Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Relationship Timeline
It's safe to say Rihanna and A$AP Rocky both have "Love on the Brain!"
The couple are currently expecting their second baby together, with Rihanna debuting her baby bump during her 2023 Super Bowl Halftime performance.
The musical pair were close friends for nearly a decade before their longtime friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. Since PEOPLE confirmed their relationship in November 2020, the couple has been spotted out together frequently, on dates and on vacation together.
On May 19, 2022, PEOPLE confirmed that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their first child together.
"Rihanna is doing well," a source told PEOPLE. "They are very excited to be parents. Rihanna is already a wonderful mom."
In January 2023, the new parents made their Golden Globes debut where Rihanna was nominated for best original song for her work on "Lift Me Up" in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Read on to see the evolution of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's romantic history, from a sultry performance at the 2012 MTV VMAs to welcoming their first child.
September 6, 2012: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky collaborate and perform together
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
Nearly a decade ago, RiRi may not have been penning a "Loveeeeeee Song" for Rocky, but the pair's friendship was kicking off. The singer had the rapper record a verse for the remix of her song "Cockiness (Love It)"; the pair then put on a steamy show while performing the song during the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, showing off their chemistry even then.
March 2013: A$AP Rocky joins Rihanna on tour
Mike Lawrie/Getty
The rapper, born Rakim Mayers, served as the opening act during the North American leg of Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour.
September 25, 2013: Rihanna stars in A$AP Rocky's music video
Life imitates art! Seven years before they'd officially become an item, the pals once again proved they'd make a gorgeous pair when they portrayed a couple for the rapper's "Fashion Killa" music video.
June 2018: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend Paris Fashion Week together
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
Fast-forwarding a bit: the longtime pals made a strikingly stylish pair in coordinating black-and-white outfits while sitting front row at the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2018 show together during Paris Fashion Week.
RELATED: Rihanna Is Dating Longtime Friend A$AP Rocky After Months of Romance Rumors: Source
September 13, 2018: A$AP Rocky attends Rihanna's annual Diamond Ball
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
As longtime friends, it came as no surprise to see Rocky on the guestlist for Rihanna's annual Diamond Ball, which serves as one of fashion's biggest nights and a fundraiser for her Clara Lionel Foundation.
September 18, 2019: A$AP Rocky returns to Rihanna's Diamond Ball
The "L.S.D." rapper made an appearance at Rihanna's annual fête for the second year in a row in 2019.
December 2, 2019: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky hit their first red carpet together
Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock A$AP Rocky and Rihanna
The pair caused quite the stir when they walked the red carpet together for the British Fashion Awards. During an interview co-hosted by GQ and Vogue, Rocky revealed to Rihanna that her look that night was his "favorite outfit" of hers. According to Billboard, she designed the Fenty tuxedo he wore.
August 2020: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky collaborate for Fenty Skin
Rocky joined Rihanna's debut Fenty Skin campaign in 2020, sending the Internet into yet another tizzy when the pair began doing press to promote the campaign — notably including their "Face to Face" video interviews for GQ and Vogue, in which they asked each other rapid-fire questions ranging from what their skin is like to the last thing they bought for under $20.
November 2020: PEOPLE confirms Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's romance
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Gotham/GC Images
A source confirmed that the longtime friends were officially an item in November, after months of romance rumors following Rihanna's split from her boyfriend of three years, billionaire Hassan Jameel, in January 2020.
December 2020: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky vacation in Barbados together
The newly-minted couple took a romantic getaway to Rihanna's native Barbados for their first holiday together. A source told PEOPLE at the time that "A$AP joined her [in Barbados] and they are spending Christmas together with Rihanna's family."
"They've been inseparable the past few weeks," a source told PEOPLE. "It's a new relationship, but they both seem very into it."
The source added, "They've always seemed to have a great time together," continuing, "They have a lot in common."
January 2021: Rihanna Supports A$AP Rocky's Shoe Line
Rihanna/ instagram
The fashion mogul showed support for her beau on Instagram by posting a sultry shot of herself wearing a pair of heels that the rapper designed. The crystal-embellished gladiator sandals are a collaboration between Amina Muaddi and Rocky's creative agency, AWGE.
