Rakim Athelaston Mayers , known professionally as ASAP Rocky , is an American rapper. Born and raised in Harlem, he embarked on his musical career as a member of the hip hop collective ASAP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker. In August 2011, Rocky's single "Peso" was leaked online and within weeks, began receiving radio airplay. Rocky released his debut mixtape Live. Love. A$AP, later that year to widespread critical acclaim. The success of what became considered his breakout project led to a joint venture record deal with Polo Grounds Music, an imprint of Sony Music's RCA Records.