Latest news with #D.M.B
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A$AP Rocky Gets Criminal Case Record Sealed After Acquittal
A$AP Rocky has lots to celebrate. He was a co-chair of the Met Gala in Manhattan Monday night, where he and Rihanna announced they're expecting their third child together. He's also starring in the new Spike Lee movie Highest 2 Lowest opposite Denzel Washington. And in a courtroom in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, a judge granted his petition to seal his criminal case records after he was found not guilty of charges he brandished and fired a semiautomatic pistol at a former friend. Rocky's high-powered lawyer Joe Tacopina confirms to Rolling Stone that the criminal case was sealed in response to a petition from the defense filed shortly after the Feb. 18, acquittal. 'Suffice it to say that yesterday was a very good day for the family as the sealing came on a day in which other great news was announced,' Tacopina says, referring to both the new ruling and the pregnancy reveal. More from Rolling Stone Jay-Z Claims Jane Doe Rape Accuser Is Still Making 'Malicious' Statements Smokey Robinson Sued for Sexual Assault by 4 Former Housekeepers Sean Combs Prosecutors Ask to Restrain Celeb Lawyer During Trial The sealing means Rocky's criminal case is no longer searchable on the court's public website. Rocky's April 2022 arrest is also no longer visible on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department website. Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has a separate 'motion for DNA expungement' set for October, according to a court scheduling service. Mayers, 36, was acquitted after a three-week trial during which his accuser, former friend Terell 'A$AP Relli' Ephron, testified. Ephron claimed Mayers threatened him with a Glock 43 near a parking garage outside the W Hollywood hotel on Nov. 6, 2021 and then opened fire on him at a nearby street corner, grazing his left hand amid a verbal dispute. Throughout the trial, Tacopina attacked Ephron's credibility and said Mayers was only carrying a prop gun that night, as a deterrent. He said the prop gun was procured from the set of the 'D.M.B' music video Mayers shot with Rihanna in July 2021. As soon as the first of two 'not guilty' verdicts was announced on Feb. 18, Rocky dove over a short gallery wall, directly into Rihanna's lap. He hugged her as she embraced him with her eyes closed. About a dozen supporters erupted in loud cheers. The rapper then hugged his lawyers and addressed the jurors as they departed, telling them, 'Thank you all for saving my life. Thank you. Thank you for making the right decision.' A juror who spoke with Rolling Stone after the acquittal said not all jurors were on the same page when they took their first vote in the deliberating room that morning. But it didn't take long once they focused on issues with the evidence, she said. 'We spent a lot of time discussing the concept of reasonable doubt, and the chain of evidence that was provided to us, setting aside personalities,' the juror, who asked to remain anonymous, told Rolling Stone. 'It was fundamentally about reasonable doubt.' Ephron is still pursuing an assault and battery lawsuit against Mayers involving the same incident. The next hearing in the civil case is set for May 22. A non-jury trial is set for Jan. 12, 2026. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
The South African
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
ASAP Rocky unveils Rihanna statue ring
ASAP Rocky's latest jewellery flex is a dazzling tribute to his partner, Rihanna – and it's nothing short of spectacular. The rapper recently unveiled a custom-made, diamond-encrusted ring that features a miniature statue of the global superstar herself. This ring isn't just any ring; it is a two-finger masterpiece crafted from 130 grams of 18-karat gold. Over five carats of brilliant white diamonds adorn it, making it a true showstopper. The ring, designed by celebrity jeweller Jason Arasheben, captures Rihanna's iconic silhouette in stunning detail. The statue echoes her unforgettable look from the 2019 British Fashion Awards, where she wore a mint satin mini dress. This is a favourite of Rocky's, who has called it his all-time favourite outfit, according to Page Six. The statue's head is decorated with gold chain links that mimic Rihanna's long braids, swinging gently with every movement of Rocky's hand. It adds a dynamic flair to the piece. In a behind-the-scenes video for Vogue ahead of the 2025 Met Gala, Rocky proudly showed off the ring. He said with a grin, 'You see this sexy thing? My shorty got the little fatty on her, too. You see that forehead? You know who it is.' His affection for Rihanna is clear, and fans have praised the ring as a symbol of 'iconic black love' and genuine adoration. While Rocky didn't wear the ring on the Met Gala red carpet, the ring remains a standout piece in his extensive jewellery collection. It first appeared in his 2022 'D.M.B.' music video, signalling how long his muse has inspired the rapper's style. Rihanna, who co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala, made a stunning entrance herself, showing off her baby bump in a chic Marc Jacobs ensemble. The couple recently announced they are expecting their third child, adding to their growing family with sons RZA, 2, and Riot, 1. In the world of celebrity fashion and jewellery, A$AP Rocky's Rihanna ring stands out as a dazzling symbol of devotion. As one fan put it, 'He adores her and openly displays it, and I love that.' It's a reminder that in the high-stakes game of fame and fashion, love can be the most precious jewel of all. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Perth Now