RELATED: Rihanna Is All Smiles as She Cuddles Up with A$AP Rocky While Filming Together in N.Y.C.
April 2021: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are spotted on a dinner date in Los Angeles
Richard/Cesar/TheBigShotApp/Shutterstock
The duo hit up celebrity hot spot Delilah in L.A., reassuring fans that while they may keep their love out of the spotlight, they're indeed still going strong.
May 2021: A$AP Rocky opens up to GQ about his feelings for Rihanna
The "Wild for the Night" rapper got candid about his leading lady in GQ's June/July 2021 cover story, referring to Rihanna as the "love of my life" and "the one."
Describing what it's like to be in a relationship, Rocky said, "So much better. So much better when you got 'the One.' She amounts to probably, like, a million of the other ones."
He continued, "I think when you know, you know. She's the One."
May 2021: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky talk about having kids
Raymond Hall/GC Images
Speaking about potentially starting a family one day, Rocky told GQ that it is "in my destiny, absolutely." He added, "I think I'd be an incredible, remarkably overall amazing dad. I would have a very fly child. Very."
Previously, Rihanna told British Vogue in May 2020 that she wants kids without a doubt.
"I'll have kids — three or four of 'em," said the singer, who added without hesitation that she would raise them as a single mother if there wasn't a man in her life.
"I feel like society makes me want to feel like, 'Oh, you got it wrong … ' They diminish you as a mother if there's not a dad in your kids' lives," Rihanna said. "But the only thing that matters is happiness — that's the only healthy relationship between a parent and a child. That's the only thing that can raise a child, truly, is love."
July 2021: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky collaborate once again
The musical duo was spotted working together on an unnamed project, which they were seen filming in New York City. The loved-up pair looked cozy as they held hands and took a stroll through the city.
Days later, Rihanna supported her man backstage at the Rolling Loud Festival in Florida, stepping out for a date night in Miami before returning to N.Y.C. for another night out.
September 13, 2021: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky make their red carpet debut at the Met Gala
Mike Coppola/Getty ASAP Rocky and Rihanna
The pair picked fashion's biggest night to make their red carpet debut, dressing in coordinated looks for the event. Rihanna arrived in an oversized black sculptural coat dress, while A$AP complimented her with a pop of color in a quilted blanket look.
January 31, 2022: Rihanna announces she's expecting a baby with A$AP Rocky
Victor Boyko/Getty
Rihanna revealed she was expecting her first child with A$AP Rocky on Jan. 31, after she was photographed showing off her baby bump in New York City.
February 11, 2022: A$AP Rocky and Rihanna coordinate on the red carpet at the Fenty Beauty Universe Event in Los Angeles
Rich Fury/Getty
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky appeared on the red carpet together at the Fenty Beauty Universe Event in Los Angeles on Feb. 11, 2022. The couple coordinated in purple and green, which, according to Rihanna, was unplanned. "That always happens with us," she told PEOPLE at the event. "We get dressed in completely separate [areas] across the house, and we leave looking coordinated somehow."
February 12, 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky make a surprise appearance at Rihanna's Savage X Fenty store
That following weekend the singer and rapper surprised a group of shoppers at Rihanna's Savage X Fenty store at the Westfield Culver City mall. The L.A. brick-and-mortar retail store was one of the first to open in early 2022. The couple posed for pictures in front of mannequins which featured lingerie pieces from Rihanna's Savage X Fenty's Valentine's Day collection.
March 6, 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky shop for baby clothing at Baby Dior in Paris
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were spotted shopping in Paris on March 6, 2022. The expectant parents made a late-night stop into Baby Dior on Avenue Montaigne for baby clothes. Rihanna had already been in the city for Paris Fashion Week the week before.
April 1, 2022: Rihanna wears 'Baby Daddy' T-shirt on a casual dinner date with A$AP Rocky
SPOT/BACKGRID
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky held hands on their way to enjoy a casual dinner date together on April 1, 2022. Rihanna sported a white T-shirt with photos of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse that read, "Who Dat Is? Dat's Jus My Baby Daddy," while Rocky wore a navy zipper hoodie with reflective sleeves. Together they wore matching AWGE trucker hats to complete the look.
