Rapper A$AP Rocky will face trial on two felony gun charges, a judge ruled on Monday.
Rocky—whose given name is Rakim Mayers— will face arraignment on January 8 over an incident involving his former friend and Mob member A$AP Relli in California two years ago.
The rapper, who is also Rihanna's baby daddy, appeared in court on Monday, where prosecutors showed video alleging Rocky could be seen holding a gun during the altercation.
They also showed another video where two gunshots can be heard but not seen, with Relli claiming Rocky had shot him in the hand.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar said she only needed "a scintilla of evidence" from prosecutors to find probable cause. Villar ruled in this instance "there is sufficient evidence to find the charged crimes were committed and more than sufficient cause to believe that Mayers is guilty of having committed as charged," based on the video and Relli's testimony.
Newsweek has contacted Rocky's representatives by email for comment.
Rocky appeared in court wearing a black face mask, but did not make a comment to media waiting outside.
However his lawyer, Joe Tacopina, said he was "certain Rocky is going to be vindicated when all is said and done. Without question."
He added that Rihanna did not appear at the court to support her partner because Rocky "would never subject his family. He wants to shield them."
The lawyer said they had anticipated the matter going to trial and would not be taking a plea deal.
"There's some evidence that's going to be insurmountable. The witness is not going to be able to withstand cross-examination in front of the jury. We have a lot of evidence that's going to be unveiled at trial. Not here," he said.
Rocky was first arrested in relation to the November 2021 incident in April the following year after returning from vacation with Rihanna to her native Barbados. He was released from custody on a $550,000 bond.
Police said the incident occurred at Vista Del Mar and Selma Avenue in Hollywood.
The LAPD shared a statement about the shooting on X, formerly Twitter after his arrest.
"Early this morning, LAPD officers arrested Mayers for assault with a deadly weapon (firearm) at the Los Angeles International Airport. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration," the statement read.
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