The story of A$AP Rocky, rapper Donald Trump wants out of Swedish jail
- The 30-year-old artist is currently on trial in Sweden following his alleged involvement in a street brawl, a case even the US president has weighed in on
- The New York native rose to prominence after the viral success of videos for his singles Peso and Purple Swag on YouTube in the summer of 2011
A contrarian businessman with a penchant for fashion and a boyish smile, rapper A$AP Rocky has risen out of poverty in New York’s Harlem neighbourhood to become one of contemporary hip hop’s VIPs in the past decade.
He has been held since his arrest on July 3, and the decision to prosecute has outraged legions of fans and fellow artists, some of whom have accused the Swedish justice system of racism over the case.
Rocky is the de facto leader of A$AP Mob – a New York-based hip hop collective of rappers, fashion designers, producers and music-video directors – many of whom also use the A$AP moniker, an acronym that stands for “Always Strive and Prosper”.
Named Rakim Mayers in homage to half of the influential East Coast rap duo Eric B. & Rakim – his late sister was named Erika B. – the New York native rose to prominence after the viral success of videos for his singles Peso and Purple Swag on YouTube in the summer of 2011.