Pecohub A$AP Rocky has made a career of turning creative risks into cultural blueprints.
His impact will be recognized at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, where the 37-year-old Harlem native, born Rakim Athelston Mayers, will receive the Vanguard Award for Fashion on Feb. 28 in Pasadena, Calif. The honor celebrates trailblazers who push culture forward.
In addition, he is nominated for three Image Awards for his role in Spike Lee’s film “Highest 2 Lowest.”
A$AP Rocky’s influence spans music, film, entrepreneurship and style, from early days defining a new era of Harlem-bred streetwear to stepping into the world of luxury fashion. He has appeared in campaigns for Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gucci, Guess, Fenty Skin and more, and he’s the first Black male face of Dior Homme.
The creative is on the heels of releasing his fourth studio album, “Don’t Be Dumb,” out Jan. 16. His first project in eight years, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Alongside music and film — he’s also seen in Mary Bronstein’s “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” — A$AP Rocky runs his creative agency AWGE and acts as creative director for Ray-Ban and Puma.
“This year’s Vanguard Award honoree, A$AP Rocky, embodies the power and evolution of Black artistry,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, in a statement. “As a creative force who consistently pushes culture forward, he has redefined the intersection of music and fashion, shaping global trends and inspiring new generations.
Honoring A$AP Rocky with the Vanguard Award celebrates his lasting influence, and the legacy he continues to build.”
The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air live on BET and on CBS. Additional honors will be presented on Feb. 26 during the Creative Honors, with select categories decided by public vote.
