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Thank You, A$AP Yams

Posted on January 19th, 2015
by
Staff Editor


Steven Rodriguez, better known as A$AP Yams, the creator and innovator of the highly successful group A$AP Mob, tragically passed away yesterday (1/18) at the age of 26, and it feels like a part of hip-hop has been lost forever. Yams founded A$AP Mob with nothing but heart and a Tumblr page in 2007 and has since turned a group of hungry, passionate East Coast spitters into one of the most prolific groups of our generation.

After signing Rocky and the Mob to an eye-opening $3 million deal with Sony Records in 2011, the talented group of hitmakers have sold out hundreds of shows, sold thousands of records, inspired a whole new generation of hip-hop and changed the game forever in multiple ways. While Rocky, Ferg, Twelvyy, Nast, Illz and Ant certainly get the credit for making the music and earning the fan base, the entire A$AP Mob’s success all falls on the hard work, vision and passion of one person – A$AP Yams.

His drive, his belief, his confidence and his playful personality made Yams one to remember. The rap world looked at the free-spirited innovator as the next big mogul in hip-hop, the one who could see your potential instantly and change your life for the better, giving young kids from the hood a chance to spread their message the right way. A true visionary, he gave people a chance to become successful in an environment where that’s far from common.

The outpouring of love and support the hip-hop community gave to the Mob yesterday was unbelievable and if it hadn’t been clear before, it made you fully aware of the impact that Yams had on countless artists, execs, influencers and just everyday people. Several rappers have credited Yams as the sole believer in their sound and the only one who gave them a legitimate chance. Those kinds of people, especially in this often cutthroat business, are hard to come by.

If you’re a fan of the A$AP Mob in any way at all, then you owe Yams a big thanks. If you were ever in the club yelling, “I love bad b***hes, that’s my f*cking problem,” then go take a moment to salute Yams. If you had “Work” or “Shabba Ranks” blaring out of your speakers at least once in your life (you’re lying if you say you didn’t) then you owe the Ja Rule-loving Mob lieutenant your unwavering respect.

If the A$AP Mob improved your life in any way, or gave you the inspiration you needed to succeed, thank its leader – A$AP Yams.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Yams’ family, the A$AP Mob and to you, the listeners, who gave Yams and the Mob undying support all of these years. We’re feeling it too.

Thank you, Yams. Rest in Peace.

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