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
A$AP Rocky wants to work with Rihanna
A$AP Rocky would love to act alongside Rihanna. The 36-year-old rap star has revealed that he would relish the opportunity to appear on-screen alongside Rihanna, his long-time partner and the mother of his children. Asked if he'd like to act alongside Rihanna, Rocky told Variety: "Hell, yeah. You saw her acting in my film [the 2022 music video] 'D.M.B.' You saw her acting in [my 2013 music video] 'Fashion Killa'." Rocky stars in 'Highest 2 Lowest', the new Spike Lee-directed neo-noir crime thriller film, while Rihanna has lent her voice to the new 'Smurfs' movie. The rap star is amazed that they both have new movies being released in the same year. Rocky - who has RZA, two, Riot, 21 months, and a third child on the way with Rihanna - said: "That's gangster. "Yo, this s*** is jokes though. We both got movies coming out the same year. I didn't even realise that. Wow! Shout-outs to us - we've been working!" Rocky would actually loved to make a movie that his children could enjoy. The rap star revealed that he wants to find film projects that are "cool and timeless". He said: "I want to do something for my children. Everybody's doing 'Despicable Me' and 'SpongeBob' and s*** like that. I want to do an original DreamWorks/Pixar-ass film, like 'Soul'. "I like the internet stuff too, like 'Gracie's Corner'. I hate 'Cocomelon'. 'Cocomelon' is bad for the kids, man, but 'Gracie's' is hittin'. I just hope my kids don't grow up and think that s*** was lame. So, whatever I do, it's gonna be cool and timeless." Rocky stars alongside Denzel Washington in 'Highest 2 Lowest' and although he has huge admiration for the Hollywood icon, he wasn't overawed by the challenge. He said: "I was born for this. "I'm not gonna waste nobody's time. This is what I do - this is the same approach you would take to making an album or to directing or designing anything: You've got to give it your all. "People judge you by integrity; that's how you can measure someone's principles and morals. If somebody don't got integrity, and they're just doing it for the cheque or the look or the next opportunity, it never works out for them."
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
A$AP Rocky says ‘hell yeah' to potential film with Rihanna, playing ‘Black James Bond'
May 06, 2025 09:58 PM IST Rapper A$AP Rocky will soon star in Highest 2 Lowest with Denzel Washington. He would also like to play 'Black James Bond', he revealed in an interview with Variety. However, there's one thing he would love to do – collaborate with his partner Rihanna, with whom he's having his third baby soon. (Also Read: Rihanna is pregnant! Singer debuts baby bump ahead of Met Gala 2025 appearance) Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky are about to have their third baby together.(AFP) Rocky was asked if he would like to star in action films given that he pulled off some of his own stunts for Highest 2 Lowest. He replied, 'I'm down for whatever. I think I need to be the new Black James Bond. Like, why not? If we hit the gym, I'ma be aight. Right now I'm in dad mode; you're gonna have to give me a couple months.' He was then asked if he would like to work with Rihanna in a film, to which he replied, 'Hell, yeah. You saw her acting in my film (the 2022 music video) D.M.B. You saw her acting in (my 2013 music video) Fashion Killa.' While Rocky said he 'can't give away' if he would like to star in a romance with her, he did state that he would 'more than likely' direct it. Rocky was also asked about the emotional moment in February when a Los Angeles jury acquitted him in a felony assault trial. He was asked specifically about the moment he ran into Rihanna's arms and hugged his family. When asked what he felt in the moment, he candidly said he was 'happy' and wanting to 'get the f**k out that building'. About Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Rihanna and Rocky began working together in 2012 when she was famous and he was new to the block. In 2022, she gave birth to their first child, Athelston Mayers. In 2023, they had their second child, Riot Rose Mayers. She debuted her baby bump at a Super Bowl performance. At the Met Gala held on Monday evening, Rihanna revealed that she was expecting her third child with Rocky.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A$AP Rocky Acquitted on All Charges at Gun Assault Trial
