. ASAP to critical acclaim and signed a two-year, $3 million record deal with RCA Records and Polo Grounds Music.[13] Upon his record deal, Rocky started a label, ASAP Worldwide, with ASAP Yams.[8] On December 5, he was nominated for BBC's Sound of 2012 poll.[14]

2012–present: Touring and debut album

Rocky performing on the Club Paradise Tour in March 2012.

Beginning in February 2012, Rocky joined Kendrick Lamar as the opening act for Drake's Club Paradise Tour.[15] In June, SpaceGhostPurrp, founder of Miami-based collective Raider Klan and Rocky's past collaborator, accused ASAP Twelvyy of jumping Raider Klan's Matt Stoops and subsequently diassociated himself from ASAP Mob and Rocky in a YouTube video.[16] He and Raider Klan also accused ASAP Mob of copying their style,[16] and Rocky of using lyrics from SpaceGhostPurrp's song "My Enemy" on "Goldie".[17] Rocky responded in a July interview for MTV, saying that SpaceGhostPurrp is "try[ing] to build hype" and told him to "stick to makin' beats".[16]

In July, Rocky performed at Pitchfork Music Festival.[18] He was scheduled to make his network television debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on July 20,[18] but was arrested the night before after an alleged involvement in a brawl with 21 year old artist iRome, in downtown Manhattan and the performance was cancelled.[19][20] After it was rescheduled for August 21, Rocky performed "Goldie" on the show.[21] On September 6, he performed a guest rap on Rihanna's "Cockiness (Love It)" at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.[22]

Rocky produced his debut studio album Long. Live. ASAP with Clams Casino, Hit-Boy, ASAP Ty Beats, Soufein3000, and Joey Fat Beats.[23] "Goldie" was released as its lead single on April 27.[24] He also worked on Lords Never Worry, an ASAP Mob mixtape that was released as a free download on August 27.[25] During September through November, Rocky promoted the album with a 40-date national tour, the Long Live ASAP Tour, with opening acts Schoolboy Q, Danny Brown, and ASAP Mob.[26] Long. Live. ASAP was released on January 15, 2013, to mostly positive reviews from critics.[27] The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 139,000 copies in the United States.[28] As of March 13, 2013, it has sold 284,000 copies.[29]

In April 12, 2013 during an interview at Wild 94.9 radio station, Rocky revealed he was working on an instrumental album which he plans to release without notice. He also discussed his favorite music videos and talked about his desire to collaborate with veteran rapper André 3000.[30]

Business ventures

He signed a record deal with Sony Music Entertainment worth $3 million, with $1.7 million for his solo work and $1.3 million to fund his company ASAP Worldwide, along with A&R and executive producer Steven Rodriguez, known as ASAP Yams.[31] Rocky said that he sought a "bigger platform" for him and his collective with the deal.[32] His first studio album planned to be under the deal, but it allowed him to continue releasing mixtapes through RED Distribution.[32] Fellow rapper and ASAP Mob member ASAP Ferg, also signed a joint venture deal with Rocky's same labels, RCA and Polo Grounds, who released his single "Work", for retail on iTunes, and later announced an official remix featuring Rocky and Trinidad James.[33]

In 2013 he released his ASAP clothing brand, and went to collaborate with high-profile fashion designer and close friend Raf Simons.[34][35]

Personal life

Starting late 2011 ASAP Rocky begun dating female rapper Iggy Azalea who he met through Chase N. Cashe. She confirmed that they were dating in an interview on January 15, 2012 with Vibe Magazine. It was around this time that she got the title of Rocky's breakout mixtape, "Love.Live.A$AP" tattooed on her fingers.[36] However in July 2012, Rocky said they were no longer dating.[37] They seemed to be on and off before officially breaking it off. In March 2013, Azalea revealed she had crossed out the "A$AP" part of the tattoo, stating she had crossed it out months ago. She had also claimed she is not the only one with tattoos dedicated to the relationship.[38][36]

ASAP Rocky was arrested in July 2012 for beating a man in a New York clothing store, and two photographers who had been filming the altercation outside. He was subsequently sued for assault by the first man. The confrontation began after Shenick Alcine witnessed ASAP Rocky doing illegal drugs inside the clothing store, sparking the assault. Rocky then attacked two amateur photographers who were filming the incident. ASAP Rocky was eventually charged with assault and robbery for striking the photographers and attempting to take their cameras.[39] In December 2012, Rocky struck a plea deal in the criminal case, pleading guilty to attempted grand larceny, with the assault and robbery charges being dropped.[40]

