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ASAP TyY
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Key Information
Tyrone S. Walker (born May 21, 1990), known by his stage name ASAP TyY (stylized as A$AP TyY), is an American rapper from the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. He joined hip hop collective ASAP Mob in 2014, from which he adopted his "A$AP" moniker.
He is known for his 2015 singles "O Well" and "Chamber Lock" (featuring A$AP Yams), as well as his 2016 single "Remain the Same". His debut mixtape, BEST KEPT SECRET (2016) contained 19 tracks and was released as a free download. Following the 2016 United States Presidential election debates, he released the single "Trump", a diss song aimed at the election's winner.[1][2][3]
In addition to music, Walker has also taken part in fashion, art, and street culture. An avid dirt bike fanatic, Walker popularized the Bike Life subculture of New York City.[4][5] Utilizing his platform as both a recording artist and dirt bike rider, Walker released his first art exhibit in 2014, as well as two signature ski-goggles.[6]
Musical career
[edit]2012–2014: Beginnings & A$AP Mob
[edit]By early 2012, TyY had garnered recognition as a biker on the streets of Harlem.[7] Utilizing his newfound platform, TyY would release his first track, a collaboration between himself and Young Money Yawn entitled "Comme Des Fawk Down", in early 2014.[8]
2015–2016: Best Kept Secret
[edit]Though he had created a following for himself prior to becoming a rapper, it was not until 2015 when TyY's rapping career truly began. In early 2015, TyY released the track "Chamber Lock", which included an intro from his friend, deceased A$AP Mob founder, A$AP Yams.[9] After "Chamber Lock", TyY went on to create his next single, "O Well" on June 2, 2015,[10] before dropping "Remain the Same" in February 2016.[11] All three tracks would appear on TyY's debut mixtape, "BEST KEPT SECRET", which dropped on April 13, 2016.[12]
2016–2017: European tour
[edit]After the premiere of his debut mixtape, TyY would release three singles; "Bust It Open" on September 21,[13] "Trump" on November 7,[14] and the collaboration between himself & BewhY, "Like Me" on December 28.[15] In early 2017, capitalizing on the success of his most recent projects, TyY would embark on his first headline tour; a 5-day, 3 country, tour taking place in Paris, Amsterdam, and London.
Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy
[edit]On August 25, 2017, ASAP Mob released its second studio album, Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy. The album was released by ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, and RCA Records.[16]
TyY would be featured on the 8th track, titled "Get the Bag." The track also featured ASAP Rocky, ASAP Ferg, ASAP Ant, ASAP Nast, Playboi Carti and Smooky Margielaa.[16]
Troubles of the World
[edit]On April 19, 2018 TyY released his first mixtape/album, Troubles of The World.[17] The songs featured OG Maco, Lamont Sincere, A$AP Ant and Macca Wiles.[18]
Non-music ventures
[edit]Fashion
[edit]On December 16, 2016, TyY partnered with Brooklyn-based designer, KidSuper, to create a pair of dual-branded ski-goggles; with the ASAP Mob and KidSuper logos being featured on each side of the piece. The goggles were inspired by Bike Life's signature look of wearing them while riding his ATV through the streets of New York City.[6]
In the summer of 2017, TyY would launch multiple collections with a variety of brands. Most notably, during Paris Fashion Week, TyY partnered with Milan-based designer, Guntas.[19] The line was a marquee feature of Guntas' Spring 2018 collection.[20]
Bike Life
[edit]TyY is known for popularizing and leading the subculture of Bike Life, a Harlem counter-culture known for their love of ATV's, dirt bikes and riding them on the streets of New York.[4] The NYPD has expressed disapproval, as the vehicles are not street legal.[5] The group still continues to ride to this day.[7]