A Los Angeles jury acquitted A$AP Rocky of all the firearm assault charges brought against him for his curbside altercation with former friend A$AP Relli that ended with the sound of gunfire crackling through the heart of Hollywood. Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, stood in a tailored pinstriped suit, looking calm with his hands in his pockets as jurors filed into the courtroom after only three and a half hours of deliberation in the closely watched case. Rihanna watched from the front row along with Rocky's mother and sister, Erika B. More from Rolling Stone A$AP Rocky's Fate in Hands of Jury After Lawyers Clash in Court Jay-Z, Sean Combs Accuser Drops Sexual Assault Lawsuit Trump Appointee Quits Instead of Dropping Eric Adams Charges, Alleges Quid Pro Quo As soon as the verdict to count one was read, Rocky jumped over the gallery wall and fell into Rihanna's lap, hugging her. Many in the courtroom crowd erupted in applause. The rapper addressed the judge and jurors as they left, telling them, 'Thank you guys for saving my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you, your honor.' The 36-year-old rapper was accused of brandishing a Glock 43 semiautomatic firearm and pointing it menacingly at Relli during an initial confrontation near a parking garage outside the W Hollywood hotel on Nov. 6, 2021. During five days of testimony, Relli, born Terell Ephron, told jurors Mayers returned the gun to his waistband but then pulled it out again and fired two shots at him a block away. Ephron said he immediately felt a hot sensation on his left hand and believed he was grazed by a 9 mm bullet. Throughout the trial, Mayers didn't dispute he pulled the trigger. Instead, he claimed through his lawyer that he was carrying a prop gun that he'd received from the set of the 'D.M.B.' music video he shot with Rihanna in July 2021. Mayers claimed he fired two blanks as 'warning shots' to stop Ephron's alleged attack on A$AP Illz, another member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, the lawyer said. The 13-day trial set up dramatically different narratives of what happened that night. In Ephron's version, adopted by prosecutors, Mayers had insulted him during an overheard phone call the day before and was harboring 'weird grudges' when he pulled up to the meeting with an entourage consisting of Illz, born Illijah Ulanger, and A$AP Twelvyy, born Jamel Phillips. Ephron claimed Mayers blurted out, 'What's up now, pussy?' and made the first physical move by grabbing his collar. He testified that Mayers threatened to kill him but retreated when he saw pedestrians approaching. Ephron admitted he followed Mayers around a corner, taunting him. He said Mayers eventually turned and opened fire at the corner of Selma Ave. and Vista Del Mar Ave. but couldn't get a clear shot because Ephron grabbed Ulanger and used him as a 'human shield.' After receiving a 911 call, police responded to the scene but never found any shell casings or signs of a shooting, multiple LAPD officers testified. Ephron claimed he went back later that night and quickly found two 9 mm steel casings that he placed in a plastic bag and held for two days before handing them over to police. In Mayers' version, it was Ephron who was the initial aggressor that night, the one who stalked him around two street corners and couldn't be trusted. Mayers didn't testify in his own defense, but his lawyer Joe Tacopina subjected Ephron to a bruising cross-examination that accused him of fabricating the shell casing evidence to try to extort his wealthy friend with a $30 million lawsuit. Calling Ephron an 'angry pathological liar,' Tacopina accused Ephron of deleting four critical text messages before handing his phone over to police. The deleted texts, sent to Mayers the morning of the incident, called the rapper a 'pussy' and dared him to start a physical fight. 'I wish you would,' he texted, adding, 'Give me a reason.' The lawyer argued Ephron 'perjured' himself again when he claimed phone calls recorded by a mutual friend and handed over to Mayers were 'fake,' created by artificial intelligence. In the calls, Ephron said he hoped to extract millions from Mayers and then go hide from prosecutors on a tropical island. The mutual friend later authenticated the calls on the witness stand, and prosecutors accepted they were real. In one of the most dramatic twists of the trial, Tacopina confronted Ephron with video seized from his phone that showed him shooting a semiautomatic pistol at a gun range on Oct. 19, 2021 – just two weeks before the incident in Hollywood. Ephron had just testified that he'd never fired a 9 mm semiautomatic before that night, not even at a gun range. In the video, spent shell casings were seen visibly ejecting over his shoulder. After seeing the video, Ephron told jurors the gun range was definitely not in Los Angeles. Three days later, he returned to the witness stand and said he did some 'homework' and determined the range was actually the Los Angeles Gun Club. Tacopina argued that Ephron was forced into the about-face because a Twitter user posted an interior photo of the Los Angeles Gun Club that appeared 'identical' to the Ephron video. In his closing argument, Tacopina said Ephron 'blatantly lied' about his access to spent 9 mm shell casings before the incident, calling his testimony 'a perjury mini-series.' 'Remember how that all played out here when considering his credibility,' Tacopina said. 