After an eight-year hiatus that felt like a lifetime in the fast-paced world of hip-hop, A$AP Rocky has finally dropped his fourth studio album, Don't Be Dumb. The New York rapper, now a father of three and an acclaimed actor, attempts to bridge the gap between his experimental past and the charismatic sound that made him famous.
A Long-Awaited Return to Music
The gap since his last album, 2018's Testing, has been significant. In that time, the musical landscape has shifted dramatically, with peers like Kanye West releasing multiple projects. Rocky, however, has remained in the public eye through his high-profile relationship with pop icon Rihanna and a burgeoning acting career, featuring in films like If I Had Legs I'd Kick You and Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest. He also faced and was acquitted of serious firearm charges, dodging a potential 24-year prison sentence.
Fans have been waiting patiently for new music, with only sporadic singles like Sundress with Tame Impala to tide them over. Testing itself was a divisive record; while it produced the hit Praise the Lord (Da Shine) with Skepta, many critics and listeners felt it lacked the dynamism of his earlier work. This left Rocky at a creative crossroads, pondering whether to delve deeper into experimentation or return to his roots.
Don't Be Dumb: Charisma and Playfulness Reignite
Don't Be Dumb tries to have it both ways. Clocking in at around an hour, the album feels more brash and energetic than its predecessor, shedding some of Testing's more ponderous avant-garde elements. It reignites the fiery, provocative attitude that powered his major-label debut, 2013's Long.Live.A$AP. The guest list is eclectic, featuring everyone from composer Hans Zimmer and rapper Tyler, the Creator to indie folk artist Jessica Pratt, yet Rocky remains the undeniable star.
His signature charisma is on full display. Tracks like Stole Ya Flow, a playful diss aimed at Drake, succeed because Rocky sounds like he's thoroughly enjoying himself. On Playa, he adopts an almost avuncular tone, offering specific, if callous, romantic advice. The beat-switching Air Force (Black Demarco) feels like a sly nod to those who criticised Testing's indie leanings.
Where the Album Stumbles
However, the project is not without its flaws. Some lyrics feel lazy or phoned-in, such as a tired observation about social media verification on Helicopter. The collaboration with Gorillaz on Whiskey sees Rocky mumbling into lethargic free association, a moment that threatens to derail the album's momentum. At an hour long, a more rigorous edit could have sharpened the overall impact, as some tracks feel overstuffed with production ideas.
Despite these inconsistencies, the album's sprightlier moments ultimately win out. The sense of playfulness that defined Rocky's early work is back, making Don't Be Dumb a coherent and entertaining listen. It stands as his most confident and engaging album since his debut, offering reassurance to fans bewildered by the direction of Testing. While it may not be a perfect slam dunk, it's a compelling return that proves A$AP Rocky