Rapper A$AP Rocky pleaded not guilty on August 17 to two counts of assault with a firearm in connection with the November 2021 shooting of a former friend in Hollywood, USA.

A$AP Rocky , 33, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom, standing next to his lawyer, who told the judge that the artist was facing trial without pleading guilty.

Prosecutors allege that A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, pointed a semi-automatic handgun at a man during an “argument,” according to a statement from Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

A$AP Rocky then fired two shots at the man, causing minor injuries, the statement said. In August 2019, Rocky received a suspended prison sentence for his involvement in a brawl in Stockholm, Sweden. The rapper and two members of his entourage were convicted of punching and kicking a 19-year-old man after an argument. They told the court they acted in self-defense.

Rocky released his debut mixtape Live Love A$AP in 2011, which received critical acclaim. His debut album Long Live A$AP was released on January 15, 2013. A$AP Rocky and singer Rihanna welcomed their son in May 2022.