Rapper A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has recently made headlines not only for his music but also for his new role as Ray-Ban’s first creative director. This announcement came shortly after his acquittal in a high-profile gun assault case involving former friend A$AP Relli on February 18, 2025. The timing of this news has sparked interest in both his legal battles and his evolving career in the fashion and music industries.
In a press release cited by GQ, it was revealed that A$AP Rocky will focus on Ray-Ban’s music-centric subdivision, Ray-Ban Studios. His responsibilities will include curating collections, designing store layouts, and directing marketing campaigns. The collaboration is set to debut with the Blacked Out Collection, which is scheduled for release in April. Rocky expressed his admiration for Ray-Ban’s ability to maintain its heritage while evolving with the times, stating, “I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.”
As of February 20, 2025, A$AP Rocky’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, a testament to his successful career in music and fashion. His journey began in 2007 when he joined the Harlem-based hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, which included a diverse group of rappers, producers, and fashion designers. His early singles, “Purple Swag” and “Peso,” garnered significant attention, leading to a record deal with Polo Grounds Music in 2011. This marked the beginning of his solo career, which has since flourished.
Rocky’s debut mixtape, “Live. Love. A$AP,” released in October 2011, received critical acclaim and set the stage for his first studio album, “Long. Live. A$AP,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. His subsequent albums, “At.Long.Last.A$AP” (2015) and “Testing” (2018), continued to showcase his artistic evolution and commercial success. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a plethora of artists, including Tyler, the Creator, Drake, and Lana Del Rey, further solidifying his status in the music industry.
In addition to his musical endeavors, A$AP Rocky has made a name for himself in the fashion world. He has collaborated with major brands such as Guess, Under Armour, and Dior, and has been a prominent figure at fashion weeks globally. His style is often characterized by bold choices, and his appearance at the American Sabotage show during Paris Fashion Week in June 2024 featured Ray-Ban eyewear, hinting at his growing influence in the fashion realm.
Rocky’s ventures extend beyond music and fashion; in 2022, he launched his own whisky brand, Mercer + Prince, and has been involved in various merchandise collaborations. In 2024, he established his talent collective, AWGE, which brings together artists from diverse fields, further showcasing his commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration.
The partnership between A$AP Rocky and Ray-Ban is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects a merging of music and fashion. The press release announcing his appointment included paparazzi photos from his recent trial, where he was seen wearing Ray-Ban products, including wire-rimmed eyeglasses and classic Wayfarers. This strategic move not only highlights his personal style but also aligns with Ray-Ban’s brand identity.
The upcoming Blacked Out Collection is expected to feature dark lenses and gold-plated detailing, embodying both Rocky’s signature aesthetic and Ray-Ban’s bold design philosophy. As A$AP Rocky prepares to co-chair the Met Gala on May 5, 2025, alongside notable figures like Pharrell Williams and LeBron James, his influence in both the music and fashion industries continues to grow, marking an exciting new chapter in his multifaceted career.
