A$AP Rocky Reveals His Mom Wanted Him to Link Up With Rihanna Long Before They Got Together
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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s relationship was built on years of friendship first, but his mom always knew they belonged together.
Published on January 15, 2026
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are one of the most iconic couples in the music landscape today. Together for six years, with three children, they’ve weathered some difficult moments and celebrated each other’s success. They seem, for all intents and purposes, like a couple very much in love. Their relationship, however, didn’t turn romantic right away. It took years of friendship and plenty of encouragement from his mom for A$AP Rocky to shoot his shot.
A$AP Rocky reveals his mom knew Rihanna was ‘the one’ before him
A$AP Rocky’s mom was trying to play matchmaker long before her son finally made his movie. During an interview for Popcast, A$AP Rocky revealed that his mom, Renee Black, advised him repeatedly to shoot his shot with Rihanna. While it took him a bit to make a move, he insisted that, like his mom, he always knew Rihanna was the one.
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Tomorrow on Popcast … A$AP Rocky! In an exclusive sit-down, the rapper and actor discusses the release of “Don’t Be Dumb,” his first new album in eight years, plus settling down with his “boo” Rihanna, life as a family man, his forays into Hollywood, influence on rapper fashion and much more. Watch the full interview on Thursday at YouTube.com/Popcast. #asaprocky #asaprockyinterview #rihanna #music #fyp
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The “Fkin’ Problems” rapper said that he always knew that Rihanna was special, but worried she didn’t share his romantic interest. For several years, they remained close friends and collaborators before the rapper successfully shot his shot. Still, it seems like mom always knew.
When did things get romantic?
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna became close friends around 2012, when they began collaborating. Rihanna broke down the progression of their relationship during an interview with Interview Magazine, telling the publication that their first meeting, when A$AP Rocky cupped her behind during an awards performance, wasn’t nearly as controversial as everyone thought. His bold move would be the only one he made for years, though.
Rihanna went on to explain that everyone assumed she liked A$AP Rocky, but nothing came of it. They supported each other through wearing each other’s fashion, showing up at each other’s events, and spending time together, but again, nothing was romantic. Then, in 2019, everything changed. The “Umbrella” singer said she decided to let the relationship unfold organically, and it did, eventually becoming love and partnership.
By 2021, A$AP Rocky was ready to tell the world that Rihanna was it for him. During an interview with GQ, he gushed about their life together and their future plans, including kids. He told the outlet, “I think when you know, you know. She’s the One.” He manifested that life into existence. By 2022, the pair had welcomed their first child. The following year, they welcomed their second son, followed by their first daughter in 2025.
