A$AP Rocky’s courtroom victory wasn’t just a personal win—it sent waves of excitement through the music industry and his loyal fanbase. The 36-year-old rapper walked out of court a free man after being found not guilty of shooting at former friend A$AP Relli during a 2021 incident. Facing serious felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and a potential 24-year prison sentence, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. But Tuesday’s verdict cleared his name, and the celebration began almost instantly.
Rihanna’s Emotional Reaction: “Thankful, Humbled by His Mercy!”
One of the most heartfelt reactions came from Rihanna, Rocky’s longtime partner and the mother of their two sons, RZA and Riot. She was a steady presence throughout the intense three-week trial, often sitting with Rocky’s mother and sister in the courtroom. As soon as the verdict was announced, Rihanna took to Instagram to express her gratitude.
“The Glory Belongs to God and God Alone!” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “Thankful, Humbled by His Mercy!”
After leaving the courthouse, Rihanna was right by Rocky’s side, walking alongside his legal team. A visibly relieved Rocky addressed the press, saying, “I’m thankful and blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y’all.” The victory was sweet, but the emotions ran even deeper when a reporter outside the courthouse asked him about “losing a childhood friend.”
Before Rocky could even respond, Rihanna jumped in with a firm, no-nonsense reply: “How (do) you think it feels?” It was clear that she wasn’t about to let anyone twist the narrative surrounding her man’s win.
Hip-Hop Royalty Weighs In: Nicki Minaj, Ye, and 50 Cent Celebrate
The news of Rocky’s acquittal spread like wildfire, drawing reactions from some of hip-hop’s biggest names. Nicki Minaj, who worked with Rocky on the 2018 track Runnin’, shared a touching Instagram Story featuring a family portrait of Rocky, Rihanna, and their children. “To God be the glory,” she wrote.
Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), another longtime collaborator, joined the celebration in his own way. He posted a black-and-white image of Rocky in court, simply captioning it with a prayer hands emoji—a silent but powerful acknowledgment of his fellow rapper’s triumph.
Rapper Papoose also chimed in, sharing a video clip of Rocky embracing his family in the courtroom moments after the verdict was read. “I know on the internet everything is a joke. But man, I’m so happy for this dude. Peace to ASAP (and) his family! God is good! 🤲🏾” he wrote on Instagram.
Then came 50 Cent, never one to hold back. He reminded everyone that he saw this victory coming from a mile away. “I told (people) I would bet 500,000 K he gonna beat it when ASAP Tellie started getting tired of telling 5 days straight,” he wrote, seemingly referencing A$AP Relli. “💣BOOM💨 Now stay sucker free!”
Spike Lee and Hollywood’s Response: “Thanks To The Judge And Jury”
Even outside the music industry, Rocky’s acquittal made waves. Iconic filmmaker Spike Lee, who cast Rocky in his upcoming movie Highest 2 Lowest, celebrated the verdict with an enthusiastic Instagram post on Wednesday.
“Good Morning, Thanks To The Judge And Jury For The NOT GUILTY VERDICT,” he wrote. “A$AP And DENZEL WASHINGTON Are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 In HIGHEST 2 LOWEST. DA New SPIKE LEE JOINT This SUMMER.” And in classic Spike Lee fashion, he wrapped up his post with his signature sign-off: “And DAT’S DA’ 40 ACRES AND A MULE’ TRUTH, RUTH. YA-DIG❓SHO-NUFF 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾”
A Moment of Relief, But What’s Next for Rocky?
Rocky’s acquittal marks the end of a long and stressful legal battle, but it’s also the start of a new chapter. Fans and fellow artists are eager to see what’s next for him, both personally and professionally. Will he channel this experience into his music? Will he take some time off to be with his family? One thing’s for sure—this verdict has only strengthened his place in hip-hop culture.
While legal troubles have derailed many careers in the music industry, Rocky’s case has proven that resilience, faith, and the right support system can turn things around. His triumphant return from court signals a powerful comeback, and the world will be watching to see where he goes from here.
For now, though, A$AP Rocky can breathe easy—he’s a free man, and the hip-hop community is celebrating right along with him.
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