By Milcah Tanimu

A$AP Rocky, the American rapper and father of two with R&B star Rihanna, is set to go to trial in Los Angeles on charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The court ruling on Monday stems from an incident in November 2021 when A$AP Rocky allegedly pulled a gun on and shot at Terell Ephron, a founding member of the A$AP collective.

Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, testified during a recent hearing, revealing a soured friendship and accusing A$AP Rocky of abandoning other members of the group established in New York in 2008. The dispute escalated after the death of a group member, captured in part on surveillance footage.

In a subsequent confrontation, Ephron claimed he confronted A$AP Rocky about his perceived failure to support the group. According to Ephron, A$AP Rocky then shot at him, causing a minor injury to his left hand.

A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, denies the assault charges. The court has ordered his arraignment for January 8, and he is currently free on bail.