Rapper A$AP Rocky has shared a heartwarming revelation about the origins of his relationship with partner Rihanna, crediting his mother as the ultimate matchmaker. In a teaser for an upcoming episode of the NYT Popcast, the 37-year-old artist disclosed that his mother, Rina 'Renee' Black, was his biggest cheerleader for pursuing the global superstar.
A Mother's Intuition
The 'Praise the Lord' rapper recounted how his mother would persistently advocate for Rihanna, even during periods when he was involved with other women. "My mother used to say s*** like, 'I know you like this girl that you're with right now' - I ain't going to say no names - but I want you with Riri," A$AP Rocky revealed. He admitted his initial scepticism, responding: "Mom, why do you keep saying that? Yeah like that girl don't even, like, want me like that. Like, we cool, Mom. That's just my friend."
His mother's unwavering reply was simply: "I'm telling you, she real." Reflecting on her foresight, the rapper, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, conceded: "And mothers know best. I'm thankful that she was put in my life at that time because I think any time prior to that, I don't think I was ready for something like that. You know, I don't think she was either."
From Collaborators to Life Partners
The two-time Grammy nominee first crossed paths with Rihanna, born Robyn Fenty, back in 2011 when she enlisted him for a remix of her song Cockiness (Love It). However, their romantic relationship didn't blossom until nearly a decade later, in 2020.
Rocky gushed about their profound connection, highlighting numerous serendipitous links. "I got with a very special woman," he said. "It's just like we were on the same page. Born the same year. My dad is from her country. My family, when I go back, I get to see both sides of my family. It's so many similarities, it's just funny. We laugh about it a lot. She was always my boo, you know what I'm saying?"
He was referring to their shared birth year of 1988 and the fact that his late father, Adrian 'Duke' Athelston Mayers, was from Barbados, Rihanna's homeland.
Building a Family and Facing Challenges Together
The couple's bond has only strengthened through significant life events. Rihanna stood steadfastly by Rocky's side during his highly publicised legal battle concerning a 2021 shooting incident involving his friend A$AP Relli. The rapper was found not guilty of two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm on February 18 this year, with emotional scenes of him embracing Rihanna after the verdict.
Their family has grown rapidly. On September 13, Rihanna gave birth to their third child, a daughter named Rocki Irish Mayers. They are also parents to three-year-old son RZA Athelston Mayers and two-year-old son Riot Rose Mayers.
In a lighthearted moment that sent fans into a frenzy, Rihanna recently hinted on social media that she might be open to expanding their family further, commenting "Wait! So I'm not crazy then? Bet!" on a post about future pregnancy plans.
Professionally, A$AP Rocky is preparing for the release of his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don't Be Dumb, which drops this Friday. The 15-track project includes the single Punk Rocky, which features Winona Ryder in its music video.
The rapper's romantic history includes links to Teyana Taylor, Kendall Jenner, and Iggy Azalea, while Rihanna's past relationships were with figures like Chris Brown, Drake, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Yet, as Rocky's mother predicted, it was their partnership that proved to be the enduring and transformative one. "A woman will change your whole life especially if it's a companion," Rocky mused, acknowledging the profound impact Rihanna has had on his world.
