A$AP Rocky Reflects on the Early Days of His Love Story with Rihanna

A$AP Rocky recently took a walk down memory lane, sharing the exact moment he believes Rihanna first “fell in love” with him. In an interview with *W* magazine, the “Fashion Killa” rapper, now a father of two with Rihanna, opened up about their relationship, his upcoming album *Don’t Be Dumb*, and the evolution of his life since they first crossed paths in 2012.

Back then, Rocky was preparing for the release of his debut album, *Long. Live. A$AP*, when he filmed the music video for the single “Fashion Killa” at the Mercer Hotel in Manhattan. In the video, he nabbed Rihanna as his onscreen love interest, which he says was where their real-life connection began to blossom.

 “This is very special because this is the first place she fell in love with me,” Rocky told the outlet, reminiscing about the video’s set. He recalled, “Virgil Abloh shot the music video for ‘Fashion Killa’ in 2012, and that was the same couch where Rihanna and I sat in the first scene. That was that same room.”

In the video, Rocky and Rihanna lounge together on a sleek, white couch in the hotel, followed by a late-night shopping spree. However, Rocky revealed that their flirtations actually began even before the video shoot. He described an earlier encounter at a nightclub when he was still relatively unknown. “It’s a lot of history between us,” he reflected.

“I was kicked out of this nightclub. They wasn’t giving me no access to it. This is when I’m just starting out, so nobody knows me. I was with Matthew Williams and Virgil. I was getting into it with the bouncers, and she came out.” He added, “We just locked eyes. She didn’t even know us, but she was like, ‘Yo! Why y’all not letting him in? What’s wrong with you?! Let that man in!’”

By 2012, Rocky and Rihanna’s chemistry was already causing speculation, notably when Rocky famously grabbed her during their performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. Despite the rumors, they didn’t officially start dating until 2019.

The couple went on to welcome two sons: RZA, born in 2021, and Riot, born in 2022. Rocky shared his perspective on fatherhood, saying, “Once you a parent, you just embody that, no matter what.” He emphasized how parenting has shifted his priorities and perspective, though he’s always known that he and Rihanna would make a family together. “I knew from when we were younger,” Rocky told *W*, adding that he believed “we both did.”

The relationship has certainly grown since those early encounters, evolving into a bond that’s fueled both their personal and professional lives. Rocky expressed his admiration for Rihanna’s charisma, describing her as both his partner and muse.

 While Rocky’s new album, *Don’t Be Dumb*, is on the horizon, he reflected on how fatherhood and his partnership with Rihanna have deeply influenced his music and life outlook.

As they continue to balance their lives in the spotlight with raising their young family, Rocky and Rihanna’s love story appears to be one of mutual respect, shared history, and lasting connection.