American rapper A$AP Rocky has disclosed that his mother had long believed he was destined to be with global music star Rihanna, revealing that she once encouraged him to leave another relationship and pursue the Barbadian singer instead.
In an interview with The New York Times, Rocky explained that at the time, he and Rihanna were only friends and he had no interest in taking things beyond that stage.
Reflecting on the situation, the rapper said he is thankful he did not rush into a relationship with Rihanna earlier, noting that neither of them was emotionally prepared for commitment or starting a family at the time.
“Rihanna has always been my boo. I always f*cked with her. My mother used to say, ‘I know you like this girl that you are with right now, but I want you with Riri.’
“And I would tell her that Rihanna is just a friend. But my mother would insisted that Rihanna is a real one and that I should go for her. I’m telling you, mothers know best.
“However, I am thankful that my relationship with Rihanna started when it did. Because at anytime prior to that, I don’t think I was ready for something like that. I don’t think she was, either,” he said.
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna became closer after he joined her Diamond Tour in 2013.
Speculation about their romantic involvement began shortly after Rihanna ended her relationship with billionaire businessman Hassan Jameel in January 2020, following three years together.
Rocky was previously linked to model Kendall Jenner in 2016, with their relationship ending in 2017.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have since built a family together, welcoming their first child in 2022, their second in 2023, and their third in 2025.