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A$AP Rocky Says His Mother Urged Him to Pursue Rihanna on NYT’s Popcast

The revelation comes in a Popcast interview timed to Friday’s release of Don’t Be Dumb.

Overview

  • Rocky recounted that his mom, Renee Black, repeatedly told him she wanted him "with RiRi," a push he summed up by saying "Mothers know best."
  • He said he initially saw Rihanna as a friend and doubted she felt the same, later adding he was grateful they connected when they did.
  • The pair met in 2012 and remained close for years before starting to date in late 2019, later confirming the relationship publicly in 2020–2021.
  • Rocky highlighted shared roots and similarities with Rihanna, noting they were born the same year and that his father is from her home country of Barbados.
  • The Popcast appearance arrives as Rocky readies his album Don’t Be Dumb for Jan. 16, and recent coverage notes Rihanna hinted online she might consider another child in 2026.