A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s love story transitioned from friendship to romance.

The two music artists and fashion influencers have built a thoughtful relationship, now blessed with a lovely young family that includes their two small sons, RZA and Riot Rose.

However, their relationship has faced increased challenges due to Rocky’s ongoing felony assault trial in Los Angeles.

Born Rakim Mayers and raised in Harlem, New York, Rocky is facing two felony charges for assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He is accused of firing a gun twice at Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, during a dispute in Hollywood, California, back in November 2021. As of January 2024, he has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

If found guilty, he could face up to 24 years in prison.

“We’re ready to move forward. It has been a lengthy wait,” Rocky’s attorney Joe Tacopina stated following a January 15 hearing, as reported by The Associated Press. “This has been a matter hanging over Rocky, Rihanna, and their family for too long, and we are eager to proceed and put this behind him.”

Let’s take a closer look at how their relationship unfolded.

When Did Rihanna and A$AP Rocky First Meet?

Rihanna and Rocky, both now 36 years old, first crossed paths during rehearsals for their collaborative performance of “Cockiness (Love It)” at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. The rapper sparked dating rumors when he playfully grabbed her backstage.

“My team was worried I was too enamored with him,” she recounted in an interview with Interview magazine. “But I just laughed it off. That’s probably why people were going crazy thinking I had a crush on him.”

Musical Collaborations Between Rihanna and A$AP Rocky

Over the years, the couple has collaborated multiple times, including the remix of Rihanna’s “Talk That Talk” song “Cockiness (Love It).” In 2013, Rocky was the opening act for Rihanna during her Diamonds World Tour.

Both stars have also appeared in each other’s music videos, with Rihanna featuring in Rocky’s “Fashion Killa” (2013) and “D.M.B.” (2022).

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Dating Background

Before their romance blossomed, both had notable relationships, some confirmed and others rumored.

Rihanna was in a high-profile relationship with Chris Brown in the late 2000s and has been linked to figures like Matt Kemp, Hassan Jameel, and Drake.

Similarly, A$AP Rocky has been rumored to have dated Iggy Azalea, Chanel Iman, and had a brief rumored relationship with Kendall Jenner around 2016-2017, which neither confirmed.

When Did They Start Dating?

The Fenty Beauty entrepreneur explained that their relationship began cautiously.

They were close friends but didn’t enter a romantic relationship until 2019. “We had similar views on fashion and creativity. We often found ourselves in the same social circles,” Rihanna shared in an interview.

“It took us a long time to get here. We both experienced various relationships and were aware of the impact we could have on each other,” she explained. “We knew we could make each other happy but also could potentially hurt each other. So, we approached dating with caution.”

She continued, “I just allowed things to flow naturally. It was as if watching a flower that either blooms or wilts.”

By 2020, they enjoyed a cross-country road trip and were seen together in Barbados during Christmas, stirring up new dating speculations. Rocky officially acknowledged their relationship in a May 2021 GQ interview, referring to Rihanna as “the love of my life.”

“She is worth more than all my past partners combined. When you know, you just know,” he stated confidently, affirming she’s the one for him.

When Did They Become Parents?

In 2022, they welcomed their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, named after Wu-Tang member RZA, who shares a middle name with Rocky.

Their second son, Riot Rose Mayers, joined the family in 2023.

The “Work” singer praised Rocky’s parenting abilities in 2023, saying, “Observing him as a father has deepened my love for him. It’s a remarkable transformation. He’s just such a great leader and an incredibly patient, loving dad. The kids are totally captivated by him; I feel like just a background character!”

Rihanna also shared in April, that while they never explicitly discussed starting a family, she felt that they were naturally meant to be parents. “It wasn’t a topic of conversation, but it felt undeniable. It was the best experience for us—it just unfolded,” she reflected.

She expressed openness to having more children, guided by faith. “I’m not sure what plans God has, but I’d certainly be open to trying for a daughter. However, if it’s another son, that’s equally wonderful,” she added.

Rihanna’s Support During A$AP Rocky’s Trial

Reports indicate that Rihanna was seen attending Rocky’s criminal trial in Los Angeles on January 29, as noted by Variety and People magazine.

According to People, she wore all black and sat beside Rocky’s mother, Renee Black, and his sister, Erika B. Mayers, in the gallery at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Contributing: Edward Segarra