A$AP Rocky – Songs, Albums, Style & Career of the Harlem Rap Superstar

Introduction to A$AP Rocky – Acclaimed Harlem Rapper & Style Icon

A$AP Rocky is a rapper, producer and model who has been one of hip hop’s most acclaimed artists and influential fashion figures of the 2010s decade. Hailing from Harlem, New York City, he burst onto the rap scene in 2011 with his distinct voice and experimental east coast sound.

With three platinum albums and hits like “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” and “Everyday” under his belt along with style endorsements and acting roles, A$AP Rocky has continually captivated fans globally for over a decade as both a musical trailblazer and cultural pacesetter.

This article will give an overview of A$AP Rocky’s background, achievements, musical style evolution and impact beyond just rapping into wider pop culture lanes through the peak years of his career so far.

Early Life and Origins in Harlem, NYC

A$AP Rocky was born Rakim Mayers on October 3rd, 1988 in Harlem area of Manhattan, New York City. His father was from Barbados while his mother is African-American with some Trinidadian lineage.

Raised amidst neighborhood poverty and crime growing up in Harlem, A$AP Rocky has cited his older sibling and cousin who exposed him to acts like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, The Diplomats and Three 6 Mafia as sparking his early interest in hip hop music. He began rapping himself around age 9, eventually dropping out of high school in his teens to pursue music full time by joining collective A$AP Mob.

Rise with A$AP Mob & Early Success

A$AP Mob’s Website – https://asapmob.com/

The A$AP Mob collective formed by A$AP Yams in Harlem helped launch Rocky’s career. After Rocky lost his father and brother in quick succession, he dove deeper into honing his rap skills under Yams’ mentorship. Yams recognized his talent and Sideffect-produced single “Peso” eventually caught fire online.

With Yams coordinating promotion and production, Rocky quickly ascended with A$AP Mob momentum. High-profile debut mixtape LIVE.LOVE.A$AP arrived in 2011 to critical acclaim for Rocky’s slippery flows and experimental production choices clashing genres.

Tracks like “Purple Swag,” “Peso” and “Trilla” especially highlighted Rocky’s confident charisma and style boundary-pushing creative vision – blending Houston screwed up influences, sticky trap beats and classic NYC lyricism into fresh blueprint. LIVE.LOVE.A$AP fully established his artistic promise and helped forge an innovative lane in the blog rap era.

Early Success Timeline

October 2011 – Breakout mixtape LIVE.LOVE.A$AP released
December 2011 – Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling (Remix)” feature gave national exposure
March 2012 – Signed major label deal with Sony/RCA worth $3 million
July 2013 – Debut album LONG.LIVE.A$AP certified Gold

Propelled by the mixtape’s acclaim and Yams’ marketing savvy, Rocky signed a 3 million dollar record deal with Sony/RCA for his debut album just months later – officially cementing his meteoric rise from neighborhoods to burgeoning superstardom repping a new rap movement.

Debut Album – LONG.LIVE.A$AP

LONG.LIVE.A$AP on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/2P6V3bOAfonqUMpcMSwTYI

After relentless hype building off the initial mixtape runaway success, Rocky unleashed his heavily anticipated RCA/Polo Grounds major label debut LONG.LIVE.A$AP in January 2013. Guest features included stars like Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar.

LONG.LIVE.A$AP immediately shot to #1 on the Billboard charts, ultimately achieving RIAA platinum certification as Rocky’s first full-length introduction to the masses solidly showcased both his lyrical talents and curatorial ears for left-of-center production.

Singles “Goldie” and “F**kin’ Problems” (with Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) especially highlighted his recipe blending addictive hooks, forward-thinking sonics and stylistic swagger – a bridge between blog rap innovation and mainstream visibility upheld by fashion/celebrity cosigns. Beyond sales feats, LONG.LIVE.A$AP compelled critics with its futuristic east coast sound and vulnerability dealing with Rocky’s own darker experiences.

