A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s playful baby name promise after legal victory

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna had more than just a legal victory to celebrate this week. Following the rapper’s acquittal on two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, the couple made an unexpected and lighthearted promise to their lawyer, Joe Tacopina.

After the February 18 verdict cleared A$AP Rocky—whose real name is Rakim Mayers—he and Rihanna expressed their gratitude to Tacopina in an unusual way. According to the attorney, the couple told him, “Listen, our next baby is A$AP Joe.” Tacopina, who shared the exchange in a February 19 interview with Extra, humorously responded, “I’m gonna hold you to that!”

The bond between the lawyer and his client was evident. Tacopina revealed that even before the verdict was announced, A$AP Rocky had a moment of deep reflection. Facing the possibility of a decade-long prison sentence, he took time to acknowledge his lawyer’s dedication, saying, “Joe, I want you to know, I know how hard you fought here. I know everything you've done, and I just appreciate you so much.”

As the not-guilty verdicts were read, emotions ran high. The rapper leaped into the front row of the gallery, embracing Rihanna in a heartfelt hug. However, Tacopina remained focused on the proceedings. “I told my partner, ‘Get him back here, we have another count,’” he recalled. “I was thinking, ‘My God, if the second count doesn’t go well, this is going to be embarrassing.’ But of course, it did.”

Following the courtroom victory, Rihanna shared a powerful message on her Instagram Stories, writing, “THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY!”

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s relationship has been years in the making. Their history dates back to 2012 when they performed together at the MTV Video Music Awards. Over the years, their connection evolved from friendship to romance. In 2019, they confirmed their relationship, and since then, they have welcomed two sons—RZA, born in May 2022, and Riot, born in August 2023.

Rihanna once reflected on their journey, admitting they approached their relationship with caution due to their past experiences. “I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships,” she shared. “We knew what we were capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts.”

Despite the challenges, their love has remained strong. From sharing the stage to attending major fashion events together, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have built a life filled with love, music, and now, parenthood.

As for the playful baby name promise? Only time will tell if “A$AP Joe” becomes a reality.