Discography
[edit]Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Best Kept Secret |
|
| Troubles of the World |
|
| Project Rockstar |
|
Singles
[edit]| Title | Date Released | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Chamber Lock" feat. ASAP Yams | February 2, 2015 [9] | Best Kept Secret |
| "OWell" | June 2, 2015 [10] | Best Kept Secret |
| "Remain the Same" | February 2, 2016 [11] | Best Kept Secret |
| "Bust It Open" | September 21, 2016 [13] | |
| "Trump" | November 7, 2016 [14] | |
| "Like Me" feat. BewhY & C Jamm | December 28, 2016 [15] | |
| "Hit the Top" | February 28, 2018 | Troubles of the World |
Guest appearances
[edit]| Title | Release date | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Surrounded by Girls" – Lamont Sincere feat. A$AP TyY | May 23, 2017 [21] | |
| "Get the Bag" feat. ASAP Rocky, Smooky MarGielaa, Playboi Carti, ASAP Ferg, ASAP TyY, ASAP Nast & ASAP Ant | August 25, 2017 | Cozy Tapes, Vol. 2: Too Cozy |
Music videos
[edit]| Track | Release date | Director |
|---|---|---|
| "Chamber Lock" feat. ASAP Yams | February 26, 2015 | Elmino DaGreat |
| "Remain the Same" | May 5, 2015 | Hyper View Films |
| "OWell" | November 1, 2015 | Axiöm |
| "New York State of Mind" | August 10, 2016 | Antoine Duchamp |
| "Loose Change" | October 26, 2016 | A$AP TyY |
| "Tonite" | January 11, 2017 | Royal Rel |
References
[edit]- ^ https://hypebeast.com/2018/7/asap-tyy-trump-music-video
- ^ C.M., Emmanuel. "A$AP TyY Has a Strong Message for Trump". XXL Mag. Townsquare Media. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ "How A$AP TyY [@AsAp__TyY] left Nottingham wanting more! - GUAP Magazine - the World's First Video Magazine". Archived from the original on 2018-02-22. Retrieved 2018-02-21.
- ^ a b Joseph, Delenda (June 23, 2017). "A$AP TyY Is Harlem's Own Evel Knievel". Retrieved 21 February 2018.
- ^ a b Chung, Jen. "Some Illegal Dirt Bike Riders Want The City To Give Them A Park To Ride In". Gothamist. Gothamist LLC. Archived from the original on 2016-10-31. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ a b Lee, Nicolaus. "KidSuper and A$AP Mob Come Together for a Ski Goggle Range". HYPEBEAST. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ a b Markovich, Tony. "Interview: A$AP Ty Y Talks the "Bike Life," the Dangers of Riding, and His Involvement With the A$AP Mob". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ Lilah, Rose. "A$AP Mob's TyY gets Virginia's Young Money Yawn for a feature on his new leak "Comme Des Fawk Down."". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
- ^ a b "A$AP TyY Gets Reflective On 'Chamber Lock' Featuring A$AP Yams". VIBE. SpinMedia. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
- ^ a b Frydenlund, Zach. "Premiere: Listen to A$AP TyY's "OWell"". Complex. Complex. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
- ^ a b Lowe, Carver. "A$AP TyY comes through with a raw track". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ Goddard, Kevin. "A$AP TyY - Best Kept Secret [New Mixtape]". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ a b Ortiz, Edwin. "Premiere: A$AP TyY Takes It to the Club With New Song "Bust It Open"". Complex. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ a b Ortiz, Edwin. "Premiere: ASAP TyY Takes Aim at "Trump" on New Song". Complex. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ a b Domingo, Tutu. "New Music: A$AP TyY – Like Me ft. BeWhy & Cjamm". ASAP Mob. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ a b "Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy by A$AP Mob on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
- ^ "Troubles of The World". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on July 3, 2018. Retrieved 2017-10-24.
- ^ "Stream ASAP Tyy's "Troubles Of The World" Project". HotNewHipHop. 2017-09-03. Retrieved 2018-04-20.
- ^ Balster, Trisha (June 8, 2017). "GUNTAS AND A$AP TyY TEAM UP FOR NEW CAPSULE COLLECTION". Retrieved February 21, 2018.
