A$AP Rocky says his relationship with Rihanna started with a nudge from someone who saw the bigger picture long before he did: his mother.
In one New York Times podcast interview published on Thursday, January 15, the rapper and actor reflected on how his mother consistently encouraged him to pursue a relationship with the global pop star long before they officially became a couple.
According to Rocky, her advice ultimately turned out to be correct.
“A woman will change your whole life, especially if it is a companion,” Rocky, 37, said during the conversation.
He explained that being in a serious relationship gave him clarity that he hadn’t had before. He added that partnerships can act as a grounding force.
“Before I had my kids, it was like being with my girl and taking off a blindfold,” he said. He added that a partner can often see people and situations more clearly than you can.
When co-host Joe Coscarelli pointed out that Rocky didn’t just end up with “any” woman, the artist quickly agreed. “I was given a very special wife,” he said.
Rocky also highlighted the personal parallels he shares with Rihanna, 37, describing their connection as both natural and deeply familiar.
The two were born the same year and Rocky noted that his father is from Barbados, Rihanna’s home country. “When I come back, I see both sides of my family,” he said, adding that the similarities between them still make them laugh.
Looking back, Rocky admitted that his mother repeatedly expressed her preference for Rihanna while he was dating other people. “She always said, ‘I know you like this girl you’re with right now, but I want you to be with RiRi,'” he recalls, adding that at the time he doubted Rihanna felt the same way.
He credits his mother’s intuition. “Mothers know best,” Rocky said. He added that the timing was as important as the connection. “Every time before that, I don’t think I was ready. I don’t think she was either.”
