How A$AP Rocky And Tyler, The Creator Went From Rivals To Best Friends

Hip-hop is no stranger to feuds and rivalries, but every so often, the culture shifts to spotlight the power of friendship instead of friction. Enter the dynamic bond of A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator—two artists whose connection has captivated the internet for years, evolving from rivalry to genuine camaraderie.

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From Rivals to Ride-or-Die Friends

Before they were trading compliments and rocking the same stages, A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator were on opposing teams. In the early 2010s, Odd Future and A$AP Mob were rival collectives, battling it out in classic East Coast versus West Coast fashion. Tensions flared, with Tyler throwing shade at Rocky’s directorial debut on Danny Brown’s “Blunt After Blunt,” and A$AP Ant responding with a threat on Twitter. It seemed like another case of hip-hop beef—young crews competing to claim the spotlight.
But something shifted. Over time, Tyler and Rocky began complimenting each other during interviews, and soon, the tension thawed. The game-changing moment came in 2015 when the two artists embarked on a co-headlining tour. Tyler, known for his charismatic and sometimes controversial persona, later revealed in an interview, “He hit someone up on my side and was like, ‘I’m going on this tour, and I don’t want to tour without Tyler.’” And just like that, the two went from adversaries to collaborators, kicking off a new chapter in their relationship.

Musical Collaborations and Fashion Statements

Once the friendship was cemented, Rocky and Tyler’s collaborative streak took off. In 2016, they released “WHAT THE FUCK RIGHT NOW,” a hyped-up freestyle over Kanye West’s “Freestyle 4”. Their chemistry was undeniable, and fans couldn’t get enough. Tyler hopped on A$AP Mob’s “Telephone Calls,” and Rocky returned the favor by joining Tyler on “Who Dat Boy,” a standout track from the “Flower Boy” album.
It wasn’t just music that brought them together—the duo’s shared love of fashion also played a major role in solidifying their bond. Both artists are known for their individual styles, and they’ve frequently supported each other’s ventures in the world of high fashion. In 2020, Rocky, the fashion influencer in the modern world, and Ty appeared in a Gucci campaign together alongside Iggy Pop, often called the "Godfather of Punk," solidifying their status as cultural icons. Their influence in fashion extends beyond the brands they wear; it's about the creativity and boldness they bring to everything they do.

Public Displays of Bromance

Rocky and Tyler’s relationship is a refreshing display of platonic love—something not always seen in hip-hop. Whether it’s roasting each other on Instagram or goofing off in interviews, their friendship is filled with humor, support, and authenticity. Tyler famously took a playful jab at the Harlem rapper’s fashion choices on social media, and Rocky was quick to return the favor. It’s this kind of light-hearted banter that makes their bond so endearing to fans.
Their support for each other also runs deep. In 2019, when Tyler received the Musical Innovator Award at the Wall Street Journal Awards, Rocky was there to present it to him, calling Tyler his “best friend.” Tyler returned the sentiment with a heartfelt Instagram post, saying, “We used to hate each other, and I have to say you changed the course of my shit as soon as we realized that was stupid. Thank you, man.” Moments like these showcase the evolution of their friendship—one that’s gone from rivalry to genuine respect and love.

More Than Just Music

While their music and fashion collaborations are a testament to their creative chemistry, Rocky and Tyler’s friendship transcends the industry. When Rocky was imprisoned in Sweden in 2019, Tyler publicly supported him, tweeting in solidarity and vowing never to tour in Sweden again. It’s these acts of loyalty that have cemented their bond as one of the most wholesome friendships in modern hip-hop.
Their bromance’s rise in recent years has also caught the attention of brands eager to capitalize on their undeniable chemistry. Whether it's co-starring in campaigns or making joint appearances, Rocky and Tyler are more than just collaborators—they’re a duo that embodies creativity, humor, and genuine friendship.
As both artists continue to carve out their own lanes in music, fashion, and beyond, fans can’t help but hope for more collaborations—maybe even the long-teased “WANG$AP” project. Until then, we’ll be content watching their playful exchanges, joint performances, and candid moments that show just how strong their bond is. In an industry often characterized by competition and ego, A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator’s friendship is a breath of fresh air—a reminder that even in hip hop, there’s plenty of room for love.