A$AP Rocky has shared that his mother, Renee Black, always had a feeling he would end up with global superstar Rihanna, long before their friendship evolved into one of pop culture’s most high-profile relationships.
In a recent interview on the New York Times Popcast, the rapper revealed that his mother often encouraged him to pursue Rihanna, even when he insisted they were just friends. At the time, Rocky admitted he didn’t take her seriously, believing Rihanna had no romantic interest in him.
“My mother used to say, ‘I know you like this girl that you are with right now, but I want you with Riri,’” he recalled. “I’d tell her, ‘Mum, why do you keep saying that? She doesn’t even feel that way about me. We’re just friends.’”
Looking back, Rocky acknowledged that his mother’s instincts were spot-on. He said the timing of their relationship was crucial, suggesting he may not have been ready for something serious earlier. “Mothers know best,” he reflected, expressing gratitude for her guidance and foresight.
Before Rihanna, Rocky had been romantically linked to several prominent figures, including Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, model Chanel Iman, and designer Amina Muaddi. Rihanna, meanwhile, also had a well-documented dating history, having been involved with singer Chris Brown and Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel.
The pair’s relationship officially began in late 2020, transitioning from a long-standing friendship into romance. Since then, they have built a family together, welcoming their first child in May 2022, followed by their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023. Most recently, in September 2025, the couple welcomed their third child, Rocki Irish Mayers, further solidifying their family life.
Rocky’s reflections highlight the role his mother played in his love story, emphasizing that sometimes the guidance of a parent can see what we cannot. For the rapper, Renee Black’s unwavering belief in a future with Rihanna was ultimately a prediction that came true, marking a journey from friendship to family for one of music’s most celebrated couples.
