The Tea On How A$AP Rocky and Rihanna Hooked Up

The two have been seemingly inseparable for over a decade. So let’s take a look at how it all unfolded.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend the 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

There’s no doubt that A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have had their fair share of ups and downs with the most recent being his shooting trial that just came to a conclusion earlier this week.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Samuel L. Jackson, John David and Malcolm Washington on ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Family and Legacy

As we previously told you, the rapper was found not guilty, but it was how he expressed his relief—by literally jumping into the arms of his longtime girlfriend and the mother of his two children—that had us all choked up. What’s more is that the “Umbrella” singer was also visibly and emotionally moved in the immediate aftermath as shown in multiple photos of videos of them hugging.

Their public displays of affection and Rih’s 37th birthday on Feb. 20 got us thinking at how one of hip-hop’s famous couples came to be. Because let’s face it, when it comes to celebrity power couples, Rih and Rocky are undoubtedly near the top of the list.

Whether that’s due to their non-hesitancy for having each other’s backs and doting on each other, their fabulous fashions, or lifestyle endeavors—their names are always near the top of the trending topics lists on social media. And after over a decade, their influence and their love continues to take pop culture by storm.

So, let’s take a look back at their relationship unfolded!

2012: How They Met

Photo: Getty Images Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic Photo: Getty Images Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Sparks first flew for the famous couple back in 2012 when Rocky was a featured collaborator for Rih’s song “Cockiness (Love It).” When they later performed it together at the MTV Video Music Awards that same year, it was clear there was a high level of attraction there. The rapper would go on to join her for her “Diamonds World Tour” the following year.

2013: Reciprocal Energy

Much like Rih, Rocky decided to bring the Barbadian “bad gal” alongside him for another musical collab. Only this time, the two were looking much cozier in the music video for Rocky’s 2013 song, “Fashion Killa.”

2018: Turning Heads at Paris Fashion Week

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

Jumping forward about five years, the two were spotted again looking a bit sweet on each other. As seen in multiple pictures, the duo were all smiles and seated next to each other at the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2019 show.

2019: Making It Red Carpet Official

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Spicer/BFC Photo: Getty Images Jeff Spicer/BFC

The 2019 British Fashion Awards turned into a spectacle once Rih and Rocky showed up and made their first ever red carpet appearance together. Thankfully, that trend would continue in the years to come.

2020: Turning Up the Heat with Fenty Skin

Though there weren’t many physical sightings of the two thanks to the global pandemic, fans still got to see both of them together thanks to Rocky’s feature in Rih’s debut for her Fenty Skin line. In addition to some amazing photos, the two also went on a pretty flirtatious press run as you can see above.

2020: Relationship Confirmed

Photo: Getty Images Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis Photo: Getty Images Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis

Though it would take Rih some time before she officially confirmed the start date of when she and Rocky became an item, a source close to the couple confirmed that they were indeed together in November 2020.

2021: Love and Business

Keeping up with the collabs, Rih acted as an unofficial/official spokesperson and model for Rocky for the debut of his Amina Muaddi footwear collaboration. And why wouldn’t she? A sexy selfie showcasing the shoes is worth more than any ad a creative team could come up with.

2021: Starting a Family with the “Love of His Life”

Dubbed the “prettiest man alive” by GQ as the cover star of their June/July issue in 2021, Rocky took a moment in during his interview to talk about his desire to grow a family with the “Pour It Up” singer where he called her the “love of his life” and “the one.”

2021: Met Gala Mega-Moment

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris for The Met Museum/Vogue Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris for The Met Museum/Vogue

Perhaps one of the biggest red carpets in Hollywood, Rih and Rocky stunted on everyone when they showed up to the 2021 Met Gala. Though we already knew they were together, what we didn’t know is that the couple would break the internet yet again just four months later.

2022: Baby Number One

In a series of unforgettable photos, Rihanna shocked the world when she revealed she was pregnant with her first child, whom she would later reveal was named RZA Althelston Mayers, after she gave birth to him in May 2022.

2022: Hinting at Wedding Bells

While we may have to wait a little longer for their actual wedding, Rih and Rocky sparked rings of potential wedding bells when the latter dropped the music video for his song “D.M.B.” in which the couple sport gold grills that read “marry me” and “I do.” This coupled with what the “Diamonds” singer would do a few months later would signal their relationship was going to a new level.

2023: Super Bowl Support and Gushing Boyfriend

The highly-anticipated moment of the year no doubt was when Rihanna took the stage as the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show Performer in February. While many were just happy to see her on a grand stage again, what made the event even more spectacular was the casual revelation that she was pregnant with her second child. She would later give birth to her son, Riot Rose, six months later in August. Rocky also went viral that same night for his clear adoration for his “baby mama.”

2023: Baby Number Two

Photo: Shutterstock Diggzy/Rex/Shutterstock Photo: Shutterstock Diggzy/Rex/Shutterstock

Just one month after giving birth to her second child, Rih-Rih posted a series of family photos of the four of them out and about. This marked the world’s and her fans first look at her newborn.

