There’s something admirable about being vulnerable today. A$AP Rocky is opening up about the emotional toll of his recent legal battle, describing the years-long process as a deeply “traumatic” chapter.
The revelation went down in a new Variety cover story, the rapper, who was acquitted of felony assault charges earlier this year, spoke candidly about the impact the experience had on his personal life, career, and mental health. The situation, he said, will be explored in depth on his forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb.
“I’m writing about these past four or five years that I had this over me, and it’s been kind of handicapping me,” Rocky said.
The Harlem-born artist revealed that the case, and the betrayal he felt during it, triggered lasting emotional effects, particularly around trust.
“I think I had trust issues for a while now. I can’t necessarily blame it on my last situation,” he continued. “But what I did learn is you’ve gotta accept that everybody’s not good people; you’re not gonna run into a solid person every time. Not everybody’s gonna handle situations like you.”
Reflecting further, he acknowledged his imperfections and the importance of personal accountability.
“Once you accept that you’re not responsible for nobody’s actions but yours … That’s where I’m at — like, yo, focus on your own actions. Because I ain’t perfect. I’m human too, and we all f**k up,” he added.
Get this, Rocky also shared insight into his decision to reject a plea deal that would have resulted in a 180-day jail sentence, despite facing the possibility of up to 24 years if convicted.
“You got to stop yourself from thinking like that. Because that could get the best of you, and you can manifest that energy by mistake. I tried to stay positive at all times,” Rocky explained.