On Jan. 16, A$AP Rocky released his album “Don’t Be Dumb” after announcing it in early Dec. Don’t Be Dumb follows an eight year long gap for Rocky from his most previous album “testing”. Don’t Be Dumb, features 15 songs with a teaser for disc two, which is a snippet of what Rocky is going to release in May 2026. The album was first teased in December 2022 making fans excited for the wait after Rocky’s long break to pursue other parts of his career.
A short while before the announcement of the album, Rocky confirmed that the illustrations for the album would be done by well known artist, Tim Burton. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Rocky shares the story of collaboration with Burton for his album art. Rocky says he reached out to Burton and was surprised to receive a reply, confirming that he would work with Rocky.
Rocky has been a big name in the rap industry for many years, and after his hiatus fans expected something grand, which some people believe he lived up to while others believe he fell short. Many saw the album as different from what they thought it would be, with every song having something unique about it. The album features songs like “STFU” which creates an intense beat, and seems very chaotic, but there are also songs like “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” which is more laid back but still carries a good vibe. The album also contains multiple features which include, doechii, bossman dlow and many more well known artists.
Through Rocky’s album he conveys a matured version of how he has grown as an artist within the industry while also connecting it to his Harlem roots. The album also dives into songs surrounding his relationships with Rihanna, and his children. The album is a statement he makes, as he is still an important part of the rap industry.
After listening to the full album a few times though I found “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” to be my favorite song on the album, with a beautiful Brent Faiyaz feature. The song contains many interesting elements like the complete beat switch at the end. It immediately became popular on social media after Rocky released the album. Other songs also gained some traction on social media, while others did not but even the ones that didn’t still are enjoyable to listen to.
Here is my ranking:
- STAY HERE 4 LIFE
- ROBBERY (ft. Doechii)
- ORDER OR PROTECTION
- FISH N STEAK
- WHISKEY
- AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO)
- PUNK ROCKY
- ORDER OR PROTECTION
- THE END
- DON’T BE DUMB/TRIP BABY
- STOLE YA FLOW
- HELICOPTER
- STFU
- PLAYA
- STOP SNITCHING
- NO TRESPASSING
- Interlude: Interrogation (Skit)
