A$AP Rocky’s recent comments about Playboi Carti have reignited tensions with Ian Connor, who responded with harsh criticism of the Harlem rapper and questioned his role in Carti’s rise to fame.
The dispute began after Rocky spoke with Complex about his connection to Carti, describing the Opium rapper as an artist whose career developed through his association with Rocky’s AWGE creative circle. Connor took issue with that characterization, arguing that Rocky was taking too much credit for Carti’s success.
Ian Connor Challenges Rocky’s Role in Carti’s Career
During the interview, Rocky described Carti as an artist he helped bring into the industry, noting that Carti remains connected to AWGE. Rocky suggested that his involvement in Carti’s early development made him part of the story behind the rapper’s evolution.
Connor strongly disagreed. In his online response, he criticized Rocky’s rapping and fashion credentials, while claiming that he had played a significant role in encouraging Carti to sign with AWGE.
Connor also alleged that Rocky owed him money and had outstanding contractual obligations. Those accusations have not been independently established, and Rocky had not publicly responded to the latest comments at the time of the report.
A Complicated History Between Former Associates
The latest exchange adds to a relationship between Rocky and Connor that has deteriorated over several years. The two were once closely associated within the broader A$AP circle, but their disagreements have repeatedly spilled onto social media.
In 2023, Rocky took shots at Connor and A$AP Bari during a Rolling Loud Miami performance. Connor later shared screenshots of direct messages that appeared to show the pair communicating after the incident, although their relationship remained strained.
Connor has also criticized Rocky over his relationship with Carti before. In 2025, he accused Rocky of seeking attention through Carti’s success and claimed that Carti’s song “Crank” contained a reference aimed at Rocky. Those statements were Connor’s interpretation and were not confirmed by either artist.
Rocky’s Comments Put AWGE Back in the Conversation
Rocky’s connection to Carti dates back to the early stages of Carti’s career. Through AWGE, Rocky helped provide a platform for the Atlanta rapper as he developed the distinctive sound and image that would later make him a major figure in contemporary rap.
Carti has since established an identity of his own, with a devoted fan base and an influential role in the rage and vamp-inspired movements within hip-hop. Rocky’s remarks focused on their shared history, while Connor’s response centered on who deserves credit for helping Carti reach that position.
For now, the disagreement remains a public exchange of competing claims. Connor has made his frustration clear, but Rocky has not publicly addressed the latest criticism. Whether the dispute leads to another direct confrontation remains uncertain.
