Don’t Be Dumb- A$AP Rocky Album Review

Don’t Be Dumb

After eight years without music from A$AP Rocky, Don’t Be Dumb came out Friday with energetic music that makes a statement. The project feels noticeably darker than his previous work, yet it remains impressively cohesive from start to finish. With Tim Burton cover art setting the tone, the album leans into a moody, cinematic atmosphere that feels both calculated and immersive. The features make the album so powerful by including Brent Faiyaz, Thundercat, Doechii, will.i.am, and Tyler, the Creator. Each feature feels intentional and incredible coordinated. A$AP Rocky also slips a diss at Drake in the song “Stole Ya Flow.” Drake mentions usually surface on the internet quickly and conversations arise, but there hasn’t been much talk about it online or in the media. He has casually appeared in the media over the past eight years from red carpet appearances, court cases, and having his children with Rihanna. A$AP Rocky performed on Saturday Night Live right after the album was released and the performance was as hit; even with Thundercat making an appearance. The performance mirrored the album perfectly as it radiated the force and power the album holds.

“Punk Rocky” is a song that stood out to me the most as it sounds like his previous hits like “Sundress,” or “I Smoked Away my Brain.” The album is hazy and not packed with obvious hits. A$AP Rocky doesn’t force anything, it isn’t flashy, but it is all intentional. Though we haven’t heard from him in eight years, the album feels modern and up to pace with other hip-hop albums that have come out within the past year to six months.

This album is electric and amazing to throw on any time of day. On the first listen, the songs may not hit right away, or they might not be the most loveable, but the more you listen, I believe it will definitely grow on you. Don’t Be Dumb is experimental and confident. It may not be for everyone, but it is extremely artistic and I can’t wait to see and hear more from A$AP Rocky.