ASAP Yams, the founder of the ASAP MOB hip-hop collective that includes artists ASAP Rocky and ASAP Ferg has passed away at the age of 26. ASAP Yams whose real name was Steven Rodriguez was a native of Harlem, New York. He along with his friend and Bronx native ASAP Illz founded the ASAP Mob in 2007. In 2008, ASAP Yams enlisted fellow Harlem native ASAP Rocky who catapulted the group into stardom with his underground hit single “Peso.” ASAP Yams can be credited for ASAP Mob’s mainstream success as he raised awareness and built up the popularity of the ASAP Mob brand solely through social media, specifically through Tumblr at a time when it wasn’t very well known. After hearing of his passing on Sunday, January 18th, many celebrities posted their thoughts and condolences via Twitter and Instagram. A cause of death has not been confirmed. Rest In Peace to ASAP Yams.
ALWAYS STRIVE AND PROSPER. RIP YAMS http://t.co/xhGhQebe5V
A$AP MOB (@ASAPMOB) January 18, 2015
A.S.A.P YAMS should be remembered as a leader, an innovator and most importantly as an important part of NYC youth culture.
AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) January 18, 2015
Rest in peace Yams. A$AP is family.
Drizzy (@Drake) January 18, 2015
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