A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Athelston Mayers, is marking his 37th birthday today, October 3. Interestingly, there are individuals just now grasping the significance behind the American rapper’s chosen stage name.
The renowned artist, currently romantically involved with Rihanna, draws his moniker from the legendary American rapper Rakim, known for hits like “When I Be On Tha Mic,” “Guess Who’s Back,” and “It’s Been A Long Time.” A$AP Rocky began his rap journey at the age of nine under the influence of his elder brother. Tragically, at 13, his brother was fatally shot in Harlem, New York, prompting A$AP Rocky to delve deeper into his music career.
In 2007, he became part of the A$AP Mob collective, consisting of rappers, producers, and music video directors. All members of the crew adopted the A$AP prefix in their stage names, sparking curiosity among fans about the meaning behind “A$AP” and why Rocky chose his specific moniker.
According to a statement on American Songwriter, the name “A$AP” was conceived while the rapper was in New York City, where the crew collectively adopted the label, which stood for “Always Strive and Prosper.” “Rocky” was a childhood nickname bestowed by his mother, leading to the creation of his distinctive rap persona.
After the online leak of his single “Peso” in 2011, A$AP Rocky signed with Polo Grounds Music, releasing his debut mixtape, “Live. Love. A$AP,” which garnered critical acclaim and secured him a $3 million record deal. His first studio album, “Long. Live. A$AP,” debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart in 2013, subsequently achieving gold certification by the RIAA.
Subsequent years saw A$AP Rocky’s rapid ascent in the music industry, with successful releases, collaborations, and tours following his stellar debut. His most recent album, “Testing,” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2018.
In 2021, the rapper confirmed his relationship with singer Rihanna during an interview with GQ, and the couple now shares three children – RZA Athelston Mayers (3 years old), Riot Rose Mayers (2 years old), and Rocki Irish Mayers (one month old).
Reflecting on A$AP Rocky’s stage name, a Reddit user confessed, “It took me far too long to realize ASAP stands for Always Strive And Prosper,” with another user echoing a similar sentiment, saying, “Just now realized this too.”