- ^ Foreman, Katya (June 23, 2017). "Guntas Men's Spring 2018". Retrieved February 21, 2018.
- ^ Mitchell, Tracy (2017-06-21). "New Music: Lamont Sincere Drops "Surrounded By Girls" (Feat. A$AP TyY)". RESPECT. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
| Authority control databases: Artists |
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ASAP TyY
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
AAP Mob.[1][2]
Walker, who adopted the stage name AAP Mob framework, contributing to group projects such as the compilation album Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy and tracks like "Get the Bag" featuring prominent members including AAP Ferg.[3] His music often reflects Harlem street influences, with singles such as "TILL I DIE" garnering millions of streams on platforms like Spotify.[4] Beyond rap, TyY distinguishes himself through involvement in extreme urban mobility, styling himself as a pioneer in ATV riding and "bike life" culture, drawing comparisons to stunt performers and emphasizing his roots in Harlem's dynamic street scene.[5][1] This multifaceted persona positions him as a social figure blending hip-hop artistry with high-risk vehicular feats, as self-described in his online presence.[6]
Walker, who adopted the stage name AAP Mob framework, contributing to group projects such as the compilation album Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy and tracks like "Get the Bag" featuring prominent members including AAP Ferg.[3] His music often reflects Harlem street influences, with singles such as "TILL I DIE" garnering millions of streams on platforms like Spotify.[4] Beyond rap, TyY distinguishes himself through involvement in extreme urban mobility, styling himself as a pioneer in ATV riding and "bike life" culture, drawing comparisons to stunt performers and emphasizing his roots in Harlem's dynamic street scene.[5][1] This multifaceted persona positions him as a social figure blending hip-hop artistry with high-risk vehicular feats, as self-described in his online presence.[6]
Early life and background
Upbringing in Harlem
Tyrone Walker, professionally known as A$AP TyY, was born on May 21, 1990, in Harlem, a neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City.[1] His early years were shaped by the dense urban environment of Harlem, where he navigated the challenges of street life amid a community known for its cultural vibrancy and economic hardships.[7] From childhood, TyY immersed himself in BMX culture, using Harlem's compact four-square-mile area as an expansive playground for stunts and exploration. This hands-on engagement with biking fostered skills in risk-taking and mechanical aptitude, setting the foundation for his later prominence in "bike life" activities. He drew early inspiration from hip-hop visuals, such as DMX's 1998 "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" video, which depicted motorcycle culture and resonated with his surroundings.[8][5] TyY's upbringing emphasized self-reliance and triumph over adversity, reflecting a distinct Harlem narrative of hustling intertwined with personal passions rather than conventional paths to success. By his early teens, these experiences had solidified biking as a core outlet, transitioning from BMX to ATV and motocross riding amid the neighborhood's fast-paced dynamics.[7][9]Entry into hip-hop and A$AP Mob
A$AP TyY, born Tyrone Walker in Harlem, New York, initially gained local prominence through the "Bike Life" subculture, blending street riding with hip-hop influences. From a young age, he engaged with bicycles starting at 5 or 6 years old, progressing to motorbikes by 14, and drawing inspiration from DMX's 1999 "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" video, which fused rap with motorcycle stunts. This visibility in Harlem's youth scene positioned him as a daredevil figure, fostering a following that paralleled the raw energy of East Coast hip-hop.[10][5] His entry into hip-hop stemmed from these street ties and an early interest in music, fashion, and rapping with a versatile, positive street style. Growing up alongside the AAP Mob through neighborhood connections, contributing to the collective's multifaceted pursuits in music and lifestyle by at least 2012. The group, rooted in Harlem's creative underbelly, represented a "group of kids that had a passion" for self-belief and cultural innovation, providing TyY with a platform to channel his experiences into rap.[10][1] TyY's formal pivot to recording began around 2014–2015, leveraging Bike Life fame to release initial tracks like "Chamber Lock" in early 2015. This marked his adoption of the A$AP moniker and deeper immersion in the Mob's sound, emphasizing Harlem's gritty authenticity over polished mainstream tropes. His debut mixtape, Best Kept Secret, followed on April 13, 2016, featuring 19 tracks that solidified his presence within the collective's ecosystem.[11][12]Musical career
