A$AP Rocky’s court proceedings concerning the alleged shooting of an ex-friend from 2021 are set to commence on Tuesday in Los Angeles, with the trial anticipated to last three weeks.

The 36-year-old artist, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is facing two felony counts of assault involving a semiautomatic firearm. He is accused of firing a weapon at Terell Ephron, previously known as A$AP Relli, following an altercation in Hollywood, California, back in November 2021. In January 2024, he entered a not guilty plea regarding the firearm charges.

A$AP Rocky, who is a father to two young children with his long-time partner Rihanna, is now scheduled to start his trial on January 21 after his legal team successfully requested a rescheduling from its initial date of November 12. This change allowed him to take the stage at the Rolling Loud music festival in Thailand in November, as stated by his attorney, Joe Tacopina, to YSL News.

During a preliminary hearing in November that included witness accounts and security footage, a Los Angeles judge determined there was sufficient evidence for the Puma creative director to face trial.

The trial adds complications to the life of the New York-born artist, who shares sons RZA, age 2, and Riot Rose, age 1, with Rihanna.

“We’re prepared to proceed. It has been a long wait,” said Rocky’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, following a January 15 hearing, as reported by The Associated Press. “This matter has been lingering over Rocky and Rihanna and their family for some time. We are eager to move forward and put this behind him.”

The potential ramifications of this case on his career remain uncertain. The rapper and co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala is eyeing the release of his delayed fourth studio album, “Don’t Be Dumb,” in early 2025. Additionally, the “Dope” actor will appear in the Rose Byrne film “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” slated for release this month, and the forthcoming Spike Lee film “Highest 2 Lowest,” featuring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, and Ice Spice, later this year, according to his IMDb profile.

If found guilty on all counts, he could face a maximum of 24 years in prison. This case follows his 2019 arrest in Sweden for assault, resulting in a conviction and a month-long jail sentence.

Here’s what you need to know.

When Does A$AP Rocky’s Court Trial Start?

The trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on January 21 in Los Angeles.

What Are the Allegations Against A$AP Rocky?

Rocky is accused of shooting at a former friend following a dispute near a hotel in Hollywood, California, on November 6, 2021.

According to law enforcement, an argument escalated, leading Rocky to “fire a handgun” at Ephron, as reported by a statement from the LAPD in April 2022.

Ephron was taken to the hospital, sustaining only minor injuries, as stated by the police. Officers reported that Rocky and two other individuals fled the scene on foot.

Footage played during the court proceedings in November depicted a group of men, including Rocky and Ephron, engaged in a verbal dispute, according to The Associated Press.

Prosecution evidence shown during a preliminary hearing in November included what sounded like two gunshots followed by a man running around a corner and then walking, as reported. The identity of the man is unclear, but a detective with the LAPD indicated that investigations confirmed it was Rocky.

The video featured a man with his face obscured, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, and holding something resembling a firearm, according to AP. An image from the footage shows the individual’s face while the weapon is not visible. The detective explained that these images were used to ascertain that the person was the well-known rapper from the Billboard charts, according to the outlet.

What Charges Does A$AP Rocky Face?

Rocky is facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in his criminal trial. Additionally, he is dealing with a separate civil lawsuit filed by Ephron.

Who Is A$AP Relli?

Ephron, who was formerly known as A$AP Relli, testified during the November proceedings that he and Rocky, who were childhood friends, were part of the same artistic community in their New York high school, according to AP. Both were affiliated with the A$AP Mob, a hip-hop collective that includes high-charting rapper A$AP Ferg and the late A$AP Yams.

Their friendship deteriorated, leading to the confrontation in Hollywood on November 6, 2021, during which Ephron stated that Rocky first drew a weapon on him.

There was also a subsequent incident where Rocky allegedly fired shots that grazed Ephron’s knuckles, as reported by AP. The police did not recover the supposed firearm, described as a 9 mm pistol, during the search conducted with a warrant on Rocky.

A$AP Rocky’s Arrest in the Assault Case

In April 2022, authorities arrested the “Fashion Killa” rapper at Los Angeles International Airport in relation to the shooting, a confirmation from the LAPD at that time noted. He was apprehended upon returning from Barbados with Rihanna at LAX before being booked for “assault with a deadly weapon.”

The “Praise the Lord” rapper was later released after posting a $550,000 bail, according to LAPD. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Victoria B. Wilson mandated that Rocky must avoid contact with Ephron.

In August 2022, Rocky pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was required to repeat his not guilty plea in January 2024 after a November ruling found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Contributing: Charles Trepany