RZA was moved to tears by the meaningful birthday present that Rihanna and Riot gave him, saying, “This is the best gift of my life.”
A$AP and Rihanna RZA Athelston Mayers, Rocky’s eldest kid, just celebrated his third birthday, and his birthday celebration was an absolute fantasy. The celebrity guest list, the creative decorations, or even the mountain of cupcakes, however, didn’t really steal the show. Little RZA cried and exclaimed, “This is the best gift of my life!” in response to a very special gift from his parents, Rihanna and Rocky (fondly known by fans as “Riot”).
The party theme, “Lil’ Safari Explorer,” was a combination of jungle adventure and youthful wonder, and it was hosted at a lavish private estate just outside of Los Angeles. Imagine cotton candy clouds floating beneath palm palms, parrots wearing aviator helmets, and newborn zebras. Through a bamboo bridge marked “RZA’s Wild World,” guests entered a garden that had been turned into a miniature version of a tropical paradise.
A few well-known names were among the crowd: Zendaya, dressed in safari attire, was seen assisting children in painting their own explorer hats, Cardi B’s daughter Kulture led a conga line, and Beyoncé’s twins were seen riding a miniature elephant carousel.
The true magic, however, was when RZA opened his last present of the day, which was from his parents, despite the star-studded guest list.
Following hours of play and laughing, Rihanna approached the stage with her usual poise as the sun sank over the California hills and the children gathered for a storytelling circle. With a frosting-covered grin, she looked down at her kid, who was now sleepy, and said, “We saved the best for last.”
One big box draped in velvet was wheeled out, then another smaller one. “This is more than just a present,” A$AP Rocky grinned as he added. “It holds a special place in our hearts.”
The events that followed could have been taken directly out of a Pixar film.
A custom-made animatronic plush animal called “Zay-Zay,” a life-sized red panda, was inside the box. It chatted, blinked, danced, and—the worst part—spoke exclusively to RZA. With the use of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology and voice samples that Rihanna and Rocky had recorded, Zay-Zay was able to sing lullabies that Rihanna used to hum when he was a newborn, urge RZA to wash his teeth with a catchy rap, and even deliver bedtime stories in their voices.
However, it wasn’t all.
A hand-bound storybook called “RZA and the Rhythm Jungle” was found inside the second package. The book, which was written by Rihanna and drawn by a group of Disney artists, portrayed RZA as a musical adventurer who teaches animals how to find their own voice in order to save a jungle. RZA was able to hear the songs of each animal in the book come to life because they matched the music that were stored inside Zay-Zay.
The young boy’s expression changed from bewilderment to joy to a flurry of feelings. He held the book close to his chest, cuddled the panda, and gazed up at his parents with teary eyes.
“This is the greatest gift I have ever received!” he exclaimed, his voice breaking with childlike earnestness.
Rihanna saw the gift as more than a way to celebrate. She later said in intimate pals, “We wanted to give RZA something that grows with him.” Something that demonstrates his passion, bravery, and inventiveness. His soul is already filled with song. We simply added a soundtrack to it.
According to insiders, Rihanna spent more than six months working on the storybook, slipping references to A$AP’s Harlem heritage, Bajan mythology, and childhood lullabies. According to one source, “every page is a piece of them.” It is more than just a book. It is an heirloom in the family.
A$AP Known for his edgy style and intense affection for his children, Rocky maintained a composed exterior while reportedly wiping away a tear as RZA joined Zay-Zay in singing later that night.
Rocky remarked, “He’s already starting to develop into a little artist.” He has soul and rhythm, and now he has a panda as a sidekick. What more is there for a three-year-old to desire?
Is this the beginning of Rihanna and A$AP’s children’s brand? Social media lit up after visitors shared glimpses of Zay-Zay dancing and the dazzling cover of the storybook, suggesting that fans feel the same way. One fan commented, “I would pay anything for that book.” “It takes Rihanna to transform a toddler present into the newest cultural fad.”
One thing is certain, regardless of what occurs next: RZA’s birthday was more than just a celebration. It was a celebration of love, creativity, and family—and that special moment when a young child realized he was madly, joyfully, and profoundly loved while surrounded by magic.
