A$AP Rocky's Real Name – The History behind His Moniker

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky recently welcomed their first child together, four months after breaking the internet with their pregnancy reveal. The power couple has been widely adored for their public displays of affection throughout their pregnancy.

The "Where Have You Been" hitmaker and the "Kids Turned Out Fine" rapper, both over the moon, were reportedly bonding with their newborn at their home in Los Angeles.

Fans have always been curious about the couple's whereabouts, which explains why the hitmakers have paparazzi constantly trailing them. But one thing that has also piqued fans' curiosity is the story behind A$AP Rocky's unusual stage name.

How Did A$AP Rocky Get His Nickname?

It is not uncommon for hip-hop artists like A$AP Rocky to brand themselves with unique and eccentric names. As for Rihanna's dashing boyfriend, the stylized acronym A$AP stands for "Always Strive And Prosper."

The 33-year-old rapper's mother, Renee Black, gave him the nickname Rocky, which is short for his real name, Rakim Athelaston Mayers.

A$AP Rocky was not named Rakim out of the blue, as there's a deeper story behind it. A legendary music artist in the late 1980s inspired the rapper's real name.

A$AP Rocky revealed in 2014 that her mother saw the iconic rapper and music producer Rakim on the street. Rakim dominated the music scene in the late 1980s as one-half of the influential hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim.

According to the young rapper, his mom, a fan of Rakim's, was carrying him in a stroller during her encounter with the "Paid in Full" hitmaker. His gushing mom told the great rapper that she would name her son after him.

Since Black had no paper with her, she made Rakim sign her son's diaper. "Because Rakim is a god," Black said of the hip-hop legend.

Who Is A$AP Rocky?

A$AP Rocky shot to fame in 2011. He has since become ubiquitous in the music industry both as a rapper and a producer. But aside from music, he is also a widely admired figure in the fashion industry.

Born on October 3, 1988, in Manhattan, New York, the rapper started out as a member of the hip-hop group A$AP Mob, which later inspired his name as a solo artist.

The talented rapper had his breakthrough in August 2011 when his song, "Peso," leaked online. The song quickly received radio airplay and became a hit.

Not long after, the new father released his debut mixtape, "Live. Love. A$AP," which made a splash in the music scene and earned him a record deal.

A$AP Rocky inked a record deal with Polo Grounds Music, RCA Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, ensuring his ascent to hip-hop stardom.