Rapper, songwriter, and producer A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, was charged with two felonies related to a 2021 shooting incident. 

The charges arose from a November 6, 2021, incident where Rocky allegedly pointed a gun at his former friend and A$AP Mob member, Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli), and fired twice near him. For clarification, A$AP Mob is an American hip-hop collective formed in 2006 in Harlem, New York City, consisting of rappers, record producers, music video directors, and fashion designers. Ephron claimed to have received a minor injury, stating that a bullet grazed his knuckles. Later, on April 20, 2022, Mayer was arrested after returning from vacation with his partner, Rihanna. He was released after posting a $550,000 bail. 

The trial began on January 21, 2025. Mayers pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal. This deal would have resulted in six months of prison, but if he had been convicted, he would have risked a maximum sentence of over 20 years. Mayers’ defense team argued that the firearm was a prop used in a music video shooting, and it only fired blanks. The prosecution, issued by Ephron’s team, alleged Mayers intentionally shot at him. Ephron also filed a civil lawsuit, which remains unresolved. 

After three weeks of testimony, the jury issued a not-guilty verdict. Upon hearing the decision, Mayers expressed his utmost gratitude by stating to the jury, “Thank y’all for saving my life.” He embraced his supporters with a momentous leap, exclaiming his excitement to Rihanna. 

Upon leaving the courtroom, Mayers addressed reporters, stating he and lawyer Joe Tacopina “want to thank God first. This is crazy right now. I’m thankful and blessed to be here right now, a free man talking to y’all.” After the verdict, Mayers decided he will recognize Tacopina as ‘A$AP Joe.’ The case has received significant media attention, partly due to Mayer’s high-profile relationship with Rihanna and his prominence within the music industry.

The verdict allowed Mayers to continue his music career without the threat of imprisonment. His soon-to-be-released album “Don’t Be Dumb” serves as an ironic message relating to the court case and to excite his fanbase. A$AP Rocky’s album titled “TESTING (2018)” was the last full-length LP we have seen from the rapper. In 2024, Rocky released hit singles such as “HIGHJACK” and “Tailor Swift,” possibly part of the “Don’t Be Dumb” tracklist. An adventurous horizon awaits as fans feel relieved of the trial’s verdict and excited about the future of A$AP Rocky and his music!