'There'd be no reason to lie about that unless he had to cover up something.' (Ephron told jurors he did not concoct any evidence in the case.) No fingerprints were found on the shell casings handed over by Ephron and no firearm was ever recovered. Surveillance video clips showing the initial scuffle at the garage and the alleged shooting a block away were played over and over for jurors. The shooting video was recorded with no sound, but prosecutors synchronized it with the sound of two loud pops recorded from a different camera around the corner. Mayers' lawyers used the same methodology to come up with their own synchronization. In the prosecution's version, the first pop comes just before Ephron tangles with Ulanger. In the defense version, the first pop comes after Ephron is seen in contact with Ulanger, supporting the defense claim Mayers fired to defend Ulanger. The judge allowed both videos to be admitted, leaving jurors with the task of determining which made more sense. Mayers' star defense witness was A$AP Twelvyy. He told jurors Ephron was the aggressor from the start and that he believed the prop gun only came out at the parking garage because Mayers' pants started to fall during the initial tussle, leading Mayers to grab it with his non-dominant left hand. He claimed both he and Ephron knew the gun was a prop and that Ephron even blurted at one point, 'Shoot that fake-ass gun.' (In his prior testimony, Ephron denied calling the gun fake. He did recall daring Mayers to fire, allegedly saying 'If you brought a gun, use it then.') To further corroborate his prop gun defense, Mayers called Lou Levin, a tour manager also known as A$AP Lou. Levin told jurors that Mayers got the prop gun from the set of the 'D.M.B.' music video he filmed with Rihanna in July 2021 and had it with him the day of the run-in with Ephron because he carried it as a deterrent to violence. Levin said he personally returned the prop gun to the video's co-director after the incident. 'The decision was made because, like I said, [Rocky] carried it to deter violence, and on Nov. 6, it obviously didn't work. And he decided to just get actual armed security, and he didn't want to carry it anymore,' Levin testified. 'I flew back to New York with it and gave it to the co-director we got it from.' The high-profile trial was marked by strife between Tacopina – a pit bull lawyer famed for representing celebrity clients including Meek Mill, YG and President Trump – and Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, known for prosecuting Robert Durst. The sniping got to so heated one afternoon, after jurors left, that Judge Arnold yelled 'Stop it!' as Mayers stepped in between the men to signal it was time to walk away. The proceeding also made headlines for Rihanna's appearances in the courtroom. The superstar singer, who shares two young sons with Mayers, attended seven days of trial sitting in a front row seat. One afternoon, she appeared late in the day and greeted Mayers with a long hug in a vestibule just outside the courtroom. On Thursday, she walked in with the couple's two toddler sons while the prosecution was starting its summation. During a morning break, Mayers walked down the hall holding the younger boy upside down. On Valentines Day, Rihanna sat with Mayers during another break, gently caressing his cheek while the couple sat on a courtroom bench, surrounded by beefy security guards. Mayer's mother, Renee Black, attended each day of the trial to support her son. She famously named her son after one one-half of the famed New York hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim and raised him in Harlem. Mayers became one of the original A$AP Mob members and released his first breakthrough singles, 'Purple Swag' and 'Peso,' in 2011. He achieved mainstream success two years later when his first studio album, At. Long. Last. A$AP, hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Beyond music, Mayers also is known for his substantial influence in the world of men's fashion. He's been the face of campaigns for Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Rihanna's Savage X Fenty line. He emerged from his chauffeur-driven SUV each morning looking like he just walked off the pages of a glossy magazine. There was a Chanel trapper hat, a Celine leather bomber jacket and a Saint Laurent trench coat that got a mention in a New York Times story about Mayers' trial style. The trial was no doubt a stark change of scenery for the musical artist who's been living with his billionaire partner, traveling the world and setting up the next stage of his career. As the proceeding opened, Mayers was set to headline the Los Angeles Rolling Loud California festival scheduled for March. He also was tapped to serve as co-chair of the next Met Gala alongside Pharrell Williams and LeBron James in May. Meanwhile, music fans are awaiting the imminent release of his fourth studio album, Don't Be Dumb. And Mayers is due to make his mainstream acting debut as one of the main characters in Spike Lee's upcoming reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 kidnapping drama High and Low. The new film, titled Highest 2 Lowest, was shot last year in New York with co-stars Denzel Washington and fellow rapper Ice Spice. On a courthouse elevator early in the trial, Mayers asked a camera operator covering his case about his equipment, whether it was similar to a camera used by Lee. He seemed eager to talk shop, eager to change the subject to anything creative. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
