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On February 18, 2025, A$AP Rocky was acquitted of all charges related to a 2021 shooting incident involving his former friend, A$AP Relli. The not guilty verdict was met with widespread support and relief within the hip-hop community, with several prominent artists expressing their reactions publicly.
A$AP Rocky’s Emotional Response
Upon hearing the verdict, A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, displayed visible emotion in the courtroom. He leaped over the courtroom rail to embrace his partner, Rihanna, who had been a steadfast presence throughout the trial. Outside the Los Angeles Superior Court, Rocky addressed the media, stating, First of all, we want to thank God. We really want to thank the jury for making the right decision We’re blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y’all.
Support from Fellow Artists
The acquittal prompted reactions from various artists in the hip-hop community:
Nicki Minaj: The rapper shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram Story, featuring a photo of Rihanna and Rocky with their two children, captioned, To God Be The Glory.
Ye (formerly Kanye West): Ye posted a black-and-white image of A$AP Rocky in court on his Instagram, accompanied by a praying hands emoji. The post garnered over 1.6 million likes within 14 hours.
50 Cent: Known for his candid social media presence, 50 Cent took to Instagram to express his confidence in Rocky’s acquittal, stating, Not Guilty I told [ninja]’s I would bet 500,000 K he gonna beat it.
Spike Lee: The acclaimed filmmaker celebrated the verdict and used the opportunity to promote his upcoming film, Highest 2 Lowest, starring A$AP Rocky and Denzel Washington. Lee wrote, Good Morning, Thanks To The Judge And Jury For The NOT GUILTY VERDICT A$AP And DENZEL WASHINGTON Are [fire] In HIGHEST 2 LOWEST. DA New SPIKE LEE JOINT This SUMMER.
Papoose: The rapper shared the viral clip of Rocky’s leap into the courtroom gallery, adding, I know on the internet everything is a joke. But man I’m so happy for this dude. Peace to Asap & his family! God is good.
Rihanna’s Gratitude
Rihanna, who attended multiple court sessions and provided unwavering support, expressed her gratitude on social media. She wrote in an Instagram Story, THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY.
Looking Ahead
With the trial behind him, A$AP Rocky is eager to focus on his family and career. Reports suggest that he and Rihanna are spending quality time with their sons, RZA and Riot, after the stressful period of the trial. Additionally, the couple humorously mentioned the possibility of naming their next child after Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, in appreciation of his successful defence.
The hip-hop community’s outpouring of support underscores the solidarity among artists and the collective relief following A$AP Rocky’s acquittal.
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