Rakim Mayers, better known as “A$AP Rocky,” is a New York-based rapper and producer. Rocky has a huge influence on Hip-Hop, especially in both the fashion and music aspects. He has dropped 4 studio albums, including his most recent anticipated album, “Don’t Be Dumb.”

Overview of “Don’t Be Dumb” 

Rocky’s long-awaited album “Don’t Be Dumb” finally dropped on January 16, 2026. This album features artists like Bossman Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Danny Elfman, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jessica Pratt, Jon Batiste, Slay Squad, Thundercat, Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn, and WILL.I.AM. Rocky has always been experimental with his albums, and “Don’t Be Dumb” isn’t any different, as the album features a multi-genre of music, including Jazz, Screamo, Indie, Punk, Hip-Hop, Psychedelic, and R&B. The “Don’t Be Dumb” cover art is by American animator and filmmaker Tim Burton, featuring Rocky’s alter egos. The album sold around 123,000 units in its first week and is at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. 

Eight Years Of Waiting 

Rocky’s album has been in production for about 8 years, spanning multiple “eras” of rap/hip-hop. The promotion of “Don’t be Dumb” started on July 23, 2023, when Rocky dropped his first single for the album “Riot (Rowdy Pipe’n)”, which never made the album. It took almost a year for another word on the album’s status, and it was during 2024 Paris Fashion Week that Rocky previewed a new song. Later that year, on August 30, 2024, when the album was supposed to be released, it got delayed due to sample clearances and leaks that occurred on that same day. Throughout 2024, Rocky dropped three singles intended to be on the album but weren’t added: “Highjack”, “Tailor Swif”, and “Ruby Rosary.” On December 16, 2025, Rocky revealed the album cover art for “Don’t Be Dumb,” created by Burton, and announced the release date as January 16, 2026. 

Review

“Don’t Be Dumb” is the experimental return of Rocky, focusing more on mood and lyrics than on the current hip-hop/rap trend. After a long wait, Rocky is still able to consistently make good music, showing he is not slowing down any time soon. This album is mixed with multiple genres, with one of the most notable tracks being “ROBBERY (Feat. Doechii)”, which is a combination of Jazz and Hip-Hop. Doechii is arguably one of the best features on this album, as it shows that she is versatile and is lyrically sound. Rocky adds a sleek aesthetic flow and an amazing delivery with his lyrics.

The best song on the album for me would be “DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY.”  This song samples a music artist named “Clairo” from her 2019 debut album Immunity, the song being “Sinking.” “DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY” is a split of two songs in one track, the first part being “DON’T BE DUMB,” which has a melodic, slow pace and psychedelic feel to it. “TRIP BABY” switches the beat on the second half and has more of a medium pace beat, while focusing more on the lyrics. 

Even though this album is very good, it still has its flaws. The most controversial track on this album, which many fans don’t like, is “STFU (Feat. Slay Squad).” This track is very experimental, as its genre is screamo, and not many listeners would like this type of sound, but that shouldn’t discredit the creativity these artists put into it. “Don’t Be Dumb’s” tracklist may also feel uneven, as some songs don’t leave much of an impression, making the album feel long. Also, many think the album wasn’t worth the eight-year wait, but I would recommend forming your own opinion.

Overall, “Don’t Be Dumb” is a solid and ambitious album that shows that Rocky still has creativity after all these years of waiting. This album may not have been his most universally loved project, but either way, it still contains amazing tracks that can hold up for years. It’s a reminder that Rocky still has what it takes to make an outstanding album, and I would recommend you give it a listen; I would rate it a strong 9/10.

A$AP Rocky’s ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ Tracklist

DISC 1

1. ORDER OF PROTECTION 
2. HELICOPTER
3. INTERROGATION (SKIT)
4. STOLE YA FLOW
5. STAY HERE 4 LIFE – Feat. Brent Faiyaz 
6. PLAYA – Feat. Thundercat
7. NO TRESPASSING
8. STOP SNITCHING – Feat. BossMan Dlow & Sauce Walka
9. STFU – Feat. Slay Squad
10. PUNK ROCKY
11. AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO)
12. WHISKEY (RELEASE ME) – Feat. Westside Gunn & Gorillaz
13. ROBBERY – Feat. Doechii
14. DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY
15. THE END

DISC 2

1. SWAT TEAM
2. FISH N STEAK (WHAT IT IS) – Feat. Tyler, The Creator