Album Drop
A$AP Rocky Finally Returns With Long-Awaited Album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’
The album features an eclectic and high-profile guest list, including Tyler, The Creator, Doechii, Brent Faiyaz, Westside Gunn, Gorillaz, Jon Batiste, Thundercat, Bossman Dlow, and Will.i.am.
After nearly eight years of anticipation, A$AP Rocky has officially returned. The Harlem rapper released his fourth studio album, “Don’t Be Dumb,” on Friday, January 16, 2026—ending a 2,793-day gap since his 2018 project Testing. The release marks the first major hip-hop blockbuster of 2026 and signals a new chapter for one of rap’s most influential tastemakers.
A Star-Studded Comeback Project
Despite the long wait, Don’t Be Dumb arrives fully loaded. The album features an eclectic and high-profile guest list, including Tyler, The Creator, Doechii, Brent Faiyaz, Westside Gunn, Gorillaz, Jon Batiste, Thundercat, Bossman Dlow, and Will.i.am. While fans may be surprised by Rihanna’s absence—Rocky’s longtime partner—the feature lineup still delivers cross-genre ambition and global appeal.
The project spans 15 tracks, including previously released singles “Punk Rocky” and “Helicopter,” the former accompanied by a music video starring Winona Ryder. According to promotional material, Rocky explores six different alter egos across the album, reinforcing the experimental edge that has defined his career.
Tim Burton’s Creative Touch and Strong Early Sales
Adding to the album’s mystique is the involvement of legendary filmmaker Tim Burton, who designed the album’s cover art. Rocky publicly thanked Tim Burton last month, describing Don’t Be Dumb as a “movie” rather than just a record. That cinematic vision appears to be resonating: the rapper reportedly sold over 130,000 units before the album even hit streaming platforms.
Production credits further elevate the project, with beats from The Alchemist, Pharrell Williams, Metro Boomin, Madlib, Mike Dean, and Tyler, The Creator, reinforcing A$AP Rocky’s reputation as a curator of sound and style.
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A Different Era for A$AP Rocky
Life looks drastically different for Rocky compared to when Testing dropped. Since then, he has navigated public legal battles—ultimately being found not guilty in a high-profile assault case—and embraced fatherhood. In September 2025, Rocky and Rihanna welcomed their third child, a daughter named Rocki, adding a new layer of perspective to his artistry.
While no global tour has been announced, Rocky is confirmed to headline Governors Ball 2026 in New York City on June 7, suggesting live performances may soon follow.
To celebrate the album, Rocky will perform tracks from Don’t Be Dumb for Amazon Music’s “Songline” special, filmed across New York City. The episode premieres on Yams Day, January 18, and will stream on Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Twitch.
With Don’t Be Dumb, A$AP Rocky doesn’t just end a long hiatus—he reasserts his place at the center of hip-hop culture in 2026.
