Rihanna Reveals the Celebrity Who Inspired the Name of Her and A$AP Rocky’s Son Riot

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are known for their trendsetting music, fashion, and now, their unique approach to baby names. More than a year after welcoming their second son, Riot Rose Mayers, Rihanna has finally revealed the inspiration behind his distinctive name.

The Celebrity Behind the Name Riot

In an exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar, published on February 22, 2024, Rihanna shared that the name Riot was actually suggested by none other than Pharrell Williams. The music icon, who has long been a mentor and collaborator for both Rihanna and Rocky, pitched the name when he mistakenly believed the couple was expecting a girl.

“He gave us this name thinking it was going to be a girl,” Rihanna said. “Because he had seen something online.” Pharrell, who worked with Rocky on the 2023 track ‘RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)’, apparently thought the name had strong energy—one that could fit a child regardless of gender.

Pharrell’s Deeper Meaning Behind the Name

Rihanna explained that Pharrell is someone who always thinks deeply about things, especially names. “He’s very deep,” she noted. “He’s not surface. He will never say anything and just leave it there with a full stop. He will have the entire history: the energy, the time, the month that it is.”

With such an in-depth approach, it’s no surprise that Pharrell’s name suggestion stuck. It resonated so much with the couple that when their son was born, they decided to keep the name Riot—a fitting moniker for a child of two bold, creative parents.

Riot’s Personality: A Mini Rockstar in the Making?

Since his birth, Riot has been living up to his name, according to Rihanna. She revealed that their little one is full of energy and has a love for music already.

“Riot, he’s just hilarious,” she said. “When he wakes up, he starts to squeal, scream. Not in a crying way. He just wants to sing. And I’m like, ‘Okay, here we go!’ He’s my alarm in the morning! He’s not taking no for an answer from anyone.”

Big Brother RZA: A Gentle Soul with a Love for Music

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s older son, RZA Athelston Mayers, who is now two years old, also has a name that pays tribute to music history. RZA is named after the Wu-Tang Clan member of the same name, whose real name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs.

The legendary rapper himself acknowledged the tribute, telling CNN that it was “a great honor” to have another generation carry the name. “RZA is only a name, it’s a title,” he said. “So it’s an honor and I salute her and A$AP and their family. All the blessings in the world from me.“

According to Rihanna, RZA has a completely different personality from Riot. He’s an empath, a deep thinker, and a lover of melody.

“He’s so magical,” she said. “He loves music. He loves melody. He loves books. He loves water. Bath time, swimming, pool, beach, anything.”

It sounds like both Mayers boys have inherited their parents’ artistic talents—one bringing the high energy of a performer, and the other soaking in the world through creativity and emotion.

More Kids in Rihanna & A$AP Rocky’s Future?

Rihanna has hinted that she and Rocky may not be done expanding their family. At the FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty Launch Party in December 2023, she playfully suggested that she’s got a good chance of having another boy if she gets pregnant again.

“I’m batting at 75 percent for a boy next time,” she told E! News’ Justin Sylvester. “So, we’ll just keep our fingers crossed.”

But while she’s open to more children, Rihanna also admitted that the idea of another pregnancy gives her a bit of anxiety. Last June, she joked with Sylvester that if she found out she was expecting again, she would “just cry out of pure anxiety for one day and then I think I’ll just get over it the next.” She added, “I would just be scared.”

Rihanna & A$AP Rocky: The Ultimate Power Couple

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have been together since 2020, with their love story unfolding in the public eye. They made their romance official after years of friendship and collaboration, and it wasn’t long before they started building a family together.

The two have become one of Hollywood’s most stylish, influential power couples, balancing their music careers with their roles as parents. While Rihanna has taken a step back from music to focus on motherhood and business ventures, she remains one of the most talked-about figures in entertainment.

Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky continues to push boundaries in hip-hop and fashion, working on new projects and continuing to make waves in the industry.

A Legacy in the Making

With RZA and Riot growing up in such a creative household, there’s no telling what the future holds for them. Whether they follow in their parents’ footsteps in music, fashion, or something entirely different, one thing is certain—they are already stars in their own right.

And with names inspired by music legends, their journey will always be tied to the artistry and culture that their parents have helped shape.

Final Thoughts: The Power of a Name

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s choices in baby names reflect more than just creativity—they represent a deep connection to music, history, and cultural influence. From Pharrell’s suggestion of Riot to RZA’s tribute to Wu-Tang, these names carry stories, inspiration, and legacy.

It’s clear that Rihanna and Rocky are raising their kids with meaning, depth, and a whole lot of love. And with a little one as energetic as Riot and a big brother as thoughtful as RZA, their household is sure to be filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable moments for years to come.

What’s Next for Rihanna?

As Rihanna continues balancing motherhood, business, and potential future music projects, fans eagerly anticipate her next big move. Whether it’s a new album, a new Fenty Beauty release, or even another baby announcement—one thing is for sure: Rihanna never fails to surprise us!