Rihanna and A$AP Rocky became partners nearly a decade after they teamed up for the first time.
Throughout their friendship and blossoming romance, Rihanna kept busy with chart-topping songs like “Work” and “We Found Love” — as well as billion-dollar companies like Savage X Fenty and Fenty Beauty — while Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, also built a formidable reputation in the music industry with hits like “F**kin’ Problems” and “Sundress.”
The two artists have always been supportive of each other’s careers, whether starring together in music videos or partnering up for skincare campaigns. They finally confirmed their rumored romance in 2021 and welcomed their first child the following year.
Here’s a complete timeline of Rihanna and Rocky’s relationship so far.
Ashley Simone Johnson contributed reporting to this article.
September 6, 2012: They perform together at the MTV Video Music Awards
Rihanna and Rocky first paired up when she tapped him to feature on the remix of her song, “Cockiness (Love It),” which was released online on September 7, 2012.
The day before, they performed their remix together at the VMAs, where Rocky grabbed Rihanna’s butt and gave her a peck on the cheek.
Rihanna later told Vogue the PDA wasn’t planned.
“He grabbed my ass on stage. That was not part of the rehearsal!” she revealed. “I was like, ‘What are you doing!?'”
She also said her team was shocked when she didn’t get upset: “My manager was like, ‘Oh, God, she must like this guy a little bit. She never lets this shit slide.'”
March 2013: Rocky joins Rihanna on tour
Rihanna recruited the “Goldie” rapper to be her opening act on the Diamonds World Tour.
The tour included 28 stops and ended on May 5, 2013.
April 10, 2013: Rocky denies dating rumors
Rocky clarified his relationship status while on set for A$AP Ferg’s “Work” remix video.
“Yeah, I expected people to say that me and Rihanna were sleeping around. We’re just cool,” he told MTV. “Man, dudes be tryin’ to front like they tappin’ Rihanna’s [anatomy] and all that, but they don’t be hittin’ it.”
“I aint hittin’ it either. I’m just cool with her. I don’t even look at her like that. She’s sexy, but I’m good,” he continued.
“That’s really a friend. She supports me, man. She’s bringing me out, she ain’t have to do that. That girl came to my Coachella a year ago. I got nothing but love for Rih Rih; that’s the homey right there. I ain’t tryin’ to get in no trouble with no Rihanna rumors.”
September 2013: Rihanna stars in Rocky’s ‘Fashion Killa’ music video
Rihanna starred as Rocky’s love interest in his video for “Fashion Killa,” a single from his debut studio album, “Long. Live. A$AP.”
In an interview with 106 & Park, the rapper was asked why he chose Rihanna to be in his video, to which he replied, “She’s a fashion killa in my eyes. I respect her jigginess. I respect her fashion sense.”
He added: “The chemistry was just organic. We were cool, we were chilling, it was whatever. We were faded. We were having fun.”
While filming the music video, they took to Instagram to post “couple-y” behind-the-scenes photos, according to Teen Vogue.
At this time, however, Rocky was reportedly dating Chanel Iman.
May 27, 2015: Rocky discusses his breakup with Iman and his relationship with Rihanna
In an interview with Hot 97, the rapper opened up about his split from the model after nearly two years of dating.
“I was so in love. To this day, it’s all good. I think for me, we’re young and it was something that was so real that it was so serious,” he explained. “I would say perfect girl, wrong time. I’m not OK with losing her, but that’s the way of the world. It’s not meant to work right now.”
When asked about a potential romance with Rihanna, he replied, “It never happened. If it happened, then it would have happened. We didn’t do that.”
“You never know,” Rocky continued. “That’s not what I’m looking forward to. I’m looking forward to the friendship that I already have with all these females because life is so complicated.”
June 2018: The duo are photographed looking cozy during Paris Fashion Week
The pair sat side-by-side in the front row at a Louis Vuitton show. They were photographed smiling and getting close, Rocky’s arm draped around Rihanna.
At the time, Rihanna was apparently dating Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel, while Rocky had recently been linked to Kendall Jenner.
September 2018: Rocky attends Rihanna’s Diamond Ball
The rapper attended the annual event in New York City to support Rihanna’s foundation, which helps raise funds to improve healthcare and education programs worldwide.
January 2019: Rocky opens up about his love life
During an interview on The Angie Martinez Show, Rocky confirmed he was in a new relationship with a “regular” girl.