The couple ate at Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood, Calif. A source told PEOPLE they "had an early dinner … and left around 8." The insider also noted the mom and dad-to-be "held hands a lot and looked really happy."
April 15, 2022: Designer Amina Muaddi slams 'vile' affair rumor with A$AP Rocky amid Rihanna's pregnancy
Amina Muaddi set the record straight after a Twitter user claimed A$AP Rocky cheated on Rihanna with her amid the singer's pregnancy.
On April 15, the shoe designer shared a statement on Twitter addressing the social media explosion that followed the rumor the day before.
"I've always believed that an unfounded lie spread on social media doesn't deserve any response or clarification, especially one that is so vile," wrote Muaddi, who has previously worked with both the beauty mogul and the rapper.
"I initially assumed that this fake gossip — fabricated with such malicious intent — would not be taken seriously. However in the last 24h I've been reminded that we live in a society that is so quick to speak on topics regardless of factual basis and that nothing is off limits," she continued. "Not even during what should be one of the most beautiful and celebrated times in one's life."
Nodding to Rihanna's pregnancy, she concluded: "Therefore I have to speak up as this is not only directed towards me but it is related to people I have a great amount of respect and affection for. While Rih is continuing to live her serene, best dressed pregnancy life and I go back to my business — I wish everyone a beautiful Easter weekend!"
Her statement came one day after a Twitter user who goes by LOUIS posted a series of Tweets reading, "Rihanna & ASAP Rocky have split. Rihanna broke up with him after she caught him cheating with shoe designer Amina Muaddi."
April 20, 2022: A$AP Rocky is arrested after vacationing with Rihanna
A$AP Rocky was arrested and detained by the Los Angeles Police Department on April 20, 2022, in connection with a shooting that took place in November 2021. He was met by LAPD at Los Angeles International Airport after returning from a vacation with his pregnant girlfriend Rihanna in her native Barbados. Rihanna was also present at the scene of the arrest, according to TMZ.
Rocky was charged with the felony of assault with a deadly weapon (firearm). According to court records, his bail was set at $550,000. The rapper allegedly shot a man following an argument. According to the victim, Rocky fled the scene with two other men. After his arrest, Rocky was released from jail later that day.
April 23, 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky enjoy dinner following his arrest earlier that week
Gotham/GC Images
Three days after A$AP Rocky's arrest, he and Rihanna enjoyed a night out and had dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, Calif. A source told PEOPLE that the couple was joined by a small group of close friends.
"It was a happy and relaxed group," the source said. "Rihanna looked great. She sat next to A$AP Rocky, and they were affectionate. They dined for a couple of hours. The focus was very much on Rihanna and the baby."
May 5, 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky "pretend" to tie the knot in a music video
On May 5, 2022, A$AP Rocky dropped his "D.M.B" music video featuring girlfriend Rihanna. The music video was written, directed and executive produced by A$AP Rocky, and, according to a press release, is an "ode to the classic love story."
The video was shot in the style of a vintage video montage. By the end, Rihanna is wearing a red veil and dress at what appears to be a wedding ceremony. "I was lost then, but I found you/I was slim thick with a bounce too," Rocky raps. "It's your tough love that I'm bound to/I f--- it up, then it's round two."
May 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcome their first child
On May 19, PEOPLE confirmed the couple welcomed their first child together.
"Rihanna is doing well," said the source. "They are very excited to be parents. Rihanna is already a wonderful mom."
May 30, 2022: A$AP Rocky opens up about fatherhood nearly one month after Rihanna gives birth
A$AP Rocky opened up about fatherhood to Dazed magazine just a few weeks after Rihanna gave birth to their first child. In an interview published on May 30, 2022, Rocky shared how he hopes to raise his kids and the type of father he plans to be.
"I will always remind my children to never lose their imagination, even as adults, no matter what," Rocky said. He added that he hopes to "raise open-minded children" and "not people who discriminate." He continued, "And I'm not trying to describe a saint, but realistically, I just want a cool child with cool parents."
August 23, 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky step out in New York
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were photographed going out in New York City. The two looked comfortable and casual, with Rihanna in a blue No. 99 football jersey and Rocky wearing a white T-shirt and blue patterned pants.
