A$AP Rocky is “living [his] dream” now he’s a dad. The Grammy-nominated artist has been candid about his transition to fatherhood, which has become a central focus in his life beyond his music career.
The ‘Show of Hands’ hitmaker has RZA, two, and 21-month-old Riot with partner Rihanna and now his boys are getting older, he adores seeing them interact with the people around him. This growing family has captured public attention since the couple announced their first pregnancy in early 2022.
“Man, it’s amazing. Obviously, they [are] still growing into their personalities and stuff and developing, but it’s amazing,” he gushed to Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle on the ‘Run-Through with Vogue’ podcast. “To see them actually, like interact with each other and interact with me and with their mom. And it’s it’s amazing. It’s beautiful.
“It’s something that you dream about, and when it happens, it’s just like you [are] living your dream and that all jokes aside. And I hate to make it sound extra, … but that’s just how it is for me.” Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been in a relationship with Rihanna since 2020, though rumors of their romance circulated for years before.
The 36-year-old rapper admitted fatherhood is a huge source of creative inspiration now and he’s proud to be a role model for others. His perspective on parenting has evolved significantly since welcoming his first child.
“Being a father is my creative process now because I just embodied it as a whole,” he said. “I never really had a role model or just an iconic figure, … and I guess I’m that for people, and I didn’t purposely try to do that, but I take it as a badge of honour.
“I’m so flattered and, you know, just being me that it can inspire people to actually do something that is considered good being a present active father. This sentiment reflects a growing cultural shift toward celebrating engaged fatherhood, particularly within the hip-hop community.
“I love that s***. For me, my dad was a proud dad. He taught me everything I know, especially how to be a gentleman and whatnot, so I was prepared to be a dad my whole life, man, you know? Rocky’s father passed away years ago, making his own journey to fatherhood particularly meaningful.
“I’m ready, and I’m 36 going on 37, man. These clothes suit me well.” Rocky‘s evolution from fashion icon to family man has been well-documented in both music and fashion circles since he first emerged on the scene.
Rihannna recently reflected on how different their sons are from one another. The entrepreneur and music superstar has been equally forthcoming about her experiences as a mother while balancing her various business ventures.
“RZA is just an empath. He’s so magical. He loves music. He loves melody. He loves books. He loves water. Bath time, swimming, pool, beach, anything,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. RZA, named after the legendary Wu-Tang Clan producer, was born in May 2022 and has already shown musical inclinations.
By contrast, she said Riot is full of energy from the moment he wakes up, adding: “He’s just hilarious. When he wakes up, he starts to squeal, scream. Not in a crying way. He just wants to sing. And I’m like, ‘Okay, here we go!'” Riot, born in August 2023, represents the couple’s growing family that has become a central focus for both artists.
“He’s my alarm in the morning! He’s not taking no for an answer from anyone. I don’t know where he came from, dude.” This candid description highlights the unpredictable nature of parenting that both artists have embraced publicly.
Rihanna said RZA initially struggled to adjust to having a younger sibling, “like all (new) siblings do,” but Riot has now taken charge. Sibling dynamics are a universal experience that the couple navigates alongside their high-profile careers.
She went on: “At first, Riot was understanding that his role was being the little brother. Now he knows he’s in charge.” This observation about their family dynamic offers fans a glimpse into their private life, which they’ve gradually become more open about sharing.
The couple continues to balance their creative careers with family life, with Rocky working on new music projects while Rihanna focuses on her Fenty empire that has transformed her from music superstar to business mogul in recent years.
