Rakim Athelaston Mayers, better known by his stage name A$AP Rocky, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and music video director. Born on October 3, 1988, in Harlem, New York City, he grew up in a challenging environment that shaped his artistic expression. His father was from Barbados, and his mother was African-American.

He has an older sister named Erika and an older brother who tragically passed away when Rakim was just 13 years old. This loss deeply impacted him and influenced his music.

A$AP Rocky began rapping at the age of nine and later joined the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker. His career took off in 2011 when his single "Peso" was leaked online and received radio airplay.

He signed with Polo Grounds Music, an imprint of RCA Records, and released his debut mixtape, "Live. Love. A$AP," to widespread critical acclaim.

His 2012 single "Fuckin' Problems," featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a nomination for Best Rap Song at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

His debut studio album, "Long. Live. A$AP," was released in 2013 and debuted atop the Billboard 200, receiving double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

His second album, "At. Long. Last. A$AP," was released in 2015 and also debuted at number one on the Billboard charts. His third album, "Testing," was released in 2018 and peaked within the top five of the Billboard 200. His fourth album, "Don't Be Dumb," is scheduled for release in 2025.

He has collaborated with designers like Raf Simons and Jonathan Anderson and became the first person of color to represent Dior Homme in 2016.

His personal life has also been in the spotlight, especially his relationship with singer Rihanna, with whom he shares two sons, RZA and Riot. Since becoming a father, A$AP Rocky has shifted his style to more classic and understated looks.

Throughout his career, A$AP Rocky has won several awards, including a BET Award, two BET Hip Hop Awards, an MTV Video Music Award Japan, and an MTVU Woodie Award.

He has also been nominated for two Grammy Awards, six World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and two MTV Europe Music Awards.

His discography includes popular songs like "Peso," "Fuckin' Problems," "L$D," and "Wild for the Night." His collaborations with artists such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, and Tyler, the Creator have produced several hits and music videos.