Rapper A$AP Rocky is facing trial in October for allegedly shooting his childhood friend, A$AP Relli, on a Los Angeles street over two years ago. The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. An initial hearing showed video footage of the incident, where A$AP Rocky was seen with a gun in his hands. However, no weapon was recovered, and the video was deemed inconclusive. Relli claimed he was a victim of an armed ambush and testified that A$AP Rocky fired shots at him before fleeing the scene.
In the lead-up to the alleged shooting, Relli had sent a text to A$AP Rocky criticizing him for being “big-headed” and not fulfilling a promise to pay for funeral expenses for a friend. A$AP Rocky did not respond to the text, but the two later agreed to meet face-to-face for a discussion. Relli testified that he was verbally confronting A$AP Rocky during the encounter, which led to the rapper firing shots at him. The judge in the preliminary hearing found sufficient evidence to believe that A$AP Rocky committed the alleged crimes based on the video and Relli’s testimony.
A$AP Rocky, known for his music career, started as a member of the hip hop group ASAP Mob. He gained fame with his single “Peso” in 2011 and released his debut mixtape later that year. His debut studio album, “Long. Live. A$AP,” achieved double platinum status after its release in 2013. A$AP Rocky has received numerous awards, including a BET Award, two BET Hip Hop Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award. He has also been nominated for Grammy Awards and World Music Awards. A$AP Rocky has been in a relationship with Rihanna since 2013, and they have two children together.
A$AP Rocky’s defense lawyer has claimed that the allegations against the rapper are false and suggested that Relli may have ulterior motives, such as seeking money from A$AP Rocky. The rapper has a trial date set for October 21, and if he plans to file a motion to dismiss the case, it must be done by July 19. A$AP Rocky was previously arrested in Sweden in 2019 for simple assault and served over a month in jail. Despite the legal challenges he has faced, A$AP Rocky continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry and maintains a high-profile relationship with Rihanna.
In the midst of these legal troubles, A$AP Rocky has made headlines for his relationship with Rihanna and their appearances at events like the Met Gala. The couple has been together since 2013 and shares two children. A$AP Rocky’s career has been marked by his success in the music industry, with multiple awards and accolades to his name. While the upcoming trial will determine the outcome of the shooting allegations, A$AP Rocky remains a significant figure in the entertainment world, known for his music and high-profile relationships.