2025: Ride or Dies Through the Legal Trial

Photo: Getty Images DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Photo: Getty Images DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Fast forward to 2025, the couples mostly non-problematic years as first time parents were interrupted thanks to a looming legal issue. As we previously reported, Rocky was on trial for most of February over the alleged shooting and injuring of a former friend back in 2021. While it was uncertain when the trial first began if Rih would show up to lend her support, she silenced all speculators when she became a regular in the gallery. She even brought her youngest son with her near the end of the trial before Rocky was eventually found not guilty.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

A Peek Inside Lena Horne's Legendary $1.2 Million New York Home

A Peek Inside Lena Horne’s Legendary $1.2 Million New York Home

Iconic actress and activist Lena Horne’s home in Queens is finally under contract to be sold. Let’s take a look inside! …
Pioneering Black Women Who Made Hip‑Hop What it is Today

Pioneering Black Women Who Made Hip‑Hop What it is Today

Black women were instrumental in the early stages of hip-hop and continue to make history today. We’re looking at those who made their mark doing what they love …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …
‘Scandal’ Stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn Share Their Sexiest Scenes—But These Are Our Faves!

‘Scandal’ Stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn Share Their Sexiest Scenes—But These Are Our Faves!

Kerry Washington and her ‘Scandal’ costar Tony Goldwyn are looking back at some of their steamiest moments. But there are some they’ve missed, let’s take a look! …
Don't Start Your Spring Cleaning Without These Old School Hacks That Will Make Granny Proud

Don’t Start Your Spring Cleaning Without These Old School Hacks That Will Make Granny Proud

Go old-school with your spring cleaning for a house as clean as your grandma’s …
GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

A Georgia woman accused of swindling customers didn’t even have a Preparer Tax Identification Number …
New York Black Man Spent 19 Years in Prison for a $550 Robbery He Didn't Commit

New York Black Man Spent 19 Years in Prison for a $550 Robbery He Didn’t Commit

Prosecutors said Kenneth Windley, now 61, did not steal $550 after two other men who were convicted of similar robberies confessed …
How Afroman Scored Big Legal Win Against Ohio Police After Dissing Officers in Famous Songs

How Afroman Scored Big Legal Win Against Ohio Police After Dissing Officers in Famous Songs

Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman just testified in court after being sued by Ohio law enforcement over his many diss tracks against them …
How the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect's New Motion Could Backfire on Trump

How the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect’s New Motion Could Backfire on Trump

Attorneys for Brian Cole Jr. argue Trump’s previous pardons should also apply to him …
New Video Sheds Light on Deion Sanders and Karreuche Tran Romance Rumors

New Video Sheds Light on Deion Sanders and Karreuche Tran Romance Rumors

Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders and Karreuche Tran have been romantically linked since July 2025, but nothing concrete has ever been shared. Until now! …
The Real Reason Black Journalists Are Calling Out Tabitha Brown

The Real Reason Black Journalists Are Calling Out Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown spoke out on why content creators deserve to be in elevated spaces like the Oscars. But some journalists aren’t seeing eye to eye with her stance …
Rep. Summer Lee Moves to Impeach AG Pam Bondi, But Will She Succeed?

Rep. Summer Lee Moves to Impeach AG Pam Bondi, But Will She Succeed?

Rep. Summer Lee just moved to impeach AG Pam Bondi, marking the second time in March that articles of impeachment have been brought against her …
Farrah From Destiny's Child Responds to Terrence Howard's Dating Claims

Farrah From Destiny’s Child Responds to Terrence Howard’s Dating Claims

Terrence Howard said he had a romantic connection with singer Farrah Franklin years ago. Now, she’s speaking out and telling a different side to the story! …
Black TikToker Claims He 'Scammed' MAGA Supporters Out of Thousands

Black TikToker Claims He ‘Scammed’ MAGA Supporters Out of Thousands

One Black TikToker allegedly scammed MAGA supporters out of thousands of dollars. Now, his story is going viral …
Michael B. Jordan's Schoolmate is Getting Dragged After Asking This from the Oscar Winner

Michael B. Jordan’s Schoolmate is Getting Dragged After Asking This from the Oscar Winner

Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan’s former classmate, who used to bully him, is seemingly getting a taste of her own medicine online…yet again …
Everything You Need to Know About The WNBA's Historic New CBA Deal After Year-Long Labor Dispute

Everything You Need to Know About The WNBA’s Historic New CBA Deal After Year-Long Labor Dispute

After 17 months of heated negotiations, the WNBA avoided the first work stoppage in league history by reaching a historic deal with its Players Association …
How the Real Rickey Smiley Stepped in to Help a Miami Woman Scammed Out of Cash by a Fake One

How the Real Rickey Smiley Stepped in to Help a Miami Woman Scammed Out of Cash by a Fake One

As a Miami woman sought donations for her charity, she said she was scammed out of $1,200 to meet comedian Rickey Smiley. Now, he’s making it right …