Rapper A$AP Rocky was taken into NYPD custody tonight after he allegedly put the smackdown on 2 guys who took pics of him … TMZ has learned.

According to law enforcement sources … A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, had gotten into a verbal dispute with someone in downtown Manhattan, when 2 civilians started snapping photos of the incident.

We’re told A$AP and a friend quickly turned their attention to the amateur photogs … and a full-fledged fight erupted. Our sources say the two victims suffered cuts and bruises with one requiring treatment at a hospital.

We’re told responding officers arrested AR … and he’s expected to be booked for attempted robbery. It’s unclear, at this point, what he’s accused of trying to pilfer.

Rocky is a native New Yorker and member of the hip hop group A$AP Mob. He was nominated for Best New Artist at the BET Awards this year.

Source: TMZ