Sad news for hip-hop fans the world over as social media reports indicate that Steven "A$AP Yams" Rodriguez of New York's A$AP Mob has died. Both of the group's best known stars, A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg posted tributes to the performer on Instagram but a cause of death has yet to be provided.
Yams may not have not have gathered as much spotlight as Rocky or Ferg but those in-in-the-know were aware of his influence. He was one of three Harlem residents (along with A$AP Illz and A$AP Bari) who founded the now huge hip-hop collective during 2007. Rocky, the performer who kickstarted the group into international prominence, joined during 2008.
As has become an unfortunate trend, many suspect an overdose may be the cause of death. Although we'll need to wait for a coroner's report for an official answer, Yams had acknowledged drug issues during an interview with The New York Times during 2013. His issues stemmed from codeine and Xanax, according to the interview, and the last tweet Yams made before he passed away was simply "BODEINE BRAZY" (probably "Codeine Crazy" by way of Bloods slang).
The rest of the Mob was quick to pay tribute to the group's "spiritual manager," and other hip-hop stars such as Drake and fellow Harlem native Azealia Banks also left their regards.
"You were the brilliant mind, you put us on Game, you changed our lives," read the caption on Ferg's Instagram. "You changed my life, you changed the world. R.i.P YAMZ there can never be another one after you. #asapworldwide #asapferg #yamborgini #yamz."
Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
