A$AP Rocky Poses in Father's Day-Themed Photoshoot for Bottega Veneta
A$AP Rocky is shaking up the stereotypical image of what a rapper should be in a new Bottega Veneta campaign that's centered around fatherhood.
The rapper, who shares two young children with Rihanna, was announced as the Italian luxury label's newest brand ambassador with a vulnerable black-and-white photo series that showcases his life as a dad. The series, titled “Portraits of Fatherhood,” was shot by Carrie Mae Weems and released on Father's Day, with each of the six images depicting Rocky at home with sons RZA and Riot Rose.
“I don’t think there are many people in my culture who advocate for fatherhood and parenthood,” Rocky said in a press release for the campaign. “This player persona is very pushed. When you think about a rapper, you think about adolescence, about the single bachelor lifestyle.”
The rapper continued: “This is about me as one-woman man, as a family man. It is about what completes my life now: being present as a partner and a parent.”
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna announced they were expecting their first child RZA in 2022 with a snowy photoshoot in Rocky's native Harlem in New York City. Riot Rose was born the following year. The two parents have both gushed over their sons on separate occasions — whether on Instagram or in interviews. Both musicians have said they have recordings of their kids that they hope to use in any future songs as well.
“This is the evolution of Mr. Mayers,” Rocky continued about the photoshoot, whose real name is Rakim Mayers. “This is me embodying and embracing fatherhood, parenthood, companionship, and family, while still working on all aspects of my career.”
Carrie Mae Weems, the photographer behind the series, has created other works in the past that serve to “rebuke” any “negative stereotypes and messaging around the African American family.”
“Rocky’s concerns as an African American man with children profoundly moved me,” Weems said in the release. “Historically there has been a deep lack of honest representation of the Black family. It has been distorted for centuries. This was a unique opportunity to say something not just positive, but truthful."
She continued: “In the wake of all the atrocities committed against Black men — particularly because of their masculinity — Rocky can be seen with his children, in love. To be able to speak that authenticity through him was galvanising.”
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