A$AP Rocky has lived quite a life in his 36 years on planet Earth. After growing up homeless in the streets of Harlem, he went on to become one of the biggest rappers of the blog era, making waves on the internet along with the rest of the A$AP Mob collective. From there, he continued to pave his way through other industries, including some acting gigs as well as turning himself into an indisputable fashion icon. In terms of his career, Rocky has done pretty well for himself, not to mention his ultra-publicized relationship with Rihanna, who needs no introduction.
In recent years though, Rocky’s career has sort of stalled, only making headlines for his aforementioned relationship and his 2019 arrest for assault in Sweden. Due to Rocky’s high profile, American officials immediately got involved and he was free to go shortly after. Since then, his musical output has been pretty inconsistent. Once again, a relationship with Rihanna and the responsibilities that come with being a father may have slowed him down a little bit, but regardless, he has not continued to take the steps that many expected him to take.
At the same time, however, Rocky still has a lot going for him and a bright future ahead of him, but less than two weeks ago in a Los Angeles courtroom, it looked like it could all go away. The trial stemmed from a 2021 incident in which Rocky allegedly shot former friend and collaborator A$AP Relli, government name Terell Ephron. According to Ephron, Rocky pulled a gun and shot at him during an argument, with the bullet hitting his finger. Ephron presented a recording replaying the whole incident. As the video proves, the incident did occur, but the main topic of discussion throughout the trial was whether or not the gun was real.
According to Rocky and his defense, the “gun” that was used during the altercation was in fact a prop gun from a music video, one which only fired blanks. If this was indeed the case, then Rocky would walk away a free man. If it was not and it was found that Rocky actually did pull a loaded gun on Relli, then he could face up to 24 years in prison. This was after Rocky denied a plea deal that would only force him to serve six months in prison. Despite the risks, Rocky bet on himself, and following the jury’s decision, it’s safe to say he made the right call.
Since there was no way to prove what kind of gun was used, there was no way to prove Rocky’s guilt. Immediately after the verdict was announced, Rocky did as anyone would do and jumped into the arms of Rihanna, a three-year nightmare now lifted off his shoulders. He thanked his lawyer, Joe Tacopina, now affectionately referred to as A$AP Joe, and went on his merry way. Three days later, it was announced that he would be the creative director of Ray Bans, and he continued to tease his upcoming album. Once again, things seem to be going pretty well for the guy, and it seems that no matter what life throws his way, A$AP Rocky will turn out just fine.