Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Have Picked a Name for Their Third Baby – But Why Does It Bring Up a Painful Memory? 📝💔
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, expecting their third child in late 2025, have sparked intrigue with their choice of name for the baby, revealed through a mix of public hints and emotional context. The couple, parents to sons RZA (born May 2022) and Riot Rose (born August 2023), announced their pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala, with Rihanna showcasing her baby bump and Rocky confirming the news. While their joy is evident, the name they’ve hinted at—potentially “A$AP Joe”—carries a bittersweet weight, tied to a painful chapter in their lives: Rocky’s 2021 firearms trial. This article explores the chosen name, its connection to a difficult memory, and the fan reactions to this poignant decision.
The Name Reveal and Its Context
In February 2025, following A$AP Rocky’s acquittal on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, his attorney, Joe Tacopina, shared a surprising detail with Extra. “Rihanna and Rocky said to me in the courtroom… they grabbed me and they said, ‘Listen, our next baby is A$AP Joe,’” Tacopina recounted, adding, “I’m gonna hold you to that!” The name, a tribute to Tacopina’s pivotal role in securing Rocky’s freedom, was initially framed as a lighthearted promise made in the euphoria of the not-guilty verdict. However, the choice resonates deeply, as it evokes the harrowing trial that threatened to upend the couple’s family life.
The trial stemmed from a 2021 incident in Hollywood, where Rocky was accused of firing a gun toward former friend Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli). Facing up to 24 years in prison, Rocky endured a high-stakes, month-long trial in early 2025, with Rihanna by his side in court, a rare public appearance for the couple. A People source described the trial as a “dark cloud” over them, amplifying the relief of the acquittal. Rihanna’s Instagram Story post after the verdict—“The Glory belongs to God and God alone. Thankful, humbled by his mercy”—underscored the emotional toll. Naming their third child “A$AP Joe” thus symbolizes not just gratitude but a painful memory of a time when their future hung in the balance.
The “R” Tradition and a Potential Twist
While “A$AP Joe” deviates from the couple’s “R” naming tradition—seen in RZA, Riot, Rihanna (Robyn), and Rocky (Rakim)—Rocky confirmed on Late Night with Seth Meyers on May 7, 2025, that their third child’s name will “for sure” start with an “R.” This suggests “A$AP Joe” might be a nickname or middle name, with the first name aligning with their pattern, such as Roman, Ruby, or Reign, as fans have speculated. The “R” tradition, rooted in their names and hip-hop influences (RZA honors Wu-Tang Clan’s leader), adds continuity to their family legacy, but the “Joe” tribute introduces a unique narrative.
The choice of “Joe” ties directly to Tacopina, whom Rocky bonded with during the trial. Tacopina shared with Extra that Rocky expressed deep appreciation, saying, “I know how hard you fought here… I love you.” Their connection extended beyond the courtroom, with Tacopina spending 90 minutes with RZA while Rocky got a pedicure, and Rocky supporting Tacopina’s son’s clothing line. This personal bond makes the name a heartfelt nod, but it also recalls the anxiety of the trial, which a HELLO! source noted had been a “worrying few weeks” for the family.
Why It’s Painful
The name “A$AP Joe” brings up a painful memory because it’s inseparable from the trial’s emotional weight. Rocky’s potential 24-year sentence could have separated him from Rihanna, RZA, and Riot, disrupting their close-knit family. A People source emphasized that the couple, who want their children “close in age to grow up together and bond,” saw the acquittal as a chance to “decompress and focus on family time.” Rihanna’s presence in court, alongside moments like bringing RZA and Riot to support Rocky, highlighted the stakes. A viral video of Rocky running to embrace Rihanna after the verdict captured their relief, but also the trauma they endured. Naming their child after Tacopina immortalizes this victory, yet it’s a reminder of a time when their family’s future was at risk.
Rihanna’s own reflections on family amplify the emotional context. In a 2024 Interview Magazine interview, she described motherhood as “the best thing that ever happened” and praised Rocky’s fatherhood, saying, “When someone sees you completely, and believes in you… it’s a great feeling.” The trial tested this bond, making the name “Joe” a symbol of resilience but also a trigger for memories of fear and uncertainty. Fans on X noted the bittersweet undertone, with @FentyFan88 tweeting, “Calling the baby A$AP Joe is cute, but it’s gotta hurt thinking back to that trial. Ri and Rocky went through it. 💔 #Baby3.”
Fan Reactions and Speculation
The name reveal has sparked a mix of excitement and empathy among fans. On X, #RihannaBaby3 trended alongside posts celebrating the couple’s joy, with @JaMerv777 writing, “Rihanna and Rocky naming their kid after the lawyer who saved him? That’s love and loyalty! 🍼.” Others, however, acknowledged the pain, like @RihNavy4Life: “A$AP Joe is a vibe, but it’s heavy knowing it comes from that scary court case. They’re so strong. 🙏 #FentyFamily.” Reddit threads on r/PopCulture speculated on the full name, with users suggesting “Roman Joe” or “Ruby Joe” to blend the “R” tradition with the tribute, while noting the trial’s shadow: “It’s sweet, but I bet Rihanna tears up thinking about those court days.”
Some fans tied the name to Rihanna’s upcoming gender reveal party, teased on June 15, 2025, with its cryptic “Celebrate” invitation. The diamond emoji in the invite, linked to her song “Diamonds,” has fueled theories that the party might reveal more than the gender—perhaps a formal name announcement or even an engagement, as @DailyNoud tweeted: “A$AP Joe at the gender reveal? Ri’s dropping surprises! 💎 #RihRocky.” The speculation reflects fans’ investment in the couple’s journey, especially after high-profile moments like RZA and Riot’s blanket gift for their sibling, where RZA’s sassy “I’m the boss” attitude went viral.
A Name with Meaning
The choice of “A$AP Joe,” whether a full name or a nickname, reflects Rihanna and Rocky’s ability to transform pain into purpose. Their history of meaningful names—RZA for Wu-Tang’s leader, Riot inspired by Rocky’s song and Pharrell Williams—shows their knack for weaving personal and cultural significance into their children’s identities. In a 2024 Vogue China interview, Rihanna emphasized connecting her sons to their Barbadian roots through braided hair, saying, “It’s our lost history.” Similarly, “Joe” connects their third child to a pivotal moment of survival and gratitude, even if it recalls a dark time.
The couple’s focus on family remains unwavering. A People source noted post-Met Gala that they’re “overjoyed” about their third child, with Rihanna telling Entertainment Tonight at the event, “I’m good, shockingly feeling okay.” Their resilience shines through, from Rocky’s acquittal to their hands-on parenting, like crafting with RZA and Riot. Yet, as @SpiceFMKE tweeted, “A$AP Joe is a beautiful tribute, but you know Rihanna and Rocky feel that trial pain every time they say it. They turned it into love. 💖 #Baby3.” The name, like their family, is a testament to turning hardship into hope, making it both a celebration and a quiet reminder of what they’ve overcome. 📝💔
