Entertainment
Five Key Takeaways from the A$AP Rocky Trial
The felony assault trial of A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, captivated global attention as the hip-hop star faced charges of opening fire during a Hollywood altercation. After three weeks of intense testimony, a 12-member jury acquitted the rapper, allowing him to walk free alongside his longtime partner, Rihanna, who supported him throughout the trial. Here are five major insights from the courtroom drama:
1. Rihanna’s Unwavering Support
Rihanna, the Grammy-winning singer and mother of A$AP Rocky’s two children, was a constant presence in the courtroom. She attended multiple days of the trial, including Valentine’s Day, and even brought their young children, who were dressed in suits and quietly entertained themselves with children’s books.
When the not-guilty verdict was announced, A$AP Rocky leaped over a wooden barrier to embrace Rihanna, who broke into tears alongside him. Outside the courthouse, the couple locked arms, showcasing their unity. Rihanna later expressed her gratitude on social media, writing, “The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by his mercy!”
Defense attorney Joe Tacopina noted that while Rocky tried to shield his family from the trial, Rihanna’s dedication was unwavering, stating, “Wild horses couldn’t keep her away.”
2. The Fracture Within A$AP Mob
The trial exposed deep rifts within the A$AP Mob, a Harlem-based hip-hop collective founded in 2006. The group, which once prided itself on being a tight-knit family, has faced internal conflicts since the death of its founder, A$AP Yams.
The trial centered on allegations by A$AP Relli (Terell Ephron), a former member, who accused Rocky of shooting him during a 2021 altercation. Defense attorneys argued that Relli harbored resentment over Rocky’s rising fame and sought financial gain. Several A$AP Mob members, including A$AP Twelvyy and A$AP Lou, testified in Rocky’s favor, challenging Relli’s account and suggesting he was the aggressor.
The trial marked a significant breakdown in the group’s unity, with no members publicly supporting Relli.
3. The Mystery of “AWGE”
One of the trial’s most intriguing moments came when A$AP Twelvyy was asked about the meaning of “AWGE”, Rocky’s enigmatic creative collective. Before Twelvyy could answer, Rocky interjected, shouting, “Don’t say!”
Defense attorney Tacopina later explained that AWGE is a private acronym tied to Rocky’s family and business, which the rapper wanted to keep confidential. Founded in 2014, AWGE operates across music, fashion, and art, collaborating with brands like Mercedes-Benz and PacSun. The collective’s website humorously lists two rules:
- Never reveal what AWGE means.
- When in doubt, always refer to rule #1.
Fans have speculated about its meaning, with theories ranging from “A$AP Worldwide Global Enterprises” to “All We Got is Everything”. However, Rocky and his team have never confirmed its true significance, leaning into the mystery with the phrase, “If you know, you know.”
4. A$AP Rocky’s Career at Its Peak
The trial unfolded during a pivotal moment in Rocky’s career. The rapper is preparing to release his first solo album in nearly a decade and is set to co-headline the Rolling Loud festival in Los Angeles in March 2025. He is also starring in Spike Lee’s upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest”, alongside Denzel Washington.
Beyond music, Rocky’s influence extends to fashion and branding. His AWGE collective has partnered with major brands, and he is celebrated as one of music’s best-dressed artists. In May 2025, he will co-chair the Met Gala alongside icons like Anna Wintour, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James.
His relationship with Rihanna and their growing family—they welcomed their second child, Riot Rose, in August 2023—has further solidified his status as a cultural icon.
5. Clashes Between Legal Teams
The trial was not just a battle for Rocky’s freedom but also a heated contest between the defense and prosecution. Defense attorney Joe Tacopina aggressively challenged the credibility of A$AP Relli, portraying him as an opportunist and highlighting the lack of physical evidence.
Prosecutors, led by John Lewin, accused Tacopina of intimidating witnesses and dismissing key testimonies. The courtroom often felt like a battleground, with both sides frequently objecting and trading personal jabs. At one point, Lewin accused Tacopina of using steroids, to which Tacopina retorted by calling Lewin a “hunchback.”
The judge attempted to lighten the mood by theatrically introducing the attorneys like boxers before resuming proceedings.
