ASAP Rocky – American rapper, music producer, actor, and model
ASAP Rocky’s real name is Rakim Mayers. He was born on 3 October 1988 in New York. The aspiring artist started reading rap when he was 8 years old. Back then, Rakim moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mayers’ older brother helped him learn how to write lyrics. Rakim also copied his brother’s appearance by getting African braids.
Rakim’s life was tough. Several events led to him growing up faster than other children his age. They also affected many of his songs. When Mayers was just 12 years old, his father was convicted to jail time for drug dealing. In 2013, he died in prison. A year later, Rakim’s brother, whom he loved and respected very much, was killed. Both events left a big footprint on the young man’s emotional state. However, they also inspired him to become a professional artist.
In 2007, Rakim joined a project called ASAP Mob. The group consisted of different types of artists, including singers, producers, fashion designers, and more. All the members had ASAP in front of their name. That’s how Rakim came up with his pseudonym.
Four years later, ASAP Rocky presented a small mixtape called Deep Purple. It featured his first solo single “Purple Swag”. A little later, Rakim recorded “Peso”, which was successful. It appeared on one of New York’s radio stations.