Cementing his superstar ascent, Rocky also was prominently featured on hit singles like Rihanna’s “Cockiness (Remix)” around this time – ushering more ears into his kinetic sound and elevating A$AP Mob’s overall influence and cultural cache.

Post-LONG.LIVE.A$AP Career Moves

September 2013 – Premieres solo track “Fashion Killa” at high profile Alexander Wang show
November 2013 – Directs critically acclaimed music video for single “Angels”
December 2013 – Announces instrumental sophomore album Beauty & The Beast: Slowed Down Sessions (Vol. 1)
2014 – Continues touring/features and starts RCA imprint At. Long. Last. A$AP (A.L.L.A.)

Sophomore Album – At. Long. Last. A$AP

Album A.L.L.A. on Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/album/at-long-last-a$ap/997456738

After years of touring off his smash debut and appearances on other artists’ hits, Rocky returned with his highly anticipated sophomore studio album At. Long. Last. A$AP (A.L.L.A.) in May 2015. True to its forward-thinking conceptual title, A.L.L.A. found Rocky progressing his alternative hip hop fusion mission into artier soundscapes and vulnerable themes.

Guest features included mentor Kanye West along with experimental peers like Danger Mouse and Mos Def. Breakout single “Everyday” (ft. Rod Stewart, Miguel) highlighted Rocky’s genre-splicing vision – fusing old school souls samples with modern genres topped off by magnetic charisma.

A.L.L.A. earned Rocky his second consecutive #1 album fueled by singles like LSD/Danger Mouse produced “Excuse Me” while the psychedelic album cuts exhibited creative restlessness. Rocky cited drug-filled chaos and struggles with depression as inspirations for the project’s fluid eclecticism and therapeutic reflective qualities. Reviews praised the off-kilter risks and comfort baring hidden scars of fame.

Though not achieving the mainstream smash status of his debut, A.L.L.A. revealed compelling artistic maturation and critical acclaim further cementing Rocky as a moldbreaker – even as hip hop continued trending pop. Guest features also kept his profile visible between studio releases.

Post A.L.L.A. Period Features & Collaborations

2015-2016: Guest appearances on albums from Kanye West, ScHoolboy Q, Juicy J and others
2016: Joint track “Pick It Up” with mentor FKA Twigs earns acclaim
2017: Pop collab on Calvin Harris funk jam “Slide” ft. Frank Ocean and Migos

Third Studio Album – TESTING

Full TESTING album – https://open.spotify.com/album/2Edzhl3oi8g5ENKCEGCrnK?si=3qoOrhn9QMOy3GvPawsU7w

Over two years after his polarizing but critically lauded sophomore effort A.L.L.A., anticipation ran high for Rocky’s next musical chapter. After inking a new record deal under RCA in 2017, Rocky readied his third studio album TESTING for a May 2018 release.

True to its title, TESTING found Rocky blowing past creative comfort zones into his most experimental work yet. Psychedelic production trademarks of mentor Kanye West blended with Frank Ocean’s elusive alt-R&B haze grounded TESTING’s 15 genre-hopping tracks.

The album incorporated hints of trap, boom bap and soul tied together by Rocky’s magnetic hooks and charismatic singing attempts pushing expressivity further. While TESTING polarized fans expecting club-ready trap bangers, critics praised the project’s risks – encapsulating Rocky’s enduring artistic identity as an innovator.

Though TESTING yielded no true breakout singles, Rocky’s continuous genre fusion regimen throughout positioned him on the cutting edge even as hip hop trended homogenous. His sonic daring and fashion world ubiquity upheld acclaim between major label albums.

