From Rapper to Screen Star: A$AP Rocky Talks Method Acting with Denzel Washington, Collaborating with Rihanna, and Overcoming Challenges After His Assault Trial

I’m sitting with A$AP Rocky at the swanky W hotel, overlooking Union Square in New York City. It’s late, and he’s casually rolling a blunt while a muted Tom and Jerry plays in the background, with Jefferson Airplane’s music filling the room.

“Can you move that chair closer?” he asks, pointing out my uncomfortable seat. His crew responds quickly, showcasing the artist’s easygoing nature.

Tonight, he sports a pink-and-black tartan kilt paired with stylish Ray-Bans from a new collaboration and a camo bomber jacket that reflects his artistic journey. Rocky is more than just a Grammy-nominated rapper; he’s a fashion icon, especially with his high-profile relationship with Rihanna.

He’s juggling multiple projects: acting in Spike Lee’s film "Highest 2 Lowest," his fourth album titled "Don’t Be Dumb," and co-chairing the upcoming Met Gala. The film, a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s "High and Low," pits him against Denzel Washington and is set to hit theaters this August.

In a nostalgic moment, Rocky reminisces about his childhood. At a Halloween event, he once told his teacher he wanted to be a pimp, only to quickly pivot to wanting to be a ninja. “At that age, I just wanted to be cool,” he laughs.

In "Highest 2 Lowest," Rocky plays Yung Felon, an aspiring rapper desperate for recognition. This role resonates with him, especially after navigating personal challenges, including a serious legal battle. The incident in 2021 involved accusations of gunfire during a confrontation with former collaborator A$AP Relli. During that time, acting became his escape. “It was my only distraction,” he admits.

Drawing parallels between his character’s courtroom scene and his own real-life experiences was surreal. “I understood the depth of that struggle,” he says, reflecting on the weight of both art and life.

After three intense weeks, a jury found Rocky not guilty, and the relief he felt was palpable. Celebrating with loved ones, including Rihanna, marked a turning point after a challenging chapter.

Rocky and Rihanna’s journey started in 2012, and now they’ve welcomed two children, RZA and Riot, with more on the way. “We’ve been busy but blessed,” he says, smiling.

On collaborating with legends like Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, Rocky feels honored. “It feels surreal,” he reflects. He emphasized that integrity is key in any creative endeavor, be it music or film. “Cheaters never win. You have to give your all.”

When creating his character, he embraced a Method acting approach, immersing himself in Yung Felon’s world. Rocky shared a light moment about a former character name, MC Microphone Checka, which he quickly changed.

He found common ground in both fear and excitement acting alongside Denzel. “I had to maintain composure,” he recalls. Watching "Malcolm X" as a kid made this experience even more special.

Looking back at his first Cannes experience with "Dope," he felt unprepared. Now, he’s eager to share his latest project with the world. “I look forward to experiencing it for the first time with everyone.”

Amidst the bright lights, Rocky’s energy remains grounded. He reveals he did some of his own stunts on set, feeling alive atop a train.

“Could I be the next Black James Bond?” he muses, laughing. One day, he hopes to create a timeless film for kids, contrasting with popular but less meaningful content like “Cocomelon.”

Amid all this, Rocky is finishing his album, which he describes as an intricate reflection of his life. He acknowledges the emotional challenges he faced, especially regarding trust and relationships throughout his legal troubles.

Recalling a candid moment after his trial, his joy was palpable as he rushed into Rihanna’s arms, filled with gratitude for the outcome. “Staying positive kept me centered,” he explains.

Now, with new challenges on the horizon — from fashion collaborations to more music — he recognizes the need to move forward. “Life is about blessings and opportunities,” he says, echoing his spiritual outlook.

As he pursues new artistic ventures, he hopes to inspire others to spin challenges into successes. In creating art, he sees cinema as a space for imagination, depicting dreams through a unique lens.

Rocky is enthusiastic about incorporating various influences into his music, including German expressionism. “It speaks to hip-hop’s roots in pain and resilience,” he reflects.

Recently, he played some of his album for Tim Burton. “He vibed with it, despite some less-than-stellar speakers,” Rocky jokes.

In pursuit of creativity, he dreams big — eyeing the EGOT status for recognition across his artistic endeavors. “It’s a goal, but it fuels my growth,” he states.

As for the potential of Broadway? “Maybe one day,” he says, while appreciating the commitment theater requires.

In the whirlwind of projects and personal growth, A$AP Rocky stands poised, ready to enrich both music and film with his unique voice and vision.

For more insights about the impact of creative journeys in the entertainment industry, consider checking out Variety, a trusted source for entertainment news.

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