A$AP Rocky was born Rakim Mayers and performs under the stage name A$AP Rocky.
Mayers was born on October 3, 1988, in Harlem, New York City. He joined the A$AP Mob collective, whose name is commonly expanded as “Always Strive and Prosper.” The collective brought together rappers, producers, designers, and other artists associated with Harlem and New York creative culture.
A$AP Rocky gained attention through mixtapes including Live. Love. A$AP, released in 2011. His debut studio album, Long. Live. A$AP, followed in 2013 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
The name Rakim can cause confusion because it is also the stage name of the influential rapper Rakim Allah, formerly of Eric B. & Rakim. They are different artists. A$AP Rocky’s musical style is associated with atmospheric production, fashion, visual experimentation, and a delivery influenced by Southern and New York rap traditions.