A Closer Look At A$AP Rocky's Business Genius
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A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, is a name that resonates beyond hip-hop. This Harlem-born sensation has not only made waves with his music but has also etched his name in the world of fashion and business. With chart-topping albums like Long. Live. A$AP and At. Long. Last. A$AP, Rocky has proven his mettle in the music industry. His net worth, estimated to be around $20 million, is a testament to his successful ventures in and out of the music scene. This article delves into the timeline of A$AP Rocky's business ventures, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and knack for blending music with fashion.
A$AP Rocky, ever since his starting years in the industry, has used his business acumen to invest and collaborate with several new-age brands starting, from Black Scale to Adidas.
Sony Record Deal (2011)
In 2011, Rocky entered into a contract with Sony Music Entertainment valued at $3 million. According to Hip Hop Scriptures, this sum was divided, with $1.7 million allocated for his projects and $1.3 million set aside to support his enterprise. Rocky expressed his desire for a more expansive stage for himself and his group through this agreement. Under this contract, Rocky started a label, A$AP Worldwide, alongside A$AP Yams. His debut studio album was intended to be part of this contract and permitted him to distribute mixtapes via Sony/RED.
Black Scale (2012)
A$AP Rocky befriended the West Coast brand Black Scale in 2010 when he introduced himself as a forthcoming rapper. In 2012, Rocky became impressed with Black Scales’s inventive fusion of high-end fashion and streetwear, and his relationship with the brand blossomed into a business venture. The collaboration resulted in a line featuring graphic t-shirts, crewneck sweaters, and hoodies, embodying the brand's theme of darkness and clean-cut lines, according to HNHH.
Stussy (2012)
Further, in 2012, A$AP Rocky's fashion influence extended to collaborating with the well-known NYC brand Stussy. In April 2012, Rocky and his crew, ASAP Mob, released a special edition Friends & Family tee. The tee, sporting the infamous camo Stussy logo, became an ultimate A$AP collector's item due to its limited release.
Jeremy Scott & Adidas (2013)
In 2013, Rocky teamed up with renowned fashion designer Jeremy Scott for a special edition of Scott's Adidas 2.0 Wings collection. The design, dubbed ‘Black Flag,’ perfectly blended Scott's classic wings with Rocky's signature American black flag, a motif seen throughout his shows and album covers.
Raf Simmons (2013)
Rocky's admiration for a high-profile designer and close friend, Raf Simons, a name he often dropped in his songs, led to a unique collaboration. 2013 Rocky and ASAP Bari released the A$AP merchandise brand in partnership with Simons, according to Popular Timelines. Although the special sweatshirt Simons made for his fashion show was not for sale, it marked the beginning of a relationship that would see more exclusive pieces made for Rocky.
DKNY (2014)
2014 Rocky's fashion influence was further solidified when he appeared in DKNY's Spring 2014 campaign alongside supermodels Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn. His sharp taste in fashion and ability to blend high-end fashion with streetwear made him a perfect fit for the campaign.
Pacsun (2014)
Rocky and the A$AP Mob released a capsule collection at retailers like Pacsun in 2014. The collection, heavily inspired by NYC in the early '90s, included tanks, jerseys, graphic t-shirts, snapbacks, and the iconic bucket hat. The collection, presented in black and white, included family portraits of the crew and the upside-down black flag.
Salvatore Ferragamo (2015)
Rocky's foray into high-end fashion reached new heights in 2015 when he landed a major deal with Salvatore Ferragamo. Rocky was featured in Ferragamo's online series campaign, ‘A Man's Story,’ shot by photographer and filmmaker Francesco Carrozzini. He appeared in the campaign sporting the brand's exciting pieces of menswear, footwear, and accessories.
A$AP Rocky X J.W. Anderson (2016)
2016 A$AP Rocky teamed up with Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson. Together, they crafted a men's capsule collection for the London-based brand J.W. Anderson. They named the collection ‘JWA AWGE,’ reflecting their mutual admiration for each other's work. The collection showcased a unique blend of streetwear and high fashion. It consisted of eight pieces: two beanies, two-track jackets, two pairs of track pants, and two faux-fur ‘teddy jackets in black and tan. This collaboration demonstrated A$AP Rocky's significant influence in the fashion industry and his talent for seamlessly merging the worlds of music and fashion.
Mercer + Prince (2022)
A$AP Rocky embarked on a new business venture in the spirits industry. He partnered with Global Brand Equities and E. & J. Gallo to create a unique blended Canadian whisky named Mercer + Prince, as per Billboard. The whisky, expected to disrupt traditional norms of whiskey production, is aged in American white oak barrels and influenced by Japanese Mizunara oak, offering a smooth and complex flavor profile. The bottle design, reflecting A$AP Rocky's innovative style, features two cups on either end, adding a functional twist to its aesthetic appeal.
A$AP Rocky's business ventures reveal a man who is not just a rapper but a multifaceted entrepreneur. His collaborations with various fashion brands and his recent venture into the spirit industry demonstrate his ability to transcend boundaries and redefine success.
Sources - Billboard, Popular Timelines, HNHH, Hip Hop Scriptures
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