A$AP Rocky's fourth album, Don't Be Dumb, has finally arrived eight years after his last studio release, Testing in 2018. The hip-hop world, where stars like Kanye West and Tyler, the Creator churn out multiple albums a year, has seen a protracted wait from the once-and-future king of New York rap.
Rocky hasn't been idle during this time; he's been keeping busy, with his relationship with pop superstar Rihanna keeping him in the public eye. He now shares parenting duties with three children and has also found success as an actor, starring in films like If I Had Legs I'd Kick You and Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest.
Despite a relatively long hiatus from music, Rocky returned to the scene with Testing, which featured the Skepta-featuring hit Praise the Lord (Da Shine) but ultimately fell flat with mainstream audiences and critics. The album left him at a crossroads: whether to continue his experimental trajectory or return to more straightforward, commercially successful sounds.
Don't Be Dumb attempts to bridge this divide by combining the dynamism of his breakout albums with a renewed sense of playfulness and a dash of experimentation. While it doesn't necessarily result in a slam-dunk, Rocky's charisma remains intact, making even some of the album's less standout tracks enjoyable due to his infectious energy.
Standout moments abound on Don't Be Dumb, including the Drake diss track Stole Ya Flow, which showcases Rocky's signature irreverence. The song is both petty and endearing, highlighting Rocky's ability to stir up controversy without ever fully crossing the line. Other notable tracks, such as Playa, see him channeling a warm, avuncular tone that belies a rather callous attitude towards love.
However, not every lyric shines; some sections feel lazy or overstuffed with production elements. These moments are somewhat mitigated by Rocky's undeniable charm and charisma, which carry the album through even its weaker tracks.
Ultimately, Don't Be Dumb represents Rocky's strongest studio effort since his debut, Long.Live.A$AP. While it may not be a masterwork, it is an enjoyable listen buoyed by Rocky's renewed sense of playfulness and his continued ability to craft infectious hooks. Fans who were left underwhelmed by Testing can breathe easy – A$AP Rocky is back in the game, and he's ready to shake things up once more.
Rocky hasn't been idle during this time; he's been keeping busy, with his relationship with pop superstar Rihanna keeping him in the public eye. He now shares parenting duties with three children and has also found success as an actor, starring in films like If I Had Legs I'd Kick You and Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest.
Despite a relatively long hiatus from music, Rocky returned to the scene with Testing, which featured the Skepta-featuring hit Praise the Lord (Da Shine) but ultimately fell flat with mainstream audiences and critics. The album left him at a crossroads: whether to continue his experimental trajectory or return to more straightforward, commercially successful sounds.
Don't Be Dumb attempts to bridge this divide by combining the dynamism of his breakout albums with a renewed sense of playfulness and a dash of experimentation. While it doesn't necessarily result in a slam-dunk, Rocky's charisma remains intact, making even some of the album's less standout tracks enjoyable due to his infectious energy.
Standout moments abound on Don't Be Dumb, including the Drake diss track Stole Ya Flow, which showcases Rocky's signature irreverence. The song is both petty and endearing, highlighting Rocky's ability to stir up controversy without ever fully crossing the line. Other notable tracks, such as Playa, see him channeling a warm, avuncular tone that belies a rather callous attitude towards love.
However, not every lyric shines; some sections feel lazy or overstuffed with production elements. These moments are somewhat mitigated by Rocky's undeniable charm and charisma, which carry the album through even its weaker tracks.
Ultimately, Don't Be Dumb represents Rocky's strongest studio effort since his debut, Long.Live.A$AP. While it may not be a masterwork, it is an enjoyable listen buoyed by Rocky's renewed sense of playfulness and his continued ability to craft infectious hooks. Fans who were left underwhelmed by Testing can breathe easy – A$AP Rocky is back in the game, and he's ready to shake things up once more.
is finally out after 8 long years, and I gotta say, it's a breath of fresh air 
! I mean, testing was a bit of a bust, but don't be dumb brought the fire 
! The new vibes are more playful, experimental, and just plain fun 
. Rocky's still got that crazy charisma and energy 
, making even the weaker tracks enjoyable 
.
, it's a reminder that he's still got bars for days 
. And let's be real, his flow is still as infectious as ever 
! The production might get a bit lazy in some parts, but Rocky's charm and personality carry the album through 
.
, and Don't Be Dumb is definitely an improvement over Testing 
. It may not be a masterpiece, but it's an enjoyable listen that shows Rocky's still got it 
. Like, come on guys, we're stuck with this awkward 'you've already unfollowed me' notification every time I actually want to cut ties. Can't they just add an "unfollow" button like Instagram? 
. Don't Be Dumb feels like a breath of fresh air, especially compared to Testing which just didn't connect with me on the same level. I love how he's tried to mix things up and bring back that playful vibe from his earlier days. The fact that it doesn't necessarily live up to the standards set by Long.Live.A$AP is fair enough though - no one expects a masterwork, especially not after so long. Stole Ya Flow is definitely a standout track, his signature sassiness is still on point 
. I'm just bummed some of the lyrics feel a bit lazy at times... but overall, A$AP's charm and charisma carry the album through. Not the best album he's ever made, but it's an enjoyable listen 
I was super hyped when testing dropped but it didn't quite live up to my expectations like dont be dumb has definitely shown some signs of rocky getting back into his element, that drake diss track stole ya flow is fire 
. Eight years between albums? That's a long time, especially for someone who used to drop heat like A$AP Rocky was doing back in the day. And yeah, he's been busy with Rihanna and acting and all that, but come on, can't you just make music instead of putting it off for so long? 
... he can still bring the energy even when the track doesn't land.