A$AP Rocky is at a major crossroads in his life. He’s on the brink of soaring to new heights in the world of high fashion and acting, but there’s a big trial looming that could potentially derail it all. The hip-hop star and longtime partner to Rihanna—who shares two young sons with her—could find himself at the top of his career in 2025. He’s set to be one of the celebrity chairs at the prestigious Met Gala in May alongside big names like Pharrell Williams and LeBron James. Plus, he’s landing a major acting role next summer, starring alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which could really take his acting career to the next level.
But there’s also the trial. Starting in January, A$AP Rocky is facing two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after an alleged shooting incident in 2021. He’s accused of firing at a former friend, Terell Ephron (aka A$AP Relli), near a Hollywood hotel. If convicted, Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison. The 36-year-old has pleaded not guilty, with his attorney firmly stating that he did nothing wrong.
The trial goes back to when Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, was still a teenager in Harlem. That’s when he met Ephron, who would go on to become a key figure in this case. Ephron had brought Rocky into a creative collective of young people called A$AP, short for “Always Strive and Prosper.” They were close, even as Rocky became a household name, but their friendship eventually soured.
The incident at the heart of the trial happened on the night of November 6, 2021, when Ephron claims Rocky shot at him three or four times, with one shot grazing his knuckles. Ephron didn’t report it right away but went to the police two days later and even brought shell casings he’d picked up from the scene. The defense is sure to highlight this as part of their case.
The trial has all the ingredients for a spectacle. Two major names will hang over the proceedings—Donald Trump and Rihanna. While Trump’s involvement doesn’t directly impact the trial, his relationship with Rocky is well-known. Trump famously intervened to get Rocky out of a Swedish jail after a brawl in 2019, and his second inauguration will happen the day before the trial starts. However, Trump has no power over this case, and even if Rocky is convicted, he won’t be able to pardon him.
As for Rihanna, speculation has been swirling about whether she’ll show up in court. Her presence would certainly add a layer of drama, though her involvement seems unlikely for now.
The prosecution is led by Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, known for his aggressive style—he previously prosecuted Robert Durst in a high-profile murder case. For Lewin, winning this case might depend on how credible the jury finds Ephron’s testimony. Though police found no shell casings or fingerprints from Rocky, and no weapon was recovered during a search of his property, video footage and Ephron’s account will likely be central to the prosecution’s case. A video reportedly shows someone in a hooded sweatshirt holding what appears to be a gun, with another image allegedly showing Rocky’s face.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, who’s represented other high-profile figures like Meek Mill and YG, hasn’t decided if Rocky will testify. Legally, he’s allowed to avoid the witness stand, but the decision will ultimately depend on how the case unfolds.
As it stands, A$AP Rocky is standing at a major crossroads—his career could go into overdrive, or he could be facing a long stretch behind bars. The trial will set the stage for what happens next.
