Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are navigating the joys of parenthood as a family of four. Since becoming a couple in 2020, the celebrated musicians have welcomed two sons into their lives, embracing the beautiful chaos and fulfillment that children bring. While starting a family wasn’t initially a meticulously planned step for either artist, life has unfolded perfectly, gifting them sons, RZA and Riot.
Rihanna’s Blossoming Journey into Motherhood
In a candid interview with Vogue, Rihanna shared her perspective on family planning before her first pregnancy. “[Certainly not planning against it],” she remarked, indicating an openness to motherhood. Challenging traditional timelines, she famously questioned, “I always thought it would be marriage first, then a baby, but who the f— says it has to be that way?” This statement highlighted her independent spirit and readiness to embrace motherhood on her own terms. Becoming a mom was clearly a priority, irrespective of conventional expectations.
Her journey into motherhood was publicly announced in January 2022, as she and Rocky were photographed in New York City, Rihanna proudly displaying her baby bump. This joyous news was followed by stunning maternity photoshoots and widespread anticipation for the arrival of their first child.
Less than a year after becoming a mother, Rihanna graced the cover of British Vogue alongside A$AP Rocky and their then nine-month-old son, RZA. Describing motherhood as “[legendary,]” she articulated the profound life change it represents: “It’s everything. You really don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever.” This quote encapsulates the transformative and all-encompassing nature of becoming a parent.
The world witnessed another exciting announcement during Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show performance in 2023 – she was pregnant again! This reveal was both iconic and perfectly timed, sharing her growing family with a global audience. The arrival of their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023, seemingly completed their family unit, with sources indicating that “[Rihanna feels her family is now complete].”
Meet RZA Athelston Mayers: Welcoming Their First Son
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, was born on May 13, 2022. While the couple initially kept details private, it was later revealed that they named him RZA after the influential leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, rapper and producer RZA (Robert Fitzgerald Diggs). This unique name choice reflects the couple’s appreciation for music and cultural icons.
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RZA quickly reached milestones, including appearing on the cover of British Vogue at just nine months old with his parents. These images offered a glimpse into their family life and showcased the early days of RZA’s journey. Rihanna also openly shared how becoming parents strengthened her bond with Rocky, noting, “We’re best friends with a baby… Everything changes when you have a baby but I wouldn’t say it’s done anything but made us closer.”
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For RZA’s first birthday, A$AP Rocky celebrated with an Instagram post featuring photos and videos of his son, captioned “WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN 🤲 HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN . RZA❤️.” This public display of affection further cemented their pride and joy in their firstborn.
Welcoming Riot Rose Mayers: Expanding the Family
Riot Rose Mayers, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s second son, arrived on August 1, 2023. His birth was highly anticipated, especially after Rihanna’s Super Bowl pregnancy reveal. Like his older brother, Riot also carries a name starting with “R,” maintaining a subtle family naming theme (Rocky’s given name is Rakim). While the specific meaning behind “Riot Rose” hasn’t been publicly disclosed, A$AP Rocky had released a track titled “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” shortly before his birth, hinting at a possible connection.
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The couple shared the first photos of Riot in September 2023, offering fans another endearing look at their growing family. Rihanna has since mentioned that Riot was quickly growing and even fitting into RZA’s one-year-old clothes at just six months old, showcasing how quickly their youngest was developing.
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Parenting Style and Family Values
A$AP Rocky has been vocal about his aspirations as a father, expressing a desire to raise “[open-minded kids] and not people who discriminate.” He elaborated on his hopes for his children in an interview with Dazed, stating, “And I’m not trying to describe a saint, but realistically, I just want a cool child with cool parents.” This reflects his vision for a nurturing and accepting upbringing for his sons.
Rihanna emphasizes the importance of connecting her children to their heritage. She explained to Vogue China her immediate decision to have her sons’ hair braided, seeing it as “[a form of protection by our ancestors]…[it] makes us realize where we’ve come from… This is our lost history. I immediately wanted my children to have their hair braided…it’s something in our blood.” This highlights her commitment to instilling cultural identity and pride in her sons.
In June 2024, A$AP Rocky partnered with Bottega Veneta for a Father’s Day campaign titled “[Portraits of Fatherhood],” featuring RZA and Riot in “best dad” onesies. Rocky stated, “This is me embodying and embracing fatherhood, parenthood, companionship, and family, while still working on all aspects of my career. It is about what completes my life now: being present as a partner and a parent.” This campaign and his words underscore his dedication to family life while balancing a successful career.
In summary, Rihanna has two children, both sons, named RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers, with partner A$AP Rocky. They are clearly relishing their journey as parents, creating a loving and culturally rich environment for their children.