2012–2014: Early beginnings
By early 2012, A$AP TyY had established a reputation in Harlem as a prominent figure in the local Bike Life scene, performing daring stunts on dirt bikes and ATVs that drew attention through social media videos on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.[5] This visibility stemmed from his longstanding interest in extreme biking, which began in childhood—inspired by BMX icons such as Dave Mirra and Mat Hoffman, as well as motocross riders like Travis Pastrana—and positioned him as a "fearless stuntman" within New York City's street culture.[5] His exploits aligned with the gritty, high-risk ethos of Harlem's youth, echoing influences from earlier videos like DMX's 1999 "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," and helped cultivate a grassroots following that extended beyond biking into creative pursuits.[5] During this period, TyY deepened his ties to the AAP Rocky and A$AP Ferg.[5] His involvement leveraged the Mob's platform to amplify his persona as the group's "madman" and daredevil, blending stunt performance with emerging artistic endeavors; in July 2012, he received mainstream media exposure via a Complex magazine profile highlighting his biking feats and Mob affiliation.[5][10] This association marked his initial foray into hip-hop circles, where his street credibility from Bike Life contributed to the collective's raw, unpolished aesthetic, though he had not yet released formal music. TyY's transition to rapping materialized in 2014, when he capitalized on his biking fame to drop his debut track, a collaboration with Young Money Yawn titled "Comme Des Fawk Down," signaling the start of his musical output.[13] That same year, he expanded into non-musical ventures, launching his first art exhibit and partnering on two signature ski-goggle designs, further intertwining his stuntman identity with creative expression under the A$AP Mob umbrella.[14] These steps laid foundational groundwork, prioritizing personal branding over prolific releases, as TyY focused on building momentum through live stunts and group synergy rather than solo discography.[5]2015–2016: Best Kept Secret and initial releases
In 2015, AAP Mob affiliations. On February 2, "Chamber Lock" featuring the late A$AP Yams was issued, featuring Yams' introductory voiceover and showcasing TyY's trap-influenced style with themes of Harlem street life. [7] This track gained underground traction through blogs and SoundCloud streams. Later that year, on June 2, TyY dropped "O Well," a high-energy single produced with gritty beats emphasizing bravado and resilience, which similarly circulated via digital platforms and helped build anticipation for further output. [7] Building on these singles, TyY released his debut mixtape Best Kept Secret on April 13, 2016, hosted on platforms like SoundCloud and DatPiff. [15] The 19-track project featured collaborations including AAP Mob's signature wavy aesthetics with TyY's personal narratives on loyalty, excess, and neighborhood origins. [12] Key tracks encompassed "Harlem 101 A" as the opener, "Remain the Same" (released as a single on February 2, 2016), "Grapes," and "Bust It Open," with the mixtape receiving coverage on hip-hop outlets for its raw, unpolished energy despite limited mainstream promotion. [15] [12] The release solidified TyY's presence in New York's rap scene, though it did not chart commercially, relying instead on organic shares and A$AP network endorsements. [7]2016–2017: European tour and Cozy Tapes Vol. 2
