On July 6, 2025, A$AP Rocky, the 36-year-old Harlem-born rapper and partner to global icon Rihanna, made headlines with a bold stance on parenting that has sparked widespread discussion across the United States and beyond. In an exclusive interview with Billboard at his SoHo studio, Rocky revealed his firm decision to forgo hiring a babysitter for his three children—RZA, three, Riot Rose, 23 months, and a daughter due later in 2025—declaring, “I didn’t wait till 35 to have children just to hire someone else!” The statement, delivered with his characteristic blend of humility and defiance, has ignited debates about modern parenting, celebrity lifestyles, and the balance between career and family. As of 4:58 PM +07 on July 7, 2025, the controversy continues to unfold, with fans and critics alike weighing in on Rocky’s unconventional approach. This article explores the roots of his decision, its implications, and the public reaction to this polarizing choice.

The Context: A Family Man in the Spotlight

A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, and Rihanna, the 37-year-old Barbadian superstar, have built a high-profile family since welcoming their first son, RZA, in May 2022. Their second son, Riot Rose, arrived in August 2023, and their third child—a daughter, as hinted by Rocky at the Smurfs world premiere in Brussels on June 28—was announced at the 2025 Met Gala. The couple’s journey from collaborators to parents has been closely watched, with Rocky often sharing glimpses of their life, from RZA’s British Vogue cover debut to Riot’s runway appearance at Paris Men’s Fashion Week in June 2025.

Rocky’s upbringing in Harlem, marked by poverty and the loss of his father and brother, shapes his perspective. In a 2024 Billboard interview, he reflected on his father’s lessons of “humility and cockiness,” crediting those values to his approach to fatherhood. Rihanna, raised in a modest Bridgetown bungalow amid her parents’ struggles, has echoed this hands-on ethos, telling British Vogue in 2023, “We came home, cold turkey, had no one. It was just us as parents and our baby.” This shared commitment to parenting without external help has now crystallized in Rocky’s public stance, rooted in his belief that waiting until his mid-30s to start a family was a deliberate choice to be actively involved.

The Declaration: A Personal Philosophy

The Billboard interview, conducted on July 5 in celebration of Eminem’s surprise collaboration “Old Me” with Rihanna, turned personal when Rocky was asked about balancing his music career with fatherhood. “Man, I’ve got three kids now, and I’m not about to let someone else raise them,” he said, leaning back with a grin. “I didn’t wait till 35 to have children just to hire someone else!” The comment came as he showcased a video of RZA playing in SoHo, emphasizing, “They’re human beings, not projects to delegate.”

Rocky elaborated on his reasoning, drawing from his own childhood of instability—moving through homeless shelters with his mother after his father’s 2012 death. “I know what it’s like to feel like you’re on your own,” he explained. “I want my kids to feel me, to know I’m there, not some stranger.” This philosophy aligns with Rihanna’s earlier statements about rejecting nannies, a choice she attributed to the overwhelming early days of parenthood. Rocky’s refusal extends this narrative, framing it as a rejection of privilege often associated with celebrity parenting, where nannies are commonplace.

The decision comes amid Rocky’s busy schedule, including his AWGE fashion line and a forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, slated for late 2025. Yet, he insists on prioritizing hands-on involvement, a stance that contrasts with his past reputation as a party-centric figure, as seen in his 2019 documentary Kids Turned Out Fine.

Public and Cultural Reactions

The reaction to Rocky’s declaration has been swift and polarized. On social media platforms like X, fans expressed a mix of admiration and skepticism. Supporters praised his dedication, with posts like “A$AP Rocky raising his kids himself—respect the hustle!” Others highlighted Rihanna’s influence, noting, “Rihanna and Rocky are redefining celebrity parenting.” Critics, however, questioned the practicality, with one user writing, “Three kids with no babysitter? Good luck with that chaos!” Some pointed to the couple’s wealth—Rihanna’s $1.4 billion Fenty empire and Rocky’s $20 million net worth—as enabling this choice, arguing it’s out of touch for most parents.

Parenting experts have weighed in, with Dr. Sarah Johnson, a child psychologist, telling People, “It’s admirable to want to be hands-on, but three young children demand significant support. This could strain their mental health without a safety net.” Conversely, lifestyle coach Mark Evans argued, “If they can afford the time, it’s a powerful statement against outsourcing parenthood,” reflecting a divide between practicality and principle.

The entertainment industry has also taken note. Eminem, in a July 7 Variety interview about “Old Me,” lauded Rocky’s approach, saying, “He’s all in—respect to him and Rihanna.” Meanwhile, Cardi B, amid her own parenting scrutiny with Stefon Diggs, posted on Instagram, “Love the commitment, but I need a break sometimes!” The contrast with celebrity norms—where nannies are standard, as seen with Beyoncé and Jay-Z—underscores Rocky’s outlier status.

Roots in Personal History

Rocky’s refusal is deeply tied to his past. Growing up in Harlem, he witnessed his mother’s struggles as a single parent after his father’s incarceration and death. In a 2022 Complex interview, he said, “Fatherhood gives me more time to focus on what matters,” a sentiment reinforced by his 2024 return to Barbados, where he honored his paternal roots. Rihanna’s childhood, marked by her father’s alcoholism and her mother’s resilience, further shapes their shared philosophy. Their decision to forgo nannies after RZA’s birth, as Rihanna shared in 2023, reflects a mutual desire to break from cycles of absence they experienced.

This stance also aligns with Rocky’s public image evolution. Once known for wild antics, as documented in his 2015 arrest for assault, he has leaned into family life, as seen in Bottega Veneta’s 2024 “Portraits of Fatherhood” campaign. His refusal to hire help is a continuation of this narrative, though it raises questions about sustainability given his and Rihanna’s global commitments.

Broader Implications

Rocky’s choice challenges societal norms around parenting and wealth. In an era where dual-income households often rely on childcare—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows 60% of families with young children use some form of paid help—his stance is a luxury few can afford. It also critiques the celebrity culture of delegation, where nannies like those for the Kardashians are public fixtures, suggesting a return to traditional involvement that resonates with some but alienates others.

The decision could influence parenting trends, particularly among high-profile figures. If successful, it might encourage others to prioritize presence over outsourcing, though it risks burnout without support. Rihanna’s pregnancy with their third child adds pressure, with fans on X speculating, “Three kids with no help—let’s see how long this lasts!” The couple’s ability to manage could set a precedent, though it may also highlight disparities between their resources and those of average parents.

Culturally, Rocky’s move ties to his and Rihanna’s Caribbean roots, where extended family often fills childcare roles. Their choice to rely solely on each other, rather than hired help, mirrors this tradition, potentially boosting Barbados’ image as a family-centric haven. However, it also invites scrutiny over privacy, with paparazzi tracking their every move, as seen during Rihanna’s 2025 Met Gala reveal.

A Defining Moment

As of 4:58 PM +07 on July 7, 2025, A$AP Rocky’s refusal to hire a babysitter remains a lightning rod. His declaration, “I didn’t wait till 35 to have children just to hire someone else,” encapsulates a philosophy of personal investment that challenges celebrity norms and resonates with his past. The image of Rocky playing with RZA in SoHo, paired with Rihanna’s hands-on motherhood, paints a picture of dedication amid luxury. For fans, it’s a heroic stance; for critics, a risky experiment. This unfolding story, blending personal conviction with public debate, promises to shape discussions on parenting and fame for months to come.