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A$AP Rocky has revealed that his mother played matchmaker long before his romance with Rihanna became official, saying she encouraged him to date the global superstar because she sensed they were meant for each other.
In a New York Times Popcast interview published Thursday, Jan. 15, the rapper and actor reflected on how his mother's intuition shaped his love life and why the timing with Rihanna felt right. Rocky, 37, said being in a committed relationship changed his outlook before he became a father.
"A woman will change your whole life, especially if it's a companion," he explained. "Before I had my children, it was like being with my girl took a blindfold off."
Rocky added that women often have sharper emotional awareness, noting that a partner can quickly tell who truly belongs in your inner circle. When co-host Joe Coscarelli pointed out that Rocky "didn't just get with any girl," the artist agreed, calling Rihanna "a very special woman."
The Harlem-born musician also highlighted similarities between himself and the "Umbrella" singer, who is also 37. According to Rocky, they share the same birth year, family ties to Barbados and a natural understanding that makes their bond feel effortless.
"We were on the same page," he said. "It's just funny. We laugh about it a lot."
Looking back, Rocky admitted that Rihanna was always more than a friend to him. He recalled his mother repeatedly suggesting that he should be with Rihanna instead of whoever he was dating at the time, advice he initially brushed off.
"My mother used to say, 'I want you with RiRi,'" he shared, adding that he didn't believe Rihanna saw him that way back then.
Eventually, he realized his mother had seen what he couldn't. "Mothers know best," Rocky said. He added that he is grateful Rihanna entered his life when she did, believing neither of them was ready earlier.
The couple were close friends for nearly a decade before PEOPLE confirmed their relationship in November 2020. Since then, they have built a family together, welcoming sons RZA Athelston, 5½, and Riot Rose, 2, along with their 4-month-old daughter, Rocki Irish.
Rocky is set to release his album, Don't Be Dumb.