Following the release of singles in late 2016, AAP Mob performances, with shows in key cities that showcased his emerging style blending hip-hop with alternative influences.[14][16] As a core member of AAP Worldwide and Polo Grounds Music. The project, honoring the late AAP Rocky, AAP Ant, A$AP Nast, Playboi Carti, and Smooky MarGielaa, emphasizing the group's signature hazy, trap-infused sound.[17] The album received mixed reviews for its cohesive but formulaic approach, peaking at number 15 on the US Billboard 200 chart upon release.[18] TyY's involvement highlighted his role in the Mob's collaborative efforts during this period, bridging his individual tour momentum with group output.2018–present: Troubles of the World, 1840 Lex, and recent activity
In 2018, AAP Ant, and Macca Wiles.[19][20] The project emphasized TyY's Harlem-rooted lyricism and production influences from A$AP Mob affiliates, distributed independently via platforms like SoundCloud and Audiomack.[21] Following Troubles of the World, TyY issued Project Rockstar on March 1, 2019, a full-length album continuing his exploration of street narratives and trap beats.[22] In 2021, he dropped the album 1990, marking a reflective turn tied to his birth year, with tracks blending auto-tune-heavy flows and minimalistic production.[4] The 2022 release Street Gospel expanded on these themes, incorporating gospel-infused samples amid critiques of urban decay, though it received limited mainstream coverage.[4] On June 30, 2023, TyY released 1840 Lex, a seven-track EP named after a Harlem address, featuring introspective cuts like "Intro (AHH)" and focusing on personal growth amid industry challenges.[23][24] The project, available on streaming services including Spotify and Amazon Music, highlighted TyY's independent grind outside major label support.[25] Recent activity includes sporadic singles such as "CALL DROP" in 2024 and "Stop Snitching" in 2025, maintaining a low-output pace centered on digital distribution without significant collaborations or tours reported.[4] TyY's output post-2018 reflects a shift toward self-produced, niche releases amid A$AP Mob's reduced cohesion, prioritizing authenticity over commercial breakthroughs.[26]A$AP Mob involvement
Contributions to the collective
AAP Mob collective around 2014, bringing a distinctive blend of raw street energy and daredevil persona that complemented the group's Harlem-rooted aesthetic. His contributions emphasized lifestyle and cultural influence over prolific solo output, positioning him as a pioneer of "bike life" culture within the Mob, where he popularized high-risk ATV and dirt bike stunts in urban environments, as showcased in videos like his 2016 Bronx ride-along that highlighted the collective's gritty, unfiltered street presence.[27] This element infused the Mob's image with adrenaline-fueled authenticity, differentiating it from more polished rap affiliations and reinforcing themes of Harlem rebellion and vehicular bravado.[28] Musically, TyY's role involved select features and tracks that honored the collective's founders, such as his 2015 release "Chamber Lock," which opened with a personal intro from the late A$AP Yams, the Mob's co-founder who died in January 2015. The song captured Yams' final words to TyY, underscoring his integration into the group's emotional core and contributing to the narrative of continuity amid loss. TyY described his fit within the 37-member roster as stemming from his "wild, erratic" nature, aligning with the Mob's ethos of unapologetic individualism that fueled collaborative projects like the 2017 Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy, where peripheral members like him amplified the collective's sound through energetic verses and presence.[29] In fashion and branding, TyY extended the Mob's influence as a style vanguard, adopting and promoting high-end streetwear that echoed peers like A$AP Rocky while incorporating his personal flair for motorsport-inspired apparel. His visibility in Mob-affiliated events and photoshoots helped solidify the collective's reputation as tastemakers, with TyY's custom sneaker collaborations—such as the 2020 CroxxHatch Nike project tied to a music video—merging hip-hop, fashion, and entrepreneurship in ways that echoed the Mob's broader commercial expansions. Overall, these inputs enhanced the group's multifaceted identity, blending music with visceral lifestyle elements that resonated in Harlem and beyond, though his lower mainstream profile limited him to supportive rather than lead roles in major releases.[30][1]Group achievements and internal dynamics
