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A$AP Rocky performs for first time since prison release in Sweden

Written by on 13/08/2019

A$AP Rocky has performed live for the first time since being released from jail in Sweden, ahead of a verdict in his assault trial.

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The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, appeared on stage at the Real Street Festival in California on Sunday, starting the performance with a mask covering his face.

He spoke to the crowd about his experience in Sweden, saying: “I’m so happy to be here right now, y’all don’t even understand.

“That was a scary, humbling experience but I’m here right now. God is good, man. I can’t thank God enough, man, that was crazy. Hip hop never looked so strong together.”

The rapper arrived back in the US on 2 August after a month in prison over an assault charge in Sweden.

Following a trial, judges in Stockholm released him and his two co-accused from jail while they reach a verdict, which is expected on Wednesday.

Mayers, David Rispers Jr and Bladimir Corniel deny beating 19-year-old Mustafa Jafari outside a fast-food restaurant in central Stockholm on 30 June.

Mayers said he acted in self-defence as Jafari and another man would not leave the group alone.

The case has attracted the attention of several prominent figures, from Justin Bieber and Kanye West to Donald Trump.

The US president, who is running for re-election in 2020, caused a stir in US-Swedish diplomatic relations after publicly offering support to the Grammy-nominated musician.

Mr Trump celebrated the temporary release in his favourite way, tweeting: “It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!”.

(c) Sky News 2019: A$AP Rocky performs for first time since prison release in Sweden