A$AP Rocky Discusses Delays in His Fourth Studio Album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’: “Fans Can Expect the Unexpected”

A$AP Rocky’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, is still set to be released on major DSPs this fall. The renowned rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, recently shared insights about the project in an interview with Dazed magazine, confirming that preparations for its release are underway.

Initially, the Harlem rapper planned to drop this album in August, but the release was postponed due to complications arising from leaks and sample clearances that disrupted the launch of Don’t Be Dumb.

“I think my fans can expect the unexpected with me. I got a chance to reassess the bit and do some finishing touches before we actually put it out,”A$AP Rocky confirmed.

Rakim’s last complete studio album, Testing, was made available on streaming platforms over six years ago on May 25, 2018. The album was acclaimed for its innovative production, featuring collaborations with artists such as Kid Cudi, Skepta, Kodak Black, Frank Ocean, and others.

While specific details about Don’t Be Dumb‘s tracklist are still under wraps, Rakim has hinted at a potential collaboration with Peso Pluma. He teased this collaboration in a Complex interview from July 2023, stating:

“I love the fact that he’s successful right now, he’s doing his thing all over Spotify and Apple and whatnot. And he’s going crazy overseas, especially in Mexico, doing his thing. But I genuinely like him because he is of the culture.”

What We Know About A$AP Rocky’s Fourth Studio Album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’

Rakim began teasing the release of his fourth studio album back in 2018, with Juicy J reportedly confirming his involvement in the production of the Harlem rapper’s “newest project”.

A$AP Rocky has repeatedly teased this project over the years, with a significant highlight being his official Don’t Be Dumb listening event in June. This album preview coincided with the launch of his AWGE fashion collection at the 2024 Paris Fashion Week, where many of the items showcased references to the rapper’s forthcoming LP.

In exclusive interviews with GQ and Billboard, Rocky discussed the creative influences on Don’t Be Dumb, notably praising Tim Burton for his impact on the album’s conceptualization.

“I sat and I played the album for Tim Burton, and he was f–king with it heavy. He was rocking his head and he’s like, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you made that kind of music!’”Rakim mentioned in his Billboard interview.

Rocky also reached out to Tim Burton to design the album cover for Don’t Be Dumb, although this collaboration did not materialize due to scheduling conflicts.

Additionally, Tim Burton’s long-time friend and collaborator, Danny Elfman, is said to have contributed “musical snippets”throughout Rocky’s upcoming LP, including a full-length song featuring producer The Alchemist.

Other notable collaborators on Don’t Be Dumb are expected to include Tyler The Creator, Pharrell Williams, Mike Dean, Hitkidd, Madlib, Peso Pluma, and Metro Boomin.

A$AP Rocky was introduced to Metro Boomin by his mentor A$AP Yams back in 2012, at a time when the producer was still pursuing his college education. In a 2022 interview with GQ, Rakim highlighted Metro’s significant role on his upcoming album with these words:

“Metro’s not thirsty for a Rocky song, I’m not thirsty for a Metro beat… It’s natural… Most artists wanna make [collabs just because they’re hot]. For us, it’s like, that’s really my n—a.”

The Long. Live. A$AP rapper has provided fans with two new singles this year as they await the release of Don’t Be Dumb. The first single, Tailor Swif, was released on August 30, 2024 and features a music video directed by Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia.

“Eatin’ lamb chops on the block when we was broke (We was broke) / Even when I was poor, I was out here eatin’ goats (Eatin’ goats) / Mary had a lil’ lamb, but my momma need a coat / Yeah, I had a Shearling and a Gucci link at four years old (Ahh, yeah)”- A$AP Rocky raps on ‘Tailor Swif‘.

The second single, Ruby Rosary, dropped on September 6, 2024, through A$AP Rocky Recordings LLC. This track marks the Harlem rapper’s first collaboration with J. Cole, backed by upbeat production from The Alchemist.

The performances on Ruby Rosary have garnered positive online reception, with numerous fans noting references to significant events from the 2024 rap “civil war”. The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake also involved artists like Metro Boomin and Rocky, who were seen releasing diss tracks against the OVO CEO.

“Now I ride windows down, with my foot on the side / Barely could drive, all the doors suicide / Like, who dared me to die? (Uh) / You a dead man walkin’ like you barely alive / Cut everything but the family ties (That’s right) / Cut the s–t, cut the lies, word to the wise / Who in your top five?”- A$AP Rocky raps on ‘Ruby Rosary‘.

Other recently released singles that are expected to appear on the Don’t Be Dumb tracklist include:

• D.M.B. (2022)
• Shittin’ Me (2022)
• Same Problems? (2023)
• RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n) (2023)
• HIGHJACK (2024)

After initially announcing the “August 30th”release of Don’t Be Dumb at the 2024 Paris Fashion Week, A$AP Rocky’s decision to postpone the album stems from his desire “to make the best album ever”.

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