RockyWINS

Two new films. Vindication in court. And a growing family with Rihanna. A$AP Rocky, rapper-turned-style setter-turned actor, is ascendant (and hoping for a girl).

- 

Coat, IM MEN. Sunglasses, RAY-BAN. Earrings, BULGARI. Tie, DIOR.

HIGH UP ON THE 18TH FLOOR OF A LUXURY HOTEL, A$AP Rocky is talking polyamory. It's not what you think. This isn't about him and his famous partner. He isn't judging anyone's consensual lifestyle either. He just can't tell what's genuine these days. “It’s not for everybody,” he says. “Half these guys are just doing it for the camera, the look, the facade. But they go home lonely. No companionship. Nobody to let your stress out and vent to. Nobody to lift you up when you're down.”

But then he mentions two entertainers, Ne-Yo and DeRay Davis, who've both been open about having multiple girlfriends. “I see them, and I’m like, Oh, salute. That must be fun,” Rocky says, then pauses, dropping his tone. He speaks from behind blacked-out RayBan sunglasses, with a distinct croak in his voice. “But I know that that is a lot of work, bro. I say to myself, Yo, that shit looks amazing, but is it easy?”

A few years ago, pre-Rih, when the Harlem native with the charming gold-toothed smile was still in his rock star phase, having the wildest of nights, this conversation might have gone differently. Now Rocky is a blissfully committed father of two with a third on the way, a rapper, actor, and fashion icon, wondering if the men living the life he once did are happy. He used to enjoy being a playboy—he says he thought you had to be like that “to consider yourself a rock star”—but “There’s no longevity in that,” he’s learned. “What's really fly is raising a family, bro, and loving them. Being there.”

This page: Coat, blazer, sweater, pants, belt bag, FERRAGAMO. Sunglasses, RAY-BAN. Earrings, rings, BULGARI. Shoes, PUMA. Opposite: Jacket, jeans, belt, CELINE. Sunglasses, RAY-BAN. Gloves, WING & WEFT GLOVES.