“I prefer long-term friendships and relationships and acquaintances as opposed to one-night stands or just going out with somebody, then having them be your ex and hating them,” he said. “That’s why, for me, if I get involved with a female, nine times out of 10, she’s going to be in my life from that point moving forward.”
At the time, Rocky was rumored to be dating Top Shop model Jasmine Daniels. Eight months later, however, he stepped out with Brazilian model Daiane Sodré.
Later that year, Rocky revealed he’s “been a sex addict for some time.”
“These are things people stay away from, they don’t like to admit. I can’t be embarrassed about it. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I won’t do nothing that I’m not proud speaking of,” he told Martinez during an episode of “Untold Stories of Hip Hop.”
When Martinez asked if he’s “capable of a monogamous relationship,” Rocky replied, “Yes, of course.”
September 2019: Rocky attends the Diamond Ball again
The “Babushka Boi” rapper came out to support his friend’s charity event for the second year in a row.
December 2, 2019: Rocky and Rihanna pose for red carpet photos at the British Fashion Awards
The superstars were by each other’s sides for yet another event, the British Fashion Awards, where Rihanna accepted the Urban Luxe award for her Fenty sportswear.
Rihanna shared a series of photos on Instagram to mark the occasion, including two photos of herself with Rocky on the red carpet. She wrote in the caption, “Thank you @asaprocky for representing us on the carpet and always being so supportive of @Fenty !!”
December 11, 2019: Rihanna is spotted in the crowd at Rocky’s concert in Stockholm
Shortly after Rihanna was reportedly hanging out with Rocky’s entourage after his Rolling Loud set in New York City, the beauty mogul was spotted in the crowd at the rapper’s concert in Sweden.
January 17, 2020: They hang out at the 2020 Yams Day Benefit Concert
Following her widely reported split from Jameel, Rihanna was seen hanging out with Rocky and Drake at the annual charity concert, which Rocky organizes and headlines with his musical group, A$AP Mob.
Later that same day, Rihanna and Rocky were photographed sharing laughs while attending a concert in New York, according to The Sun.
February 11, 2020: They share a meal at Nice Guy amid reports of ‘hooking up’
The pair organized a clandestine meet-up at the West Hollywood restaurant Nice Guy. As reported by OK! Magazine, they arrived separately, and Rocky kept his hood over his head throughout dinner.
A few days prior, an anonymous source told Us Weekly, “Rihanna and A$AP are hanging out and hooking up. They’re having fun and have always had chemistry.”
Summer 2020: Their relationship becomes serious during a cross-country road trip
In a 2022 interview with Vogue, Rihanna confirmed that it “took a while” for Rocky to get out of the “friend zone,” but said they began dating at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
That summer, they drove from Los Angeles to New York together in a tour bus.
“He became my family in that time,” she said.
According to Vogue editor Chioma Nnadi, “They’d park and Rihanna would grill barefoot while Rocky tie-dyed T-shirts picked up at the gas station.”
“I love the simple things but also the grand adventures,” Rihanna told Nnadi. “There’s no pretentious my-brand-your-brand bullshit, it’s just us living. I just feel like I can do any part of life by his side.”
July 2020: Rihanna recruits Rocky for her Fenty Skin campaign
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The two artists did a photo shoot together to promote the Fenty Beauty founder’s new skincare line.
August 26, 2020: Rocky interviews Rihanna for Vogue
During a filmed interview, the two seemed giddy and couldn’t stop laughing as Rihanna answered 15 questions from Rocky, mainly about fashion and skincare.
At one point, Rihanna told the rapper he has “pretty skin.”
She also asked him about the hardest part about working on her Fenty Skin campaign, to which he replied, “I think the hardest part about working with you is not goofin’ off and laughing the whole time.”
“Like, this shit is comedy. That’s the hardest part,” he continued. “You know, people be so cool it’s hard not to, not to laugh. That’s all. But it was fun. The hardest part is not having too much fun. You just forget that it’s still, you know, work at the end of the day.”
At the end of the interview, Rocky thanked Rihanna for “identifying my beauty as a man.”
“I appreciate you, like for real, for real,” he continued. “It was good catching up with you and everything.”
November 30, 2020: People magazine confirms reports of their romance
After months of dating rumors, an anonymous source told People that Rihanna and Rocky had made their relationship official. At the time, neither star directly corroborated this claim.
Late 2020: They grab dinner in New York and stroll around the city together
In November 2020, Rihanna and Rocky were seen having dinner with a group of friends at the Beatrice Inn, a restaurant in the West Village, according to Page Six.
The following month, the couple was spotted walking side-by-side at night, wearing winter coats and masks.