Post-TESTING Output & Moves

2018 – Continues features and singles with Tyler, the Creator, 21 Savage and others
2019 – 4th studio album set hinted after Stockholm assault case dismissal
2020 – Guest verse on Pop Smoke’s posthumous debut album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon
2021 – Drops double singles “Sandman” and “Babushka Boi” building anticipation

Musical Style & Influences

As his diverse album approaches have exhibited, A$AP Rocky has continually eschewed rap formulas in favor of more exploratory production and style amalgamations since first arriving on scene. Citing artistic pioneers like Kanye West plus rappers like Bone Thugs N Harmony, Three 6 Mafia, UGK and The Diplomats as early inspirations, Rocky burst through absorbing varied techniques then trailblazing his own lane.

His songwriting equally pulls from multiple hip hop eras and regions – fusing old school flows and wordplay with Houston chopped and screwed tempo winding and hard-snapping east coast beats. While his southern and midwest influences shine, Rocky’s fundamental foundation as a quintessential New York MC – quick on his feet with jaw-clenching bars – endures across catalog.

Beyond rapping style, Rocky’s curatorial ears also position him on the frontiers of blurred genre lines and alternative hip hop. From souped-up R&B samples to hazy psychedelic production, Rocky continually exhibits interest in dissolving boundaries – mining the best elements of rap’s past to forge unpredictable futures. Even as cohesive eras fade, his versatility and fashion icon maverick status uphold acclaim.

Fashion Profile & Style Icon Status

Beyond acclaimed albums and record sales feats, A$AP Rocky has been equally impactful as a style and fashion influencer since entering stardom. From the beginning, his artistic visions extended beyond music into molding cultural conversations through mode of dress and aesthetic.

Rocky discussing his fashion rise – https://youtu.be/QW28YKqdxe0

In concerts, interviews and videos, Rocky consistently keeps custom high fashion and streetwear fits on lock – pioneering trends from designer brands, vintage digs and his own AWGE imprint. His chameleon style fluidity, taste curation and modeling work helped manifest the A$AP Mob’s sought-after cool factor beyond music.

From 2013 appearances in videos for Rihanna and Florence Welch cinematizing his artsy fashion edge to 2021 Met Gala invitations, Rocky stays immersed as a style darling – enabling music credibility to permeate wider pop culture and high art circles through ingenious wardrobe obtained authenticity.

Collaborations & Co-Signs

A$AP Rocky has continually collaborated with a who’s who of acclaimed artists throughout his meteoric career – blending raw skills with an ear for curation placing promising peers on his platform:

A$AP Mob – Rocky’s fame helped shine light on fellow pioneering collective acts like A$AP Ferg all upholding artistic freedoms in rap together

Drake – Early career team-up “F**kin’ Problems” played role in Rocky’s star rise. 2019 preview suggest more to come
Kanye West – Rocky credits Ye’s production influence. They finally collaborated officially on TESTING album in 2018
Tyler the Creator – Avant-garde style pioneers. Joint single “Potato Salad” in 2018 highlights inventive kinship
Frank Ocean – Alternate R&B visionaries sporadically collaborate on game-changing soundscapes
Fka Twigs – Rumored couple’s artistic chemistry fueled psychedelic collabs like “Fukk Sleep”

Beyond specific songs, Rocky has organically earned admiration of critics, fashion world elites and credible iconoclast artists throughout his run – a testament to magnetism empowering continuous reinvention capabilities even when charts placings stall.

Live Performances & Touring History

On pace with his star profile measured in album sales and feature placements, A$AP Rocky has kept a vigorous global touring schedule since his breakthrough mixtape dropped in 2011. Early years featured co-headlining dates with Rihanna, performances across Europe and essential festival bookings introducing widespread audiences to A$AP Mob’s movement.

After the platinum sales explosion of Rocky’s initial album LONG.LIVE.A$AP, his concert draw has enabled consistent touring most years – ticketing power allowing extravagant production value matching his vivid aesthetics and sharp rapping dexterity. Tour setlists blend solo hits with A$AP Mob posse cuts for lively performances repping his crew’s solidarity.