AAP Mob achieved notable commercial success with the release of *Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy* on August 25, 2017, which debuted at number 6 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 44,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[](https://music-discussion.com/showthread.php?tid=18339&pid=86314) AAP TyY contributed to the project through features on tracks such as "Get the Bag," alongside Playboi Carti and Smooky MarGielaa, helping to showcase the collective's trap-influenced sound and collaborative ethos.[31] The album served as a tribute to late founder A$AP Yams, reinforcing the group's unity in honoring its roots amid evolving lineups.[32] The collective's broader achievements include shaping hip-hop's intersection with fashion and street culture, with members like TyY participating in high-profile events such as the 2019 YAMS Day celebration and the 2021 Adult Swim Festival performance, where TyY delivered a full set highlighting Mob-affiliated energy.[33] [34] These efforts extended the Mob's influence beyond music, promoting a multidisciplinary Harlem aesthetic that energized emerging artists.[35] TyY's involvement underscored the group's emphasis on individual flair within a communal framework, as seen in his daredevil persona aligning with the Mob's raw, high-risk creative vibe.[28] Internally, AAP Rocky for momentum.[1] Post-Yams era dynamics shifted toward sustained tribute projects, maintaining cohesion through events and releases despite individual trajectories.[32]Criticisms, losses, and decline of A$AP Mob
The death of AAP Mob.[36] Yams had been instrumental in shaping the group's aesthetic and strategy, serving as its "spiritual guide" whose absence led to diminished cohesion and direction, as members later reflected on his role in unifying the Harlem-based crew.[37] Another blow came with the passing of affiliate J. Scott (also known as AAP Rocky and others amid reports of ongoing struggles within the extended circle.[38] These losses exacerbated the group's association with drug culture, which critics linked to a pattern of overdoses and instability, including contested narratives around Yams' death initially attributed to sleep apnea before being ruled an overdose.[39] Criticisms of AAP Rocky, leaving lesser-known members like Twelvyy unable to gain traction due to overshadowed opportunities.[40] Group projects such as Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy (2017) drew backlash for lacking the Mob's signature energy, relying heavily on high-profile features from artists like Frank Ocean and Quavo while failing to showcase core members' skills cohesively.[41] Early alliances frayed into public beefs, including a 2012 physical altercation with SpaceGhostPurrp's Raider Klan that required police intervention, stemming from accusations of betrayal and violence involving AAP Bari's 2022 dismissal of Rocky's album as "trash" highlighted simmering tensions, potentially tied to Rocky's comments on Mob priorities during a podcast appearance.[42] The collective's decline accelerated post-2017, with no major group releases amid escalating fractures; by 2020, founding members A$AP Bari and AAP Ferg no longer part of the Mob, citing his divergent musical direction as "dumb trash."[43] Ferg himself confirmed in January 2025 that the AAP Rocky's 2021 shooting case involving former affiliate A$AP Relli, who alleged a business dispute led to the incident and pursued civil action, further eroding trust.[43][44] By 2025, analyses described the Mob's trajectory as marred by "breakups, the passing of a couple of members," and a shift from cultural force to fragmented entity, with individual pursuits supplanting group identity.[39][45]Non-musical pursuits
Fashion and style influence
