A$AP In his ongoing assault case, Rocky turned down a plea agreement and a six-month jail sentence from prosecutors Tuesday. Rocky was charged with shooting former buddy and collaborator A$AP Relli just over two years ago.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office claims that during a subsequent altercation in Hollywood on November 6, 2021, Rocky—whose legal name is Rakim Mayers—pointed a revolver at the victim and shot twice in his direction. Terell Ephron, a boyhood friend and fellow artist who was once known as A$AP Relli, testified last year that he was shot in the knuckles and chose to seek medical attention at a hospital after returning to New York via plane.
Both rappers were formerly part of the A$AP Mob, a hip-hop collective.
Since his arrest in April 2022, 36-year-old Mayers has insisted on his innocence. His arrest was announced at the time by the Los Angeles Police Department, who described the victim’s damage as “minor.” The LAPD reports that gunfire was heard in Hollywood close to Selma Avenue and Argyle Avenue, which is only a short distance from the well-known Hollywood and Vine crossroads.
The rapper, who was born in Harlem, originally gained popularity with early tracks like “Peso” before his breakthrough album Live. Love helped him achieve greater mainstream acclaim. Two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm were eventually brought against A$AP. This month, he entered a not guilty plea and his lawyer assured reporters outside a courthouse in downtown Los Angeles that he will be “vindicated.”
Joe Tacopina, his attorney, stated, “I want to get this done and over so he can start enjoying his family and move on.” “We’re going to be quiet and we’re going to try this (case) in a courtroom, and when we do, facts will come out that show that he’s truly innocent and he’s a victim in this case.”
Tacopina stated during the hearing on Tuesday that the defense would summon witnesses to testify that Mayers reportedly carried a “starter pistol” as a prop for security purposes the night of the shooting.
Judge M.L. Villar of the Los Angeles County Superior Court determined in November that the matter may proceed to trial, stating that there was enough proof to hold Mayers accountable for shooting at his ex-colleague and friend outside a hotel in Hollywood.
Ephron testified at the November hearing that he informed the Grammy-nominated rapper that he had grown “big-headed” as a result of his fame, telling Mayers that he had “failed everybody” and that no one else had the courage to voice their true thoughts.
The court heard Ephron’s statement, “I just wanted him to hear my side,” Then, he claimed, Mayers allegedly turned around and started shooting.
The rapper, who has been released on bond, showed up in court on Tuesday as jury selection for his trial was about to begin.
This report was contributed to by City News Service.