ASAP Yams Dies At Age 26

Founder of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob, A$AP Yams died earlier today in Brooklyn at age 26.

Yams who was born as Steven Rodriguez, grew up on the southern edge of Harlem. He founded the Mob – one of the most successful hip hop collectives in recent years -with fellow New Yorkers A$AP Bari and A$AP Illz in 2007. They met A$AP Rocky in 2008, and by 2011 had signed major label deals.

Yams had struggled with drug addiction to codeine and Xanax, but he entered a rehab facility in July 2014 to fight his addiction. His last tweet on January 16th was “Bodeine Brazy,” a reference to his preferred drug.

Upon hearing news of Yams death hip hop artist from Drake to Wiz Khalifa tweeted their condolences.

Rest in peace Yams. A$AP is family.

— Drizzy (@Drake) January 18, 2015

Rwg ASAP Yams.

— Cameron (@wizkhalifa) January 18, 2015