Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Harriet Brewis

A$AP Rocky speaks about 'scary and humbling' arrest during first performance since prison release

ASAP Rocky performed at the Real Street Festival in Anaheim (Picture: SplashNews.com)

US rapper A$AP Rocky has spoken out for the first time ahead of the verdict in his court case in Sweden, telling fans he is going through a "scary, humbling experience."

The Grammy-nominated artist, 30, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, arrived on stage at the Real Street Festival in Anaheim, California, on Sunday.

He began the performance with a mask covering his face, before launching a heart-felt address to the cheering crowds.

"I'm so happy to be here right now, y'all don't even understand,” he said.

The 30-year-old thanked fans for their support (SplashNews.com)

"That was a scary, humbling experience but I'm here right now. God is good, man. I can't thank God enough, man, that was crazy.

“Hip hop never looked so strong together."

The rapper arrived back in the US on August 2 after spending a month in a Stockholm prison on assault charges.

Judges in Stockholm released him and his two co-defendants while they reach a verdict, which is expected on Wednesday.

Mayers, David Rispers Jr and Bladimir Corniel deny beating 19-year-old Mustafa Jafari outside a fast-food restaurant in the Swedish capital on June 30

http://players.brightcove.net/1348423965/default_default/index.html?videoId=6067639976001

The rapper said he acted in self-defence after Jafari and another man refused to leave him and his entourage alone.

The case has drawn the attention of numerous celebrities, from Justin Bieber and Kanye West to Donald Trump.

The US president, who previously intervened in the case, celebrated the hip-hop star’s return to the US following news of his temporary release.

"ASAP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!" he tweeted.

On Sunday, Mayers was joined on stage by his friend Tyler the Creator.

“Rocky is home!” Tyler shouted after the two performed a song together.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.