Happy Birthday, A$AP Yams!
Today reopens a wound that has never really healed since January. A$AP Yams would've turned 27 years old (Nov. 13).
A$AP Yams made his name through his business acumen, will and undeniable charisma. After starting out by interning for the Diplomats, Yams, born Steven Rodriguez, became the co-founder of the A$AP Mob and one of the best curators of our time through his Tumblr page.
His web presence put everyone on to what was hot while reviving some gems through his mixes. Yams was also instrumental in the A$AP Mob's style, a mix of Houston chopped-and-screwed music, Three 6 Mafia's nefarious knocks and many influences in between. So of course, Yams was right in the spotlight when A$AP Rocky finally blew up. ”Rocky’s like Luke Skywalker, and I’m Yoda,” Yams said in his famous profile for The New York Times.
The only thing that really slowed him down was his own internal battles. As the A$AP movement hit full swing, Yams was battling drug addiction. He went into rehab in the summer of 2014 but struggled to stay sober. Tragically, he passed away on Jan. 18 due to an accidental drug overdose.
The hip-hop community mourned and gave its condolences in the weeks after the young genius' passing. However, the legend's name won't be forgotten anytime soon. A$AP Rocky's latest album, At. Long. Last. ASAP, which features Yams' signature birthmark, doubled as a dedication to him.
Watch A$AP Yams in A$AP Rocky's "Goldie" Video
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