Setbacks like the shocking death of mentor A$AP Yams, Swedish assault allegations and pandemic shutdown period halted touring spurts for Rocky. But his stellar reputation as a can’t miss live performer supporting acclaimed albums helps overcome gaps – buzz steadily builds leading into each official concert run whether explosive stage theatrics, surprise guests, eccentric wardrobes or ingenious rap craftsmanship anchoring the experience.

A$AP Rocky Relationship History & Personal Life

Rocky has generally avoided high profile relationship flareups, keeping the focus on music early on. But there’s been ongoing speculation on his dating life with prominent love interests:

Chanel Iman – Dated supermodel Chanel Iman for a period up to early 2014
Rita Ora – Rocky and pop singer Rita Ora had brief relationship around 2015
Iggy Azalea – Rumors link them together though both deny official relationship
Rihanna – Starting around 2013, longtime friendship turned romantic on/off until 2022 pregnancy reveal

In January 2022, Rocky appeared to officially confirm his relationship with global pop superstar Rihanna – the rumored on/off couple announcing they were expecting their first child together as Rihanna debuted a baby bump. They’ve continued appearing publicly together throughout her pregnancy journey this year.

Beyond dating gossip chatter, Rocky has aimed to let the music mission and fashion drive career, using occasional lyrics or interviews to share nobility behind his creative ambitions – breaking norms to manifest artistic freedom and alternative designer vision. But his 2022 personal life milestones with Rihanna propelled even more extra spotlight.

A$AP Rocky Net Worth & Income Breakdown

Per various industry reports, A$AP Rocky’s current personal net worth sits between an estimated $10 million to $15 million as of this article’s 2022 publishing date. While dwarfed by contemporary rap peers topping $100 million like Drake or Kanye West, Rocky’s wealth symbolizes durable acclaim converting to solid earning power over a decade in hip hop spotlight.

Early Mixape/Record Deal Advance – Estimated $3 million signing bonus from Sony/RCA in 2011
Debut Album Sales – 2013’s LONG.LIVE.A$AP moved over 1 million album equivalent units
Concert Touring & Festival Paychecks – Global performances, high-profile brand endorsements
Sophomore Release Earnings – 2015’s A.L.L.A. achieved Gold certification in the U.S.
Clothing Ventures – AWGE fashion/design profile and merchandising
Streaming Royalties – Over 5 billion audio/video streams and counting of catalog
Investments & Business Ventures – Record label equity, liquor partnership, properties

While periods between Rocky’s album releases lead to income fluctuating yearly, his prestige collaborations, festival billings, acting cameos and fashion distinction help maintain healthy payouts as a globally recognized star – his net worth likely to keep increasing steadily through music and entrepreneurial lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions About A$AP Rocky

What is A$AP Rocky’s real name?

A$AP Rocky was born Rakim Mayers on October 3rd, 1988 – his stage name as rapper is derived from the hip hop pioneer Rakim and his childhood nickname “Rocky.” The A$AP Mob collective prefix stands for “Always Strive and Prosper.”

Where is Rocky from originally?

He hails from the Harlem neighborhood of New York City where he grew up embedded in the culture and hip hop history. Old school NYC acts helped inspire his East Coast lyrical focus and style blended with Southern/Midwest influences.

How did Rocky get discovered as a rapper?

Early success came through his ties with friend A$AP Yams who recognized Rocky’s skills around 2007 and helped orchestrate his internet breakthrough around 2010. Rocky quickly built industry connections through the growing A$AP Mob’s buzz.

What was Rocky’s breakout song as an artist?

2011 single “Peso” first helped Rocky explode in underground circles. Its raw energy, inventive production and attention-grabbing video earned him a major label bidding war eventually signing to RCA/Polo Grounds for a $3 million album deal advance.

Is A$AP Rocky currently signed to a record label?

Yes, after leaving RCA in 2017 following his TESTING album release, Rocky resigned with Sony/RCA Ventures in partnership with his AWGE imprint in 2018 estimated around $6 million. He continues releasing music through RCA presently.