The couple's evening outing followed Rocky's Aug. 17 court appearance, where he pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a firearm during a November 2021 incident in Los Angeles.
September 9, 2022: Rihanna supports A$AP Rocky and his whisky line at an event in New York
Rihanna joined A$AP Rocky at a Mercer & Prince event, celebrating the rapper's new whiskey line. The singer wore a chic black dress and a diamond necklace while Rocky switched between a white tee and a multicolor crewneck.
Clips of the famous couple at the event gained plenty of attention on Twitter, including a video of Rocky putting his arm around Rihanna as she whispers into his ear.
October 2, 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky celebrate his birthday in Hollywood
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were photographed heading to the Olivetta restaurant in West Hollywood to celebrate the rapper's 34th birthday a day early.
For the outing, Rihanna wore a ruched black gown with a slit on the left leg, which she paired with an oversized leather jacket. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky was seen in a black suit and tie.
October 26, 2022: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky walked the red carpet at the premiere of Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Rihanna's single, "Lift Me Up," appears on the soundtrack of the Marvel sequel.
The songstress wore a strapless green Rick Owens dress to the event, which she accessorized with a pair of long gloves. Meanwhile, Rocky looked casual look in an oversized khaki jacket and matching pants. The couple posed for photographers with their arms wrapped around each other.
November 7, 2022: Rihanna says A$AP Rocky encouraged her to do the Super Bowl Halftime Show
In September 2022, Rihanna was announced as the headliner for the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
"I often get so overwhelmed and intimidated by stages like that, so Super Bowl is huge," she told Access. "[A$AP] was one of my biggest supporters in making my decision to do the Super Bowl. He was like 'You got this. You can do this.' "
The Love on the Brain singer went on to gush about her partner and their rock-solid relationship.
"It's amazing to have a friendship be the center of our entire family. I really love it," Rihanna said.
January 10, 2023: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend the Golden Globes
Christopher Polk/NBC via Getty Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky joined Rihanna at the 2023 Golden Globes, where the singer was nominated for best original song for "Lift Me Up" from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Rihanna wore a ruched black gown, velvet gloves and a velvet wrap cape while Rocky chose a monochromatic suit by Bottega Veneta.
January 18, 2023: A$AP Rocky says he's "excited" for Rihanna's Super Bowl performance
During an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, A$AP Rocky gushed about the mother of his child.
"I'm so glad that my lady's back making music again and whatnot, and getting back out there. It's just incredible," he said.
The rapper went on to talk about Rihanna's highly anticipated 2023 Super Bowl Halftime performance.
"The Super Bowl is huge, and her being the creative she is, she going to bring it, man. I'm excited. I'm more excited than everybody else, honestly," A$AP said.
February 12, 2023: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are expecting their second baby together
A rep for Rihanna confirmed to PEOPLE that the singer was pregnant following her halftime performance at Super Bowl LVII. Rihanna revealed her baby bump during the opening moments of her show, rubbing her stomach and leaving the front of her jumpsuit — which was layered over a form-fitting bodysuit and sculpting bandeau — unzipped.
A$AP was also on the sidelines during Rihanna's performance and was seen filming his girlfriend and singing along.
February 15, 2023: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky appear on the cover of British Vogue
The couple, along with their son, posed for the cover of British Vogue's March 2023 issue. In the accompanying article, Rihanna shared that having a baby together has only brought her and A$AP closer.
"We're best friends with a baby," the "Diamonds" singer said. "We have to be on the same page, but we've always kind of had that in our relationship. Everything changes when you have a baby but I wouldn't say it's done anything but made us closer."
February 20, 2023: A$AP Rocky and Rihanna celebrate her 35th birthday
The couple, along with a few family and friends, celebrated the "Umbrella" singer's birthday with a private dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, California. A source told PEOPLE that Rihanna and her guests had the entire restaurant to themselves.
"Rihanna looked gorgeous and was in the best mood," the insider said, adding that the pop star and A$AP "were very affectionate" throughout the evening.
March 12, 2023: A$AP Rocky toasts Rihanna at the 2023 Oscars
Rihanna and A$AP attended the 2023 Oscars together, where the singer performed her song "Lift Me Up" from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
After the performance, A$AP honored his girlfriend by sweetly raising a glass to the singer.