By ORION BAKER/Multimedia Editor Assistant
It’s been almost eight years since A$AP Rocky released a new album. After multiple delays caused by leaks and sample-clearance issues, he’s finally returned with his fourth studio project “Don’t Be Dumb.”
Context, Rollout and a Bumpy 8 Years
Rocky was born on Oct. 3, 1988, in Harlem, Manhattan. He started rapping at just nine years old. In 2007, he joined A$AP Mob, a Harlem-based collective of rappers, producers, directors, designers and creatives who shaped his early sound and aesthetic.
“Don’t Be Dumb” has been teased since 2019, originally under the title “All Smiles.” Hints of the release came from interviews, collaborators and a few 2024 singles that didn’t make the final cut.
Much has changed for Rocky since his last album released in 2018, “TESTING.” In the eight years since, he has:
- Started a family with Rihanna, welcoming three children
- Was arrested in Sweden in 2019, sparking an international dispute and public support from President Donald Trump
- Faced a separate 2022 arrest tied to a 2021 shooting in Hollywood. A case that stretched into a three-year legal battle before he was found not guilty
Calling the past few years a roller coaster almost undersells it. With all that behind him, the question becomes: was the eight-year wait worth it?
Is “Don’t Be Dumb” Smart?
Honestly, yes. The album feels refreshing and unique, like Rocky is stepping into a new era with confidence.
Across 16 tracks and one skit, he experiments constantly. Some listeners might not vibe with every stylistic swing, but the ambition is undeniable. The beats and performances from Rocky and the features are amazing. Some tracks lean more into classic/traditional hip-hop rhythms, while others dive into entirely different genres.
Additionally, Rocky’s vocals and bars are amazing.
For example, “PUNK ROCKY” is true to its name, a more punk rock/pop song versus a hip-hop song.
“ROBBERY” has a strong tonal shift from the other tracks with a blend of jazz and hip-hop. Doechii’s addition to this song elevates it.
The features are also a standout. Familiar collaborators such as Tyler the Creator, Thundercat and will.i.am blend seamlessly with newer voices such as Doechii, Damon Albarn (of Gorillaz and Blur) and Brent Faiyaz.
Westside Gunn and Jozzy round out the lineup, but the names above shine brightest.
While I liked most of the tracks, some fell short. “THE END” and “STOP SNITCHING” didn’t work for me.
They aren’t terrible, but the beats were too slow. Rocky’s performances on these tracks didn’t feel as inspired or unique as the other tracks. As previously mentioned, these tracks are no by means bad, but I couldn’t vibe with them like the others.
An Inspired Vibe
All the characters on the cover were drawn by Tim Burton, who’s know for “Beetlejuice,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Edward Scissorhands” and other cult-classic films. This is part of the album’s vibe, as noted by Rocky on his social media accounts. He thanked Burton when he showcased the cover art.
Danny Elfman, a frequent collaborator with Burton helped with the production of some tracks on “Don’t Be Dumb” and played the drums in Rocky’s performance of “STOLE YA FLOW” on Saturday Night Live.
It’s a fun aesthetic that mixes well with the varied experimentation on the album.
Scoring & Conclusion
Score: 8.5/10
Favorite Tracks: PUNK ROCKY, HELICOPTER, STOLE YA FLOW
Least Favorite Tracks: THE END, STOP SNITCHING, SWAT TEAM
I went in with weirdly low expectations, but came out more than fulfilled. This album is a clear departure from Rocky’s previous work. It’s messy in places, but brilliant in others. That’s what makes it exciting. I love when artists take risks, even if not every experiment lands. It makes the listening experience feel alive. And after hearing it, you understand why it took eight years to arrive.
Thanks for reading! I know it’s been a hot minute, but I have things cooking, especially considering I’m nearing the one year anniversary of this little column. As always, the link for recommendations is here. My first TV show review will be coming soon, and who knows, maybe my first video game review. Stay tuned!
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