A$AP Rocky Performs For The First Time Since Release From Sweden's Custody
Following his release from Sweden’s custody, A$AP Rocky performed for the first time after his months-long international legal row with the European country that sparked celebrity-backed public outcry.
The hip-hop community, which pledged to boycott Sweden, led the charge in calling for his release after he was locked up abroad over assault charges. Donald Trump also tweeted demands for Rocky’s release.
Finally, the Harlem rap artist and fashion magnate was back on U.S. soil last week after he was released from the Slavic country’s custody following the judges’ decision to let him out of prison while they decide the fate of his assault case.
The rapper took the stage to a crowd of hyped and screaming fans as the headlining act for the 2019 Real Street Festival on Sunday (August 11), where he kicked the show off in style. Rocky started with a high-energy performance along with a group of masked people standing atop a platform.
Just as fans were beginning to mosh, Rocky paused the festivities for a tender heart-to-heart with his fans since his return to his home country. He took a moment to acknowledge his current on-going situation with the crowd, where he opened up about his experience locked up abroad.
“I just want to say, what I experienced, it’s crazy. I’m so happy to be here right now. Y'all don’t understand. That was a scary, humbling experience, but I’m here. God is good, know what I’m sayin’?” Rocky said before thanking his fans for their outpouring of support while he was detained.
“People that I don’t even f**king know was sympathetic for my situation and was praying for me. That uplifted me when my spirits was low. I can’t thank y’all enough. Hip-hop has never been so strong together,” he finished before rocking out the rest of the show.
Rocky pulled two more surprises out of his sleeve: At one point during his performance, he was joined by Tyler the Creator for their own spin on Tyler’s 2017 song “Who Dat Boy,” followed by surprise appearances from YG and his brother-in-rhyme, A$AP Ferg.
- advertisement
At the end of his set, he called for prayers ahead of his looming court date.
“Everybody listen, I know y'all is praying for me. I’mma need y'all to continue praying for me. Hopefully, God's will, I'm not guilty. I get the verdict on Wednesday," he concluded in his closing sentiments to the crowd before he exited the stage.
This performance could mark his last for a while, depending on the outcome of his pending trial with the Swedish authorities. The final verdict will be announced this Wednesday (August 14).
Rocky doesn’t have to be present in court, but he will have to return to the Nordic country if he does end up facing jail time per the request of the prosecutor, who asked the judges to give him six months in prison.