AAP Mob's broader luxury-street fusion.[1][9] In December 2020, TyY collaborated with CroxxHatch on a limited release of 25 customized Nike sneakers, integrated into a shoppable music video that highlighted his riding lifestyle and apparel vision. This project underscored his approach to merging music, e-commerce, and personal style, with designs reflecting durability for extreme activities alongside urban appeal.[30] TyY expanded this motif in 2023 through a capsule collection with Ksubi, featuring nine pieces such as distressed denim, moto-jerseys, and branded accessories explicitly inspired by motorsports and AAP Mob had championed early in Ksubi's rise, catered to fans adopting rugged, performance-oriented looks in everyday fashion.[46][47][48] Earlier efforts include a 2018 partnership with HoodLab for a biking-themed clothing line, where TyY's ATV passion directly shaped utilitarian patterns and graphics. His attendance at Paris Fashion Week's menswear shows in June 2022, captured in the "Presidential" video, further amplified his visibility, showcasing tailored interpretations of his signature rugged edge amid global runway trends.[35][49] These ventures contribute to TyY's role in evolving A$AP aesthetics toward motorsport-infused functionality, influencing subcultures where hip-hop intersects with adrenaline sports, though his impact remains more specialized compared to Mob peers like Rocky.[50]Bike Life culture and extreme sports
A$AP TyY, born Tyrone Walker, has emerged as a prominent figure in New York City's Bike Life subculture, characterized by high-risk stunt riding on dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in urban settings. Originating from Harlem, he frequently documents rides through neighborhoods like the Bronx and Manhattan, blending hip-hop aesthetics with adrenaline-fueled maneuvers such as wheelies, stoppies, and group formations on public streets.[27] [51] His 2016 video "ASAP TyY - Bikelife (New York City)" exemplifies this, capturing chaotic rides set to his track "Remain," which garnered attention for showcasing unpermitted street takeovers involving dozens of riders.[51] As a self-proclaimed "Black Travis Pastrana"—referencing the American motorsports icon known for rally racing and freestyle motocross—TyY positions himself as a pioneer bridging street culture and extreme riding.[6] Early collaborations, such as the 2013 "ASAP TY Y x KALI PROTECTIVE 'BIKE LIFE' EP.1," highlight his efforts to professionalize the scene through branded gear and media, establishing him as a style influencer within the movement.[52] By 2016, shoots like "NYC Bikelife ft. AAP Mob affiliation with Bike Life visuals, emphasizing customized bikes and rider crews navigating city infrastructure.[53] These activities, while culturally resonant in hip-hop circles, often occur without permits, contributing to ongoing debates over public safety amid reported injuries and enforcement crackdowns in NYC.[54] Beyond Bike Life, TyY engages in other extreme sports, including snowboarding and skiing. In December 2016, he partnered with artist KidSuper for a limited-edition moto/ski goggle line, demonstrated through adventure videos of downhill runs and jumps, expanding his brand into winter action sports.[55] [56] More recently, affiliations with Puma's Action Sports division, announced in November 2024, underscore his involvement in branded extreme pursuits, aligning with A$AP Rocky's endorsements in motorsports apparel.[57] His ATV enthusiasm, noted in profiles as a core element of his lifestyle, ties into broader off-road exploits, though documentation remains centered on urban and promotional contexts rather than competitive events.[1]Other entrepreneurial ventures
In addition to his musical and cultural pursuits, A$AP TyY has pursued entrepreneurial opportunities through limited-edition product collaborations and merchandise integrations. In December 2020, he partnered with London-based artist collective CroxxHatch to produce and release 25 pairs of customized Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, featuring hand-painted designs that shift colors under different lighting, marketed exclusively via a shoppable music video on the platform DroppTV starting December 18.[30] This initiative combined visual artistry with direct-to-consumer sales, allowing viewers to purchase items interactively during playback of his track "Who Ain’t With Me."[30] TyY extended similar ventures into pop-up events and brand partnerships. On June 16, 2022, he announced a collaboration with streetwear label Global Warning, culminating in a pop-up event to promote co-branded apparel and accessories tied to his Harlem roots and high-energy persona.[50] These efforts reflect a strategy of leveraging his personal brand for exclusive drops, often blending music promotion with commerce, as seen in his earlier 2020 tie-up with Sole Pack for shoppable sneaker packs distributed through interactive video platforms.[58] Such projects, while niche in scale, demonstrate TyY's focus on direct fan engagement and limited-supply releases to build scarcity and value.[30]Discography
