The Harlem-born hip-hop sensation has become increasingly synonymous with fashion, having collaborated on collections for JW Anderson and Guess Originals, as well as appearing in campaigns for DKNY and Dior Homme.
Rocky, birth name Rakim Mayers, grew up in Harlem and was immersed in music and rap culture from a young age. The music coalition to which he belongs — A$AP Mob — was founded in 2006 and occupies a specific niche as a collective of producers, rappers, stylists, designers and creative minds. A$AP, which stands for “Always Strive and Prosper,” is the prefix of all the members’ stage names. Through his music career, the rapper has also collaborated with Selena Gomez , Florence Welch, Skrillex and Jessie Ware, and produces records under the pseudonym Lord Flacko. Mayers boasts acting credits too, having appeared in indie drama Dope alongside his ex-girlfriend Chanel Iman.
Mayers’ role as a fashion muse was cemented by his appearance in the DKNY Spring 2014 campaign, alongside Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn . He was also cast in Dior Homme’s Fall 2016 campaign.
In January 2016, it was announced that the rapper was Guess Originals’ inaugural collaborator. Mayers reworked the brand’s logo with a “GUE$$” motif which appeared on a capsule collection of denim swimwear and varsity-style tees. He also directed a video to promote the collection. In 2019, the rapper also appeared in Calvin Klein 's I Speak My Truth in #MyCalvins campaign.
In June 2016, Mayers’ design collaboration with JW Anderson — titled JWA X A$AP Rocky and AWGE — hit stores, featuring faux fur, track jackets and knitted pants.
In 2019, Mayers hit the headlines after he was charged with and subsequently found guilty of assault in Sweden. During his trial, he drew public support from Calvin Klein, as well as a series of tweets featuring #FreeRocky from the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Mayers is represented by WME entertainment.
