Rakim Athelaston Mayers, known professionally as A$AP Rocky, is an American rapper, record producer and record executive. Born and raised in Harlem, he embarked on his musical career as a member of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker. In August 2011, Rocky's single "Peso" was leaked online and within weeks began receiving radio airplay. Rocky released his debut mixtape Live.Love.A$AP, later that year to widespread critical acclaim.