A$AP Rocky is back, but does his new album, Don't Be Dumb, live up to the hype after an eight-year hiatus? It's a playful and charismatic return, but don't expect a knockout punch. Eight years is practically an eternity in the fast-paced world of hip-hop. While A$AP Rocky was busy with life, love, and legal matters, peers like Tyler, the Creator have dropped multiple albums. Since Rocky's 2018 release, Testing, Kanye West underwent a complete transformation, releasing five albums with a very different focus. Rocky, on the other hand, became a tabloid fixture, largely due to his relationship with Rihanna (now with three children!), and faced serious legal battles, ultimately being acquitted of a shooting incident that could have landed him in prison for up to 24 years. He even dipped his toes into acting, appearing in critically acclaimed projects like If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Highest 2 Lowest.
Beyond a few standalone tracks like the Tame Impala-infused "Sundress," Rocky's musical output has been sporadic. He's not the only one keeping fans waiting, Rihanna's loyal followers have been anticipating a follow-up for a decade. Testing gave us the hit "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)" featuring Skepta, but overall, it failed to resonate with mainstream audiences and critics. It lacked the raw energy and undeniable charisma of his earlier work. Testing seemed to leave Rocky at a creative crossroads. Should he double down on the experimental sound that defined it, or try to recapture the magic of his earlier, more straightforward hits?
Don't Be Dumb, Rocky's fourth studio album, attempts to do both. Clocking in at an hour, it feels surprisingly energetic and quick, ditching the heavy, experimental samples and vocal experiments of Testing and reigniting some of the rebellious spark that made his 2013 major-label debut, Long.Live.A$AP, so captivating. But it’s hardly perfect. Some lyrics feel uninspired, and the production sometimes feels cluttered. As is often the case with albums that have been years in the making, a tighter edit could have made a big difference. Even so, it's a surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable listen. The guest list is star-studded, featuring names from Hans Zimmer to Tyler, the Creator to indie folk artist Jessica Pratt, but make no mistake: Rocky is the main attraction, and he's worth the price of admission.
Rocky's charisma remains his superpower. Take "Stole Ya Flow," which is ostensibly a diss track aimed at Drake. It works because Rocky sounds like he's genuinely having fun. "N***** gettin’ BBLs / Lucky we don’t body shame," he raps, clearly enjoying the line's petty, faux-altruistic tone. (Drake, for the record, has denied getting BBLs.) On the mellow, hazy "Playa," Rocky sounds almost fatherly, dispensing advice to someone experiencing love for the first time – albeit advice that's very specific and somewhat cold: "No receipts, don’t text." Then there's "Air Force (Black Demarco)," where he raps over a harsh, glitchy beat that wouldn't be out of place on a Playboi Carti record, before abruptly switching to a psychedelic rock sound. It feels like a knowing wink, a playful jab at anyone who criticized his indie leanings on Testing.
But here's where it gets controversial... These brilliant moments are interspersed with lyrics that sometimes feel downright lazy. His observation on "Helicopter" that people would "do anything for a blue check" (on X, formerly Twitter) is a stark reminder that Rocky is now a father of three. And this is the part most people miss... Later, on the Gorillaz collaboration "Whiskey," he seems to drift into a stream of consciousness: "Tipsy, kiss me so wet, they make bridges / I don’t burn no bridges / Tryna hold it in, I don’t burn no friendships," he mumbles, his lack of energy threatening to drag the entire album down. Thankfully, these weaker sections are outnumbered by the more vibrant moments on Don't Be Dumb. Overall, it's Rocky's strongest album since his debut, fueled by a sense of playfulness that seemed to have temporarily vanished. Fans who were confused by Testing can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Ultimately, Don't Be Dumb is a mixed bag, but a worthwhile listen for any A$AP Rocky fan. It showcases his undeniable charisma and playful spirit, even if it lacks the consistency to be considered a true classic. Do you think Rocky successfully navigated the creative crossroads he faced after Testing? Does the album's experimental side enhance or detract from the overall experience? And most importantly, does Don't Be Dumb live up to your expectations after such a long wait? Share your thoughts in the comments!