Discography

Main article: ASAP Rocky discography

Awards and nominations

Year Organization Award Work Result
2011 BBC Sound of 2012[14] Himself Nominated
2012 BET Awards Best New Artist[41] Nominated
MTV Video Music Awards Best Editing[42] "Goldie" Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards US Artist About To Go Global[43] Himself Nominated
Best Look[44] Himself Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b Caramanica, Jon (October 12, 2011). "Thinking Globally, Rapping Locally". The New York Times. Retrieved November 15, 2011. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ Battan, Carrie (October 28, 2011). "A$AP Rocky Talks $3 Million Record Deal, Mainstream Acceptance". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
  3. ^ Zeichner, Naomi (October 14, 2011). "Gen F: ASAP Rocky". The Fader. Retrieved November 15, 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ Markman, Rob (October 20, 2011). "Drake Has 'Good Taste,' A$AP Rocky Says After Co-Sign". MTV. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
  5. ^ Lymangrover, Jason. "A$AP Rocky". Allmusic. Archived from the original on March 9, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Murphy, K. (November 2, 2011). "A$AP Rocky Talks Debut Album, Musical Influences, and Accepting Gay Fans". Vibe. Retrieved November 15, 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ http://hypetrak.com/2012/01/asap-rocky-always-strive-and-prosper/
  8. ^ a b http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2012/08/meet_asap_mob.php
  9. ^ http://hypetrak.com/2012/01/asap-rocky-always-strive-and-prosper/
  10. ^ "Music". ASAP Mob. Retrieved June 2, 2012.
  11. ^ Roos, Brandon E. (November 29, 2011). "ASAP Rocky Says Deluxe Version Of "LiveLoveA$AP" Is Coming, Reveals Identity Of "Purple Swag" Video Girl". HipHopDX. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  12. ^ Caramanica, Jon (October 13, 2011). "Thinking Globally, Rapping Locally". The New York Times. New York: The New York Times Company. p. C1. Retrieved June 2, 2012.
  13. ^ Ramirez, Erika (November 4, 2011). "A$AP Rocky Talks Upcoming Projects, $3 Million Deal & ASAP WorldWide Signings". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Sound of - 2012 - ASAP Rocky". BBC. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  15. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (December 13, 2011). "Drake Announces 2012 Club Paradise Tour Dates". MTV News. MTV. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  16. ^ a b c Markman, Rob (July 3, 2012). "A$AP Rocky Suggests SpaceGhostPurrp 'Stick To Makin' Beats'". MTV. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  17. ^ "Who Is SpaceGhostPurrp?". Complex. Complex Media. July 6, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  18. ^ a b Lipshutz, Jason (July 14, 2012). "A$AP Rocky Talks 'LongLiveA$AP' Album, Discovers The Dirty Projectors". Billboard. Chicago: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  19. ^ "A$AP Rocky arrested after brawl in New York". NME. IPC Media. July 20, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  20. ^ Lynch, Sean (July 20, 2012). "A$AP Rocky's Jimmy Fallon Performance Cancelled". The Source. The NorthStar Group. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  21. ^ Meara, Paul (August 22, 2012). "Video: A$AP Rocky Performs "Goldie" Live On Jimmy Fallon". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  22. ^ Alexis, Nadeska (September 6, 2012). "Rihanna And ASAP Rocky Perform 'Cockiness (Remix)' At MTV VMAs". MTV News. MTV. Retrieved September 16, 2012.
  23. ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (August 27, 2012). "A$AP Rocky Delays Album Release Date". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  24. ^ "Goldie - Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  25. ^ Pelly, Jenn (August 27, 2012). "Download the New Mixtape Lords Never Worry From A$AP Rocky's A$AP Mob". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  26. ^ McDermott, Tyler K. (July 25, 2012). "A$AP Rocky Announces 'LONGLIVEA$AP Tour'". Billboard. New York: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved July 26, 2012.
  27. ^ "Long.Live.A$AP Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  28. ^ "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 1/20/2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved January 23, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 3/10/2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 13, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ http://hiphop-n-more.com/2013/04/aap-rocky-to-release-instrumental-album/
  31. ^ Adaso, Henry. "A$AP Rocky Biography". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  32. ^ a b Coleman II, C. Vernon (October 14, 2011). "A$AP Rocky Signs Record Deal With Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records". Hip-Hop Wired. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  33. ^ http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/asap-ferg-says-work-remix-to-feature-asap-rocky-and-trinidad-james-video.10043.html
  34. ^ http://www.myplaydirect.com/asap-rocky/features/27932748
  35. ^ http://www.highsnobiety.com/2013/01/30/asap-rocky-collaborates-with-raf-simons-here-is-a-first-look/
  36. ^ a b V Exclusive! Iggy Azalea Confirms Romantic Relationship with A$AP Rocky | Vibe
  37. ^ A$AP Talks Iggy Azalea, Says They’re Not Dating - XXL
  38. ^ Iggy Azalea Crosses Out ASAP Rocky Tattoo | Vibe
  39. ^ Roman Wolfe (@AllHipHopcom) (2012-12-31). "A$AP Rocky Sued For Assaulting Man While High On Drugs". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  40. ^ Cooper, Roman (31 December 2012). "A$AP Rocky Sued For Assault". HipHop DX. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  41. ^ "106 & Park: A$AP Rocky – Best New Artist Nomination". BET. Archived from the original on July 27, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
  42. ^ "Best Editing 2012 MTV Video Music Awards". MTV. Archived from the original on August 3, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  43. ^ "US Artist About To Go Global MTV Europe Music Awards". MTV. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  44. ^ "2012 MTV EMA: Live Update!". MTV. Viacom. 11 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
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