Mixtapes and albums
A$AP TyY's debut mixtape, Best Kept Secret, was released in 2016, marking his initial foray into solo projects with a focus on raw, street-oriented hip-hop tracks.[59] His follow-up, Troubles of the World, arrived on April 19, 2018, as an 18-track mixtape featuring collaborations with artists including OG Maco on "Wavey," Lamont Sincere, AAP Mob aesthetics, with cover art depicting A$AP Yams.[19][60][20] In 2019, TyY issued Project Rockstar, a mixtape emphasizing high-energy production and personal narratives tied to his affiliations.[61] 1840 Lex, released June 29, 2023, stands as a 7-track EP under exclusive license to AWAL Recordings, including tracks like "Intro (AHH)" and "Purge," blending trap influences with concise, moto-themed motifs reflective of TyY's broader persona.[25][24]| Title | Type | Release Date | Number of Tracks | Notable Features/Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Kept Secret | Mixtape | 2016 | Unspecified | Independent release[59] |
| Troubles of the World | Mixtape | April 19, 2018 | 18 | OG Maco, A$AP Ant; self-released[60] |
| Project Rockstar | Mixtape | 2019 | Unspecified | Independent[61] |
| 1840 Lex | EP | June 29, 2023 | 7 | AWAL Recordings[25] |
Singles as lead artist
A$AP TyY's singles as lead artist primarily consist of independent releases tied to his mixtapes, with themes often reflecting Harlem street life, authenticity, and personal resilience. Early singles like "O Well," released on June 4, 2015, and produced by Dr. Manhattan, showcased a gritty, trap-influenced sound drawing from 1990s gangster rap aesthetics.[62] This track preceded his debut mixtape Best Kept Secret. Similarly, "Remain the Same," dropped on February 2, 2016, emphasized staying true to one's roots amid industry pressures, serving as a promotional single for the same project.[63] Later releases maintained this raw energy, with "Who Ain't With Me" arriving on December 18, 2020, produced by Synesthetic Nation and featuring an official video that highlighted his A$AP Mob ties.[64] In June 2021, "1990" emerged as a standalone single, produced by Sean Turk and others, addressing themes of poverty and vigilance in a hypnotic, moody production amid the COVID-19 era.[65] More recent output includes a series of 2023 singles—"Purge," "Clique," and "Deposit"—which built anticipation for upcoming work, followed by "CALL DROP" in 2024 and "Stop Snitching" in early 2025, all available on major streaming services.[4] These tracks, often self-produced or collaboratively made within the A$AP ecosystem, underscore TyY's consistent focus on unfiltered lyricism without major label backing or chart breakthroughs.| Year | Title | Producer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | "O Well" | Dr. Manhattan | Promotional for Best Kept Secret [62] |
| 2016 | "Remain the Same" | Dr. Manhattan | Emphasized authenticity; mixtape single [63] |
| 2020 | "Who Ain't With Me" | Synesthetic Nation | Official video released [64] |
| 2021 | "1990" | Sean Turk et al. | Standalone amid pandemic themes [65] |
| 2023 | "Purge" | N/A | Streaming single [4] |
| 2023 | "Clique" | N/A | Streaming single [4] |
| 2023 | "Deposit" | N/A | Streaming single [4] |
| 2024 | "CALL DROP" | N/A | Streaming single [4] |
| 2025 | "Stop Snitching" | N/A | Latest streaming release [4] |
Guest appearances
AAP Mob collective. His most prominent appearance is on "Get the Bag," the eighth track from AAP Rocky, AAP Ant, A$AP Nast, Playboi Carti, and Smooky MarGielaa. Other guest features include "PULL UP" by singer ABRA, released as a single in 2016. TyY also appeared on "Diamond Dust" by A$AP Ferg. In May 2017, he featured on "Surrounded by Girls" by rapper Lamont Sincere. More recent collaborations encompass "New Coupe" by Italian rapper Giaime. In 2024, TyY guested on "BRAIN CELLS" from insani partum's album. An earlier credit is "Trap House" by Chase Fetti in 2012.| Year | Title | Lead artist | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Trap House | Chase Fetti | Single |
| 2016 | PULL UP | ABRA | Single |
| 2017 | Surrounded by Girls | Lamont Sincere | Single |
| 2017 | Get the Bag | A$AP Mob | Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy |
| 2024 | BRAIN CELLS | insani partum | Album track |