He is a well-known name in the rapping world – but some fans still have no idea what his stage name stands for.
A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, was named after the legendary American rapper Rakim. The chart-topping artist started rapping at the tender age of nine, under the guidance of his older brother.
Following his brother’s tragic death when he was just 13, A$AP Rocky decided to pursue rapping more seriously. In 2007, he joined the A$AP Mob crew, a collective of rappers, producers, music video directors, and other creatives. All members adopted A$AP as part of their stage names, leading fans to question its meaning and why the rapper chose the moniker Rocky.
According to American Songwriter: “The name was conjured up when the rapper was back home in New York City. His entire crew had A$AP preceding their name. The collective of rappers, directors, fashion designers, and other artists was dubbed the A$AP Mob. The acronym stands for ‘Always Strive and Prosper.’
“Rocky was a nickname his mother gave him when he was younger. Put the two together and you have an unforgettable rap alter ego.”
After his single Peso was leaked online in 2011, A$AP Rocky signed with Polo Grounds Music and released his debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP.
The statement further reads: “The mixtape was met with critical acclaim so much so that he landed a $3 million record deal with Polo Ground Music. His debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, was released in 2013 and debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album has since been certified gold by the RIAA.
The next few years would be a whirlwind of releases, features, tours and more as Rocky rose in the rap ranks thanks to his stellar debut. His most recent album, Testing, was shared in 2018, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.”
In 2021, during an interview with GQ, he announced his relationship with singer Rihanna, and the couple now have two children – RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers.
One Reddit user confessed about A$AP Rocky’s stage name: “It took me way too long to realise ASAP stands for Always Strive And Prosper.” Another user admitted: “Just now realised this too.”