In the early hours of the morning, I find myself in a lavish hotel suite overlooking the vibrant Union Square in New York City, sharing a moment with the renowned hip-hop artist A$AP Rocky. He casually plays with a half-smoked blunt while a freshly rolled one sits in the ashtray, courtesy of one of his assistants. The armchair I occupy, whimsically crafted from stuffed Mickey Mouse toys, adds a playful touch to the atmosphere, while muted “Tom and Jerry” cartoons play in the background alongside the psychedelic tunes of Jefferson Airplane.
“Can you guys bring that chair closer?” Rocky requests, gesturing to my seat with a gentlemanly demeanor that perfectly complements his sweet personality. The Grammy-nominated star is equally celebrated for his groundbreaking fashion sense and high-profile relationship with the iconic Rihanna. Tonight, he sports a striking pink-and-black tartan kilt, paired with Ray-Bans from his recent collaboration with the sunglasses brand, and a camo bomber jacket designed by his AWGE collective. The jacket prominently features a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania license plate, a nod to his childhood roots where he began rapping at the tender age of eight.
A$AP Rocky, known for his diverse artistic pursuits, is not just a rapper but a fashion icon and a filmmaker. Alongside his role as co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, his highly anticipated fourth album, “Don’t Be Dumb,” is set to be released later this year. However, our conversation primarily revolves around his upcoming film, “Highest 2 Lowest,” a reimagining of the classic Akira Kurosawa crime drama “High and Low,” directed by the legendary Spike Lee. The film will see Rocky star alongside Denzel Washington and is slated for a theatrical release by A24 on August 22, followed by a streaming debut on Apple TV+ two weeks later.
Before diving into the film details, Rocky reminisces about his childhood, sharing a humorous story about his favorite movie as a child, the 1973 Blaxploitation classic “The Mack.” “At a Halloween assembly, I boldly told my teacher I wanted to be a pimp,” he recalls, his grin sparkling with diamonds. “She promptly took the microphone back and urged me to pick something else. I quickly replied, ‘Uhhh — a ninja?’” In “Highest 2 Lowest,” however, Rocky takes on the role of Yung Felon, an aspiring rapper determined to catch the attention of Washington’s music mogul character.
Rocky’s triumphant moment at the Cannes Film Festival comes after a tumultuous legal battle that nearly jeopardized his career. The incident stemmed from a 2021 altercation, where he was accused of firing a gun at his former friend and collaborator, Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli. As the trial approached, Rocky immersed himself in acting, finding solace in his craft. “That’s my only escape. That’s why I do it,” he explains, noting the surreal intersection of art and life, especially in a courtroom scene that mirrored his real-life experiences.
After a three-week trial, Rocky was found not guilty in February. The world watched as he joyfully embraced Rihanna, followed by his mother and sister. His relationship with Rihanna dates back to 2012 when they began collaborating musically, and they now share two children: RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers, with a third child on the way, as announced by Rihanna just before the Met Gala.
Professionally, Rocky is living out his childhood dreams, having admired Spike Lee and Denzel Washington since watching “Malcolm X.” When Lee reached out after noticing Rocky's performance in the 2018 film “Monster,” he eagerly accepted the opportunity to work with his idols. “I was stuck between greatness and greatness,” he reflects. Despite the pressure of acting alongside Denzel, Rocky felt born for the role. “I’m not gonna waste nobody’s time. This is what I do — it’s all about integrity,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of genuine artistry.
Rocky describes his approach to acting as a Method actor, highlighting the need to fully embody his character, Yung Felon. “It’s about being alone in your trailer, looking in the mirror, and becoming that person,” he explains. The preparation allowed him to switch between his character and real life, especially as he balanced his roles as a father and actor.
As we discuss his ambitions, Rocky reveals his desire to branch into action films, even joking about becoming the new Black James Bond. He expresses a wish to create original animated films for children, inspired by the likes of “Soul” while steering clear of content he believes is detrimental to young audiences. He hopes to produce timeless work that resonates with his kids.
When reflecting on his music, Rocky notes the evolution of his upcoming album “Don’t Be Dumb,” which includes the previously released single “Highjack.” He aims for his music to be relatable and sincere, steering clear of braggadocio. The past few years, particularly the legal issues, have shaped his songwriting process, prompting deeper introspection and a focus on authenticity.
As A$AP Rocky prepares for the Cannes Film Festival and his upcoming projects, he remains optimistic. “I’ve got an album to make, fashion shows to do, and a family to care for,” he affirms, emphasizing the importance of moving forward rather than dwelling on negative experiences. With a firm belief in spiritual guidance, he credits his success to hard work and divine support.
Rocky’s journey from a young boy inspired by cinema to a multifaceted artist navigating the complexities of fame, family, and personal growth is a testament to his resilience and creativity. As he continues to make strides in music, fashion, and film, A$AP Rocky is poised to leave a lasting impact on the industry.
