In a rare and deeply personal moment, rapper, fashion icon, and now full-time father A$AP Rocky is opening up about his approach to parenting with global superstar Rihanna—and he’s not holding back on where he stands when it comes to raising their two young sons.

During a sit-down interview for Essence Magazine’s special issue on modern fatherhood, A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, surprised fans and critics alike with an emotional declaration:

“I refuse to hire a babysitter. These are my kids. I’m all in—no assistants, no stand-ins, no substitutes.”

The comment, delivered with quiet conviction, was not part of a scripted Q&A, but came during a candid backstage conversation following the photoshoot for the cover story. According to the journalist on scene, Rocky was changing one of his son’s diapers mid-interview.

“He didn’t flinch,” the reporter noted. “He was multitasking like a pro—handling his son while talking about legacy, love, and showing up.”

The Evolution of A$AP Rocky

For a man once known for his party lifestyle, designer fits, and high-energy performances, A$AP Rocky’s transformation into one of hip-hop’s most hands-on fathers is drawing admiration—and sparking a broader conversation around Black fatherhood and redefining masculinity in the spotlight.

“I grew up not having certain things,” he said. “I promised myself, if I ever had kids, I’d be there—really there. Not just on the holidays. Not just when it’s convenient.”

He also revealed that since the birth of his second son with Rihanna in 2023, he has turned down multiple tours, collaborations, and business deals to prioritize being at home.

“People don’t get it. They say, ‘You can just hire help.’ But I’m not trying to delegate fatherhood. I want to be the one rocking them to sleep, hearing their first words, teaching them how to walk. That’s my job.”

Rihanna’s Quiet Co-Sign

Though Rihanna has largely kept family life out of the media, sources close to the couple say she is fully aligned with Rocky’s approach—and deeply moved by it.

“She watches him with the boys and just smiles,” one insider shared. “He’s not doing this to impress anyone. He wants to be this dad.”

In a previous interview, Rihanna described Rocky as “the calm in the chaos,” adding, “He’s the kind of dad who brings peace into a room—and diapers in one hand, bottles in the other.”

Fans React: ‘Real Men Raise Their Kids’

As clips of the interview made their way to social media, fans quickly flooded platforms with praise.

“A$AP Rocky just made being a full-time dad cool,” one fan posted.
“No entourage, no ego. Just love. This is what fatherhood looks like,” another said.
“Can we normalize THIS energy from celebrity dads? Please and thank you.”

Even fellow artists weighed in, with Chance the Rapper reposting the quote and adding: “Salute to a real one.”

More Than a Trend: A Movement?

Parenting experts and media analysts alike are taking notice of Rocky’s outspoken stance on fatherhood, calling it a “breakthrough moment in celebrity culture.”

“We rarely see male stars—especially in hip-hop—center themselves in caregiving,” said Dr. Lila Bennett, a sociologist who studies family dynamics in media. “Rocky isn’t just rejecting nannies. He’s rejecting the narrative that fathers are optional.”

What’s Next for Rocky?

While he’s not leaving the industry entirely, A$AP Rocky confirmed that he’s in no rush to release new music or return to a touring schedule until his youngest son is at least walking.

“Everything else can wait,” he said. “There’s nothing more exclusive than watching your child take their first steps.”

He also hinted at a potential children’s book inspired by his parenting experience and is reportedly in early talks for a docuseries on modern fatherhood, co-produced with Rihanna’s team at Fenty Productions.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A$AP ROCKY ISN’T JUST A DAD—HE’S A DEDICATED ONE

In an era of image and illusion, Rocky’s decision to step back from the spotlight to raise his children isn’t just surprising—it’s revolutionary. And if his words are any indication, he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

For behind-the-scenes footage of the interview and exclusive family photos, visit Essence.com/fatherhood or follow the link in our social bio.