How A$AP Rocky's mother played cupid for rapper's Rihanna romance
- - How A$AP Rocky's mother played cupid for rapper's Rihanna romance
Edward Segarra, USA TODAYJanuary 16, 2026 at 1:07 AM
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It may not have been love at first sight for A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, but A$AP Mommy had a clear vision.
The Grammy-nominated rapper, who's been dating Rihanna since 2019, opened up about the beginning of their relationship during an interview on The New York Times podcast "Popcast," according to a preview clip shared on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
"My mother used to say [stuff] like, 'I know you like this girl that [you're] with right now, but I want you with Riri,'" Rocky, 37, told hosts Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli. "I used to be like, 'Mom, why [do] you keep saying that? That girl don't even want me like that. Like, be cool, Mom. Like, that's just my friend. Chill."
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna first teased their chemistry in the early 2010s when Rocky appeared on a 2012 remix of Rihanna's song "Cockiness (Love It)." The pair later performed the sensual track at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Rihanna, left, and A$AP Rocky perform onstage during the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sept. 6, 2012.
The following year, Rihanna guest-starred in A$AP Rocky's music video for "Fashion Killa." The Grammy-winning pop singer also enlisted Rocky as an opening act for her Diamonds World Tour.
Despite their burgeoning friendship, A$AP Rocky revealed on "Popcast" that it was his mother, Rina "Renee" Black, who pushed for him to start a romance with Rihanna. "Mothers know best," the rapper quipped, adding that his mother described Rihanna as "real."
"She was always my boo, you know what I'm saying?" Rocky reflected. "I'm thankful that she was put in my life at that time because I think any time prior to that, I don't think I was ready for something like that. I don't think she was either."
The pair began dating in late 2019, following the Barbadian singer's three-year romance with Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel. The couple has since welcomed three children: sons RZA Athleston, 3, and Riot Rose, 2, and four-month-old daughter Rocki Irish.
"It was just like we were on the same page," Rocky said. "Born the same year. My dad is from her country. My family, when I go back, I get to see both sides of my family. It's so many similarities, it's just funny. We laugh about it a lot."
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna family: Couple welcomes baby No. 3
Rihanna hints at wanting another child with A$AP Rocky
Rihanna may not be finished with the baby carriage just yet.
The singer, who welcomed her latest child in September, seemingly hinted at wanting more children in a Jan. 12 Instagram comment.
Reacting to a video by influencer Montana Brown that featured the caption, "Deciding whether to get hot and sexy or get pregnant in 2026," Rihanna wrote: "Wait! So, I'm not crazy then? Bet!"
A$AP Rocky, left, and Rihanna attend The Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Dec. 1, 2025.
'I loved him differently as a dad': Rihanna gushes about A$AP Rocky's parenting
In a December 2023 interview with Access Hollywood, Rihanna gushed about how starting a family changed her perception of Rocky.
"I loved him differently as a dad. This is major, major, like, it's a turn-on," Rihanna said. "It's just like, 'Wow! What a leader. What a great, patient, loving [dad]. And my kids are obsessed with him. I'm just a background, like, I'm an extra. Yep, it happens. … It doesn't matter if it's girls or boys. They love their dad differently, and I love to see it."
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ASAP Rocky mother pushed for Rihanna relationship
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
