A$AP Rocky’s Rise: The Rap Star’s Harlem Roots to Family Life With Rihanna | Billboard Cover
Written by djfrosty on August 22, 2024
Billboard cover star A$AP Rocky has made significant waves in the music industry, and in a revealing interview, he shares more than just his music. During a tour around Harlem, he discusses his deep connection to the neighborhood that raised him and its lasting impact not only on his music but also on his parenting style. He highlights the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, how fatherhood has changed him, his relationship with Rihanna and more!
A$AP Rocky:
Yo Billboard. What’s up? Pretty Flacko over here, aka A$AP Rocky, and I’m taking y’all on the walk with me through Harlem. Let’s get it. This is technically the beginning of Harlem. 100 and 10th Street is where Harlem starts. I was born on the 116th up this way is St Luke’s Hospital, and right here is Booker T Washington, my middle school. A lot of memories around here. Middle School is where it all happened: fashion, girls, bad grades. Yeah, back in the days, we used to wear Pelle Pelles, Wissams, Rocawear, Cap USA. I couldn’t afford Apollo Signature back then. I ain’t gonna lie, that was really-
Damien Scott:
Nobody know about that. Nobody knows-
That sh*t. Apollo Signature is way too expensive. Melba’s is probably one of the only places still like creating a community. We walk in here you gonna see aunties, uncles, grandmas, grandpops.
All generations.
Cousins, yeah, youngsters and everybody, come here on good time and not bad time. You feel me. This is Sunday afternoon. They having a block party outside. It don’t even matter that I’m here right now. My presence is just like it’s just adding to it. It’s a cherry on top. That’s Harlem. Cheers. Look at that, the legend. Dap, what’s up legend, what’s up?
Dapper Dan:
I love it.
What’s going on man?
Dapper Dan:
They told me you was here man. I came to say hi and let people know how you inspire them. Thank you for coming to Harlem now. Thank you for being here because I brag about you all the time.
Keep watching to find out more!