ASAP Rocky Net Worth, Early Life, Career
As of 2024, ASAP Rocky has an estimated net worth of around $20 million.
ASAP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, is an American rapper and music producer from Harlem, New York. He first gained recognition in 2011 with his breakout mixtape “Live. Love. ASAP”. Since then, he has become one of his generation’s most popular and influential rappers.
ASAP Rocky Net Worth
As of 2024, ASAP Rocky has an estimated net worth of around $20 million. A significant amount of ASAP Rocky’s wealth comes from music sales, concert tours, merchandise, and brand partnerships tied to his successful hip-hop career over a decade.
He has released three platinum-selling studio albums with multiple hit Billboard charting singles. According to some estimates, Rocky earned over $3 million from his first record deal with Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records in 2011.
He likely earned even more from subsequent touring and album releases. His debut album, “LONG. LIVE.ASAP,” sold 559,000 copies and was certified Gold. Meanwhile, later albums “At.Long.Last.ASAP” and “Testing” went Platinum. Rocky has also landed various brand endorsement deals with Mercedes Benz, Guess Originals, PacSun, and others.
Early Life and Education
ASAP Rocky was born on October 3, 1988, in Harlem, New York City. He grew up in a neighbourhood notorious for crime and drugs. His father was jailed for drug dealing when Rocky was 12 years old, leaving his mother to support the family.
Rocky started rapping at 9, inspired by artists like The Diplomats, Mobb Deep, Run DMC, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. As a teenager, he sold drugs to earn money and spent time at the Manhattan Juvenile Detention Center. Rocky dropped out of high school in his sophomore year to focus on his music career.
Career Beginnings
ASAP Rocky joined the hip hop collective ASAP Mob in 2007, formed by ASAP Yams, ASAP Bari, and ASAP Illz. The acronym “ASAP” stands for “Always Strive and Prosper”. Rocky adopted the moniker ASAP Rocky when he joined the collective. He later tattooed the acronym across his knuckles.
ASAP Rocky started gaining attention with songs like “Purple Swag” and “Peso.” In 2011, his first single, “Purple Swag,” quickly went viral and garnered millions of YouTube views. It laid the foundation for his breakout mixtape “Live. Love. ASAP,” released in October 2011 to critical acclaim. The mixtape’s success led to a Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records record deal.
Breakout Success with “Long. Live. ASAP” Album
In January 2013, ASAP Rocky released his debut studio album “Long. Live. ASAP,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It featured hit singles like “Goldie” and “F***in’ Problems” (featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar).
The album was universally acclaimed and cemented ASAP Rocky’s status as a rising star in hip-hop. It also showed his ability to bring together hip-hop heavyweights like Schoolboy Q, Santigold, OverDoz, and Yelawolf on one project. Following the success of his debut album, ASAP Rocky embarked on a major worldwide tour in 2013.
Success with “AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP”
ASAP Rocky’s highly anticipated sophomore album “AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP,” finally released in May 2015, continued his creative risk-taking and commercial success streak. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and featured appearances from Schoolboy Q, MIA, Kanye West, Juicy J, and Mos Def. The album got largely positive reviews from critics.
His third studio album, “Testing,” came after a three-year gap in 2018. While it got a mixed critical reception, it continued to demonstrate ASAP Rocky’s willingness to take creative risks and not conform to mainstream hip-hop conventions. It featured collaborations with Frank Ocean, Dev Hynes, Skepta, and Kid Cudi.
Business Ventures
Aside from a successful music career, ASAP Rocky has built a portfolio of high-profile business ventures leveraging his influence in the culture.
In 2013, he partnered with MTV, directing a documentary titled “SVDDXNLY” on his rise to fame. That same year, Rocky joined the iconic hip hop collective A$AP Mob in partnering with the William Morris Endeavor talent agency.
His creative agency AWGE (pronounced “age”) oversees video production, music publishing, and event curation aspects of A$AP Mob’s output. AWGE also produces multimedia content like their “AWGE DVD” video series.
In 2016, Rocky partnered with the Guess Originals fashion line, serving as their primary model and collaborating on capsule collections. He also partnered with MTV again in 2021 on a live virtual performance to demonstrate Ericsson’s new technology, boosting 5G and augmented reality capabilities.
His business savvy and ability to partner with major brands like Mercedes-Benz, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and PacSun have contributed to his growing wealth and influence as an artist-entrepreneur.
Acting and Directing Endeavors
Rocky branched into acting, scoring minor roles on Netflix’s Ridiculousness and guest appearances on shows like Lip Sync Battle. He later made his feature film acting debut in the 2015 indie comedy-drama “Dope.”
As a director, Rocky has directed his music videos since 2011 and later began producing for other artists. He founded his multimedia creative agency, AWGE, in 2016, providing creative direction through video production, music, art, and fashion.
Sources of Income
ASAP Rocky’s primary source of earnings is through his music career including album sales, streams, concerts, and soundtrack royalties. He signed a lucrative $3 million deal with RCA Records in 2011 following his breakout mixtape “Live. Love. Asap.”
He likely earned even more from subsequent album releases and headlining tours across America and Europe. Critics praise his live performances and stage productions for their high-energy entertainment value.
Additionally, Rocky profits from shrewd partnerships and endorsement deals with major fashion labels like Guess, Dior, and Calvin Klein by positioning himself as a cultural icon and a trendsetter. He collaborates on exclusive capsule collections that allow him to expand his merchandise revenue.
The creative talent agency and multimedia studio AWGE, founded by Rocky, also contribute handsomely to his income through curating artsy merch collections, handling tour visuals, and directing videos. AWGE is the epicenter for all his creative business endeavors, granting him ownership and equity.
Personal Life
ASAP Rocky was in a high-profile relationship with singer Iggy Azalea in 2013. Since early 2016, he has been dating model Kendall Jenner. They briefly broke up in 2017 but reconciled shortly after. He maintains a playboy image but has kept his recent relationships out of the spotlight.
ASAP Rocky faced assault charges in Sweden based on an altercation he and his entourage had with two fans who were allegedly harassing them. After nearly a month in Swedish jail awaiting trial, Rocky was found guilty but avoided additional jail time beyond time served. He ended up paying damages to the victim and publicly apologized.
Despite his legal troubles, ASAP Rocky has managed to stay productive and focused on his music and business ventures. With a net worth of $10 million and counting, he continues to be a significant force in hip-hop as both a creative artist and savvy entrepreneur. His early life struggles only seem to motivate his drive towards success and expanding his influencer empire.
FAQs on ASAP Rocky Net Worth
What is ASAP Rocky’s net worth?
ASAP Rocky’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. Most of his wealth comes from music sales, tours, merchandise, and endorsements related to his successful decade-plus career in hip-hop.
How did ASAP Rocky get so rich and famous?
Rocky earned his fortune and fame through his hit albums, singles, and sold-out tours. He also leveraged his status as a style icon for lucrative fashion collaborations and endorsements with brands like Guess, Calvin Klein, and Mercedes-Benz. His creative agency, AWGE, also contributes to his income.
How does ASAP Rocky make money today?
Rocky continues to earn big paychecks from music streams, concert tours, merch sales, and one-off singles like his 2022 song “D.M.B.” He also profits from AWGE’s creative direction endeavors and his recent high-profile modeling stint for Gucci.
Bottom Line
ASAP Rocky’s unique hip-hop sound, early life struggles, breakout success, business ventures, and controversy have made him one of this decade’s most fascinating rap artists.
However, ASAP Rocky is well on his way to building a lasting legacy as he continues to evolve his music and business portfolio. His net worth is expected to grow as he expands his creative projects and partnerships in the years ahead.
