A$AP Rocky has revealed that his mother, Renee Black, always believed he was destined to end up with global music icon Rihanna, long before their friendship turned into one of pop culture’s most talked-about romances.
In a recent interview on the New York Times Popcast, the American rapper shared that his mother consistently encouraged him to pursue Rihanna, even when he insisted they were nothing more than close friends. Rocky admitted he brushed off her comments at the time, convinced Rihanna was not romantically interested in him.
According to the rapper, his mother’s instincts eventually proved right, as the timing finally worked in their favour. Looking back, Rocky said he now understands why she was so persistent.
“My mother used to say, ‘I know you like this girl that you are with right now, but I want you with Riri,’” he recalled. “I used to be like, ‘Mum, why do you keep saying that? She does not even want me like that. Be cool, she’s just my friend.’”
Rocky added that his mother’s belief came at the right moment in his life, noting that he may not have been ready for such a serious relationship earlier on. “Mothers know best,” he said, expressing gratitude for her guidance.
Before settling down with Rihanna, A$AP Rocky had been linked to several high-profile figures, including Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, model Chanel Iman, and fashion designer and influencer Amina Muaddi. Rihanna, on her part, also had a well-documented dating history, having previously been romantically involved with singer Chris Brown, and Saudi billionaire Hassan Jameel.
Rocky and Rihanna’s love story officially began in late 2020, when their longtime friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. Since then, the couple have built a family together, welcoming their first child in May 2022 and their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023.
In September 2025, the couple expanded their family once again with the birth of their third child, Rocki Irish Mayers.