An anonymous source told People, “They’ve been inseparable the past few weeks,” adding, “It’s a new relationship, but they both seem very into it.”
December 29, 2020: Rocky meets Rihanna’s family in Barbados
During the Christmas holiday, Rihanna brought Rocky on vacation to Barbados, her home country.
TMZ published photos of the couple jet skiing, tubing, and going on dinner dates. They were also photographed kissing on a boat, all but confirming their romantic relationship.
Rihanna later told Vogue that she brought Rocky home to meet her family.
“My mother has a really good read on people. She observes first and then she’ll move slowly. I guess I’m like that too,” she said. “There are some guys that I’ve dated that she won’t even look at to this day. But she was charmed by him from the jump.”
After returning to New York in January, the couple was seen having dinner with a group of friends at the Italian restaurant Emilio’s Ballato, according to E! News. A few months later, their courtship was still going strong; they attended a dinner party in April at the Los Angeles hot spot Delilah.
May 19, 2021: Rocky confirms their romantic relationship and calls Rihanna ‘the one’
In a cover story for GQ, the rapper called Rihanna “my lady” and “the love of my life,” officially confirming the dating rumors.
“So much better when you got ‘the one.’ She amounts to probably, like, a million of the other ones,” he said. “I think when you know, you know. She’s the one.”
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Rocky also revealed that Rihanna had “absolutely” inspired some of his new music and has given feedback on his working projects.
“It’s important to have somebody that you can bounce those creative juices and ideas off of. It’s just a different point of view,” he said.
The Harlem-born hitmaker even discussed parenthood, saying he’s “absolutely” ready to become a father, “if that’s in my destiny.”
“I think I’d be an incredible, remarkably, overall amazing dad,” he told GQ. “I would have a very fly child. Very.”
June 27, 2021: Rocky literally sweeps Rihanna off her feet
During a date night in Manhattan, the self-titled “Pretty Boy Flacko” scooped Rihanna up and carried her through the Lower East Side, according to TMZ.
July 10, 2021: Rihanna and Rocky are spotted filming a new project in New York City
The musicians were seen hugging and holding hands as they took a stroll through the Bronx with a film crew.
The following day, the couple was photographed sitting and smiling on a fire escape in the same borough, film crew on hand.
They coordinated with colorful, fuzzy attire: Rihanna donned a pink oversized coat, while Rocky wore a puffy green Eskimo hat.
Later that month, the pair traveled to Florida together. They dined at Miami’s World Famous House of Mac and had dinner with the restaurant’s owner, Derrick Turton, according to the Daily Mail.
September 6, 2021: Nicki Minaj shares a photo with Rihanna and Rocky
The happy couple spent an evening hanging out at the Petty residence, posing for a cozy photo on the sofa with Minaj, as well as her husband and son.
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Minaj posted the group shot on Instagram, writing in the caption, “Love her downnnnnnn.” She also added the hashtags “Queen Rih” and “Caribbean girls run it.”
September 13, 2021: They make their red carpet debut as a couple at the Met Gala
The couple arrived late to the famed fundraiser, but made plenty of time to pose together on the red carpet.
The Fenty Beauty founder wore an all-black Balenciaga ensemble for the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” theme, while the stylish rapper wore a patterned multicolored quilt designed by ERL.
Rocky later took off the quilt to reveal a suit underneath, while his girlfriend looked on lovingly.
It was the first time Rihanna had made an official public appearance with a man since the 2013 Grammy Awards.
January 31, 2022: The couple reveals they’re expecting their first child
Rihanna and Rocky were photographed walking hand-in-hand through his hometown of Harlem on January 28.
In the set of photos — published by Page Six, the Daily Mail, and People three days later — Rihanna’s coat was strategically unbuttoned to reveal her growing baby bump, which she adorned with a bejeweled body chain.
It would be the first child for both Rihanna and Rocky, who had previously discussed their eagerness for parenthood.
Back in March 2020, Rihanna told British Vogue that she planned to have “three or four” kids in the next 10 years, even if she didn’t have a partner.
During her third trimester, Rihanna told Vogue that she and Rocky weren’t necessarily planning to start a family, “but certainly not planning against it.”
“I don’t know when I ovulate or any of that type of shit. We just had fun,” she said. “And then it was just there on the test. I didn’t waste any time. I called him inside and showed him. Then I was in the doctor’s office the next morning and our journey began.”
May 5, 2022: Rihanna stars in the music video for Rocky’s ‘D.M.B.’
