ASAP Rocky returns with fourth album 'Don't Be Dumb' after eight-year gap

ASAP Rocky released his fourth album, Don't Be Dumb, and discussed it in an interview on The New York Times's Popcast, ending an almost eight-year gap since his 2018 album Testing. He said the period included acting, becoming a father of three with Rihanna, two criminal prosecutions and numerous song leaks.

The album mixes gothic takes on Southern rap with experimental production and touches of psychedelic rock, with songs such as “Playa,” “Helicopter” and “Punk Rocky.” It features appearances by Doechii, Tyler, the Creator, folk singer Jessica Pratt and Damon Albarn. Rocky called the record “what 2011 Rocky would be making in 2026” and joked about the delay by selling merchandise reading “Album Never Dropping.” Rocky spoke at length about how legal troubles and family life shaped the project.

He discussed the alleged shooting of a former close friend, for which he was acquitted in Los Angeles last year, and an assault conviction for a 2019 street fight in Sweden, for which he served no additional jail time. He said court delays and his desire to be present as a parent made it harder to focus and pushed back the release; he also reflected on the absence left by the death of his mentor ASAP Yams and on his growing acting work, including a rap battle with Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s film Highest 2 Lowest.

Rocky described himself as unwilling to rush music to chase hits, saying he prefers bespoke sounds and that his celebrity lets him avoid compromise.

Key Topics

Culture, Asap Rocky, Don't Be Dumb, Rihanna, Testing, Asap Yams