Oh, Rihanna isn’t just conquering the music world, the beauty industry, and, you know, the entire planet—she’s also now playing photographer, snapping pics of her man A$AP Rocky like a pro! That’s right, our girl Riri decided to get behind the camera (probably while holding their baby in one hand and running a billion-dollar business with the other) to capture her boo for W Magazine’s Volume 5 issue. Casual.
The location for this little photoshoot was none other than the Merce Hotel, which, according to A$AP, holds all the spicy nostalgia of young love. You see, back in 2012, Virgil Abloh shot A$AP’s “Fashion Killa” music video there, and that’s where Rocky and Rihanna had their first “we’re sitting on a couch together, and this means something” moment. Cue all the romantic music you’ve ever heard in your life. Same couch, same room, different year—but now with kids and a billion-dollar empire.
Naturally, A$AP got all sentimental about their relationship during the feature and spilled the tea on how their dynamic is working, what it’s like being a dad, and how he basically knew Rihanna was his destiny from the moment she saved him from nightclub rejection. (We’ve all been there, Rocky…well, kind of.)
So, let’s break this down. First, A$AP explained how their relationship is a beautifully balanced yin and yang situation, where he’s the world’s greatest dad (his words, not mine), and Rihanna? Well, she’s the world’s greatest mom, obviously. As Rocky so humbly put it, she could never be the world’s greatest dad because, duh, that’s his job! But don’t worry—Rihanna’s probably fine with sticking to world domination and mom duties.
And speaking of those adorable mini moguls-in-the-making, A$AP gave us the scoop on their personalities. Rza, their first-born, is apparently a little introvert, just like his dad. He’s all quiet, contemplative, and, according to Rocky, probably plotting how to take over the world with his big ol’ forehead (yes, Rocky is obsessed with his son’s forehead). Meanwhile, Riot, their youngest, is an extrovert—definitely his mama’s twin. So, if you were wondering who’s going to inherit the Fenty empire, there you have it. Riot’s going to be charming the socks off everyone, while Rza handles the genius ideas behind the scenes.
Now, on to the love story we’re all dying to hear about. According to Rocky, sparks first flew when he was getting denied entry into a club (ouch), and who comes to his rescue? None other than Queen Riri herself! She marched over like the bouncer’s worst nightmare and demanded they let this man in. Who wouldn’t fall in love on the spot? After that, the rest is history. A “we locked eyes, and it was game over” kind of history. She literally fought the system for him—so, yeah, she’s definitely the one.
And the cherry on top of this swoon-worthy sundae? Rocky knew Riri was his soulmate from way back when they were young. He didn’t need some grand epiphany; they both just…knew. And after years of being in each other’s orbit, they finally reconnected as adults and made it official.
Moral of the story: if Rihanna fights the bouncer for you, she’s probably the one. And if you’ve got a big forehead, own it. It could be your greatest asset.
For the rest of the juicy details (and probably some more forehead talk), head over to W Magazine. You won’t regret it.
