ASAP Rocky Acquitted: Gun Assault Trial, Biography & Family

When a jury reads a verdict after three weeks of testimony, the silence in a courtroom can feel heavier than any argument. For A$AP Rocky, that silence broke on February 18, 2025, with two words: not guilty.

Net worth: Estimated $40 million ·
Age: 36 (born Oct 3, 1988) ·
Children: 2 ·
Felonies charged: 2 (acquitted) ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)

Eight key facts about A$AP Rocky, one pattern: the rapper’s public identity is split between his music career and a legal chapter that could have ended it.

Here are the essential details that define the artist and his recent legal battle.

What is ASAP Rocky accused of?

The 2021 Shooting Incident

The charges stemmed from a confrontation on November 6, 2021, in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The alleged victim was Terrell Ephron, known professionally as A$AP Relli, a former friend and fellow member of the A$AP Mob collective (ABC News (major news network)). Prosecutors argued that during an argument, Rocky pulled a semiautomatic firearm and fired shots in Relli’s direction.

The Charges Filed

• Two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm (ABC News (major news network))
• Maximum exposure: up to 24 years in prison if convicted (People (celebrity news outlet))
• Rocky pleaded not guilty and turned down a plea deal, opting for a jury trial (People (celebrity news outlet))

The Trial and Verdict

The trial began in January 2025 in Los Angeles and lasted approximately three weeks (ABC7 Los Angeles (local ABC affiliate)). On February 18, 2025, the jury deliberated for about three hours before returning a verdict of not guilty on both counts (ABC7 Los Angeles (local ABC affiliate)). The verdict was read in a Los Angeles courtroom around 4 p.m. PT (FOX 5 New York (local news affiliate)).

How many felonies does ASAP Rocky have?

Felony Charges in the Gun Assault Case

Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm on August 15, 2022 (ABC News (major news network)). Both counts stemmed from the same November 2021 incident involving A$AP Relli. The jury acquitted him on both counts (ABC News (major news network)).

Other Legal Issues

Prior to this case, Rocky had no major felony convictions. He was involved in a 2019 incident in Sweden where he was convicted of assault following a street brawl, but that case did not result in felony charges in the U.S. The 2025 acquittal means he currently has no felony record.

The implication: Rocky walked into court facing two felonies that could have ended his freedom and career. He walked out with zero convictions. The legal system, in this instance, sided with the defense’s narrative of a prop gun and no intent to harm.

When did ASAP Rocky come out?

Early Life and Joining A$AP Mob

Born Rakim Mayers on October 3, 1988, in Harlem, New York City, Rocky began his music career in 2007 when he joined the A$AP Mob collective (ABC News (major news network)). The group, founded by A$AP Yams, A$AP Bari, and others, became a defining force in New York hip-hop’s revival.

Breakthrough with ‘Live. Love. A$AP’ (2011)

Rocky’s debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP, dropped in October 2011 and immediately drew critical acclaim for its blend of Southern hip-hop production with New York lyricism. Tracks like “Peso” and “Purple Swag” became internet sensations. The mixtape led to a record deal with RCA Records and Polo Grounds Music.

• 2013: Debut studio album Long. Live. A$AP released, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200
• 2015: Second album At.Long.Last.A$AP also debuted at No. 1
• 2018: Third album Testing released
• Upcoming: Fourth album Don’t Be Dumb expected in 2025

The pattern: Rocky’s career trajectory moved from Harlem mixtape sensation to mainstream chart-topper in under two years. His legal troubles in 2021-2025 created a pause, but the acquittal clears the path for his next chapter.

How many kids does ASAP Rocky have?

Relationship with Rihanna

Rocky has been in a relationship with global pop icon Rihanna since 2019. The couple has kept much of their private life out of the public eye, but Rihanna’s presence at Rocky’s trial was widely covered. She attended court hearings and was seen celebrating with him after the verdict.

Birth of Sons

• First son: born May 2022
• Second son: born August 2023

The couple has not publicly released the names of their children. Rocky has described fatherhood as a grounding experience in interviews, noting that his priorities shifted after becoming a parent.

What’s happening to ASAP Rocky?

The Not Guilty Verdict

The jury’s verdict on February 18, 2025, was definitive: not guilty on both felony counts (People (celebrity news outlet)). Coverage from CourtTV (legal coverage network) ranked the verdict as one of the top legal moments of 2025.

Public Reaction and Rihanna’s Support

Rihanna was photographed celebrating with Rocky after the verdict, and the couple’s public display of relief became a major media story. The trial had drawn significant attention because of Rocky’s celebrity status and his relationship with one of the world’s most famous musicians (YouTube (video coverage)).

Future Plans and Tour

With the legal chapter closed, Rocky is expected to tour in support of his upcoming album Don’t Be Dumb. The album has been in development for several years, and the acquittal removes the uncertainty that had surrounded his ability to promote and perform.

Timeline: A$AP Rocky’s Life and Legal Case

• October 1988: Born as Rakim Mayers in Harlem, New York
• 2007: Joins A$AP Mob and adopts stage name A$AP Rocky
• 2011: Releases debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP to critical acclaim
• 2013: Debut studio album Long. Live. A$AP released
• 2015: Second album At.Long.Last.A$AP debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200
• 2018: Third album Testing released
• November 2021: Altercation in Hollywood leads to charges of assault with a firearm
• August 2022: Charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm
• May 2022: First son born to Rihanna and ASAP Rocky
• August 2023: Second son born
• January 2025: Trial begins in Los Angeles
• February 2025: Jury finds A$AP Rocky not guilty on all counts

Confirmed Facts vs. What Remains Unclear

Key Quotes from the Trial

“The jury has reached a verdict in the case of the People vs. Rakim Mayers.”

— Court clerk, as reported by FOX 5 New York (local news affiliate)

“He fired a gun at a former friend. That is assault.”

— Prosecution argument, as covered by ABC News (major news network)

“It was a starter pistol. No bullets were fired. No one was hurt.”

— Defense argument, as reported by FOX 5 New York (local news affiliate)

“Rihanna was seen celebrating with Rocky after the verdict was read.”

— People (celebrity news outlet)

The verdict closes a chapter that could have rewritten Rocky’s life entirely. For a rapper who rose from Harlem to global fame, the difference between a felony conviction and freedom came down to three hours of jury deliberation. For his family — Rihanna and their two sons — the outcome means he remains present, not incarcerated. For the music industry, it means one of hip-hop’s most distinctive voices will continue to release and perform. The trade-off is clear: the legal system worked in his favor this time, but the shadow of the accusation will follow him. For Rocky, the next album and tour are not just career moves — they are the evidence that his life, post-verdict, is moving forward.

The jury’s decision on February 18, 2025 cleared him of all charges, and for a deeper look at the case, readers can explore the rappers acquittal details.

Frequently asked questions

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