The “D.M.B.” music video was revealed to be the project that Rocky and Rihanna were filming in July 2021.
In one scene, Rocky wears a grill that clearly says “Marry me?” while Rihanna wears one that says “I do.”
In another scene, Rocky removes a red veil from Rihanna’s face, reminiscent of a wedding. The couple then walks down a hallway arm-in-arm while people clap and throw flower petals.
Rocky wrote and directed the video, which he billed as a “ghetto love tale” on his Instagram.
May 13, 2022: Rihanna gives birth to a baby boy
According to reports, Rihanna and Rocky welcomed a son on May 13, 2022, although the news didn’t make headlines for another week.
Five months later, the couple still hadn’t shared their son’s name.
“We just didn’t get around to it yet really,” Rihanna told the Washington Post in November, per Hypebae. “We’ve just been living, but I guess there’s a certain freedom that comes with kind of just, like, getting it out there.”
December 19, 2022: Rihanna shares the first video of their son
For her TikTok debut, Rihanna shared the first look at her baby boy in a car seat, laughing and smiling at the camera.
Rihanna had previously told Entertainment Tonight that her son is a “happy baby” and that waking up to his face is her favorite part of motherhood.
February 12, 2023: Rihanna reveals her second pregnancy while headlining the Super Bowl halftime show
Rihanna took the stage at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in a red jumpsuit — strategically unzipped to reveal her growing baby bump.
A representative for the singer confirmed her pregnancy to The Hollywood Reporter immediately following the performance.
February 15, 2023: Their family is featured on the cover of British Vogue
Rihanna, Rocky, and their son posed for the magazine’s March 2023 issue, shot by photographers Inez & Vinoodh.
For her first in-depth interview since giving birth, Rihanna opened up about her “legendary” experience with motherhood thus far.
“It’s everything. You really don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever,” she said. “You literally try to remember it — and there are photos of my life before — but the feeling, the desires, the things that you enjoy, everything, you just don’t identify with it because you don’t even allow yourself mentally to get that far, because… Because it doesn’t matter.”
She also said becoming parents has made her and Rocky stronger as a couple.
“We’re best friends with a baby,” she said. “We have to be on the same page, but we’ve always kind of had that in our relationship. Everything changes when you have a baby but I wouldn’t say it’s done anything but made us closer.”
The couple continued to decline to reveal their son’s name, insisting on calling him “baby” in the presence of Vogue’s reporter.
May 1, 2023: Once again, Rihanna and Rocky walk the Met Gala red carpet together
Rihanna showed off her growing baby bump while wearing custom Valentino Haute Couture.
May 10, 2023: Their son’s name is revealed to be RZA
One year after Rihanna gave birth to her son, The Daily Mail obtained a copy of his birth certificate and revealed his name: RZA Athelston Mayers.
His first name is likely a tribute to the legendary hip-hop artist RZA (pronounced “Rizza”), leader of the Wu-Tang Clan.
August 2023: The couple welcomes their second child, a son named Riot Rose
On August 21, 2023, TMZ broke the news that Rihanna had given birth earlier in the month, although the exact date isn’t known.
People later confirmed the report, citing anonymous sources close to the couple.
The following month, Access Hollywood obtained a copy of the birth certificate, which listed the baby boy’s name as Riot Rose Mayers. He shares a first name with Rocky’s 2023 single “Riot (Rowdy Pipe’n).”
Rihanna later revealed the name was proposed by Pharrell Williams, who produced Rocky’s song.
“He gave us this name thinking it was going to be a girl, because he had seen something online,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. “Pharrell is very deep. He’s not surface. He will never say anything and just leave it there with a full stop. He will have the entire history: the energy, the time, the month that it is.”
May 5, 2025: Rihanna reveals her third pregnancy at the Met Gala
Before arriving at the Met Gala, Rihanna was photographed outside the Carlyle Hotel wearing a form-fitting Miu Miu set that showed off her baby bump.
Hours later, Rihanna arrived on the Met Gala red carpet in a carefully tailored Marc Jacobs suit dress, nailing the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Rocky, who was a co-chair for the event, told reporters on the red carpet that it felt “amazing” to reveal the family’s news.
“It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up,” he said, per the Associated Press. “I’m glad everybody’s happy for us ’cause we definitely happy, you know.”
However, Rihanna also shut down wedding rumors during a red carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Asked if her recent bridal collection for Savage X Fenty meant she had “another milestone” to share with fans, Rihanna replied, “No, girl, you know I don’t keep secrets very well.”
