The Harlem-born rapper truly began from humble beginnings—sorry, Jimmy from Degrassi—and now he’s living the high life, complete with not only wealth but also exclusive fashion week invites, a billionaire partner in Rihanna, and two adorable little ones.
Much of the “LSD” rapper’s success can be attributed to his meticulous taste in all things, from music to fashion, which he seamlessly weaves into his personal brand and creative ventures.
“I wanted to create a brand that truly collaborates, not just churns out products for the sake of making money,” he shared with GQ in 2021. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about the hustle, but it’s got to be done with style and purpose.”
And he’s done just that. Discover how much A$AP Rocky has earned since his rise to fame.
What led to A$AP Rocky’s rise to fame?
Born Rakim Athelaston Mayers in Harlem on October 3, 1988, A$AP Rocky and his sister Erika grew up immersed in hip-hop culture—their parents even named them after the legendary rap duo Eric B. & Rakim, which is pretty fitting!
Rocky began rapping at the young age of 9, shortly after his family moved from New York City to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
His childhood was marked by hardship; his father was incarcerated when Rocky was 12, and his family had to live in shelters.
Just a year later, Rocky’s older brother was tragically murdered. These painful experiences fueled his determination, especially the loss of his brother, which ignited his passion for music.
“He was like the revolutionary big brother,” Rocky shared with The Fader. “He gave me confidence, and without him, I wouldn’t have had the courage to realize I had talent.”
Despite his talent, Rocky had to support himself with a day job, turning to drug dealing until he could break into the music industry.
Seeking a more stable environment, he moved with his mom and Erika to a condo in Elmwood, New Jersey.
“I needed peace of mind to be creative,” he explained to The New York Times, adding that his suburban life was a way to protect his family while he was earning street money.
In 2007, Rocky joined a group of friends and fellow rappers, which eventually evolved into the A$AP Mob, a collective he considers his extended family. They spent years working and even living together in the New Jersey condo.
Rocky’s big break came in July 2011 when he released his first music video, “Purple Swag,” just after quitting the drug trade.
The song quickly went viral, but it was the release of his mixtape track “Peso” in August that really caught mainstream attention.
When the track leaked and aired on New York City’s iconic Hot 97 radio station, people took notice of not only his flow but also his distinct sense of style.
Following this success, Rocky signed a $3 million record deal, solidifying his place in the industry.
Even as he aimed for global stardom, Rocky acknowledged the challenge of gaining acceptance in his hometown. “I wouldn’t consider myself a so-called New York rapper,” he jokingly told The New York Times in September of that year. “I don’t even like New York rappers.”
How much is A$AP Rocky worth in 2024?
In 2024, A$AP Rocky’s net worth is pegged at an impressive $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Despite his wealth, he’s known to joke that his “favorite price is free-99.”
A significant portion of his earnings comes from his unique personal style, which has made him a go-to favorite among designers.
In an interview with GQ, he revealed that he’s been picking out his own outfits since kindergarten and that his keen fashion sense influences every aspect of his work: “This is more than just rap for me. I’m into design, I’m into detail, I’m into elevated taste.”
How much does A$AP Rocky make a year?
Forbes reported that Rocky earned $14.5 million in 2016 alone. However, his earnings fluctuate based on his touring schedule and release timelines.
How much does A$AP Rocky charge per show?
While estimates suggest that Rocky’s booking fee per show ranges between $100,000 and $200,000, this figure has not been officially confirmed.
How many Grammys does A$AP Rocky have?
Although Rocky hasn’t secured a Grammy win yet, he’s received two nominations. His first came in 2014 for Best Rap Song with the track “F—kin’ Problems,” a collaboration with 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake.
His second nomination was in 2016 for Best Music Video for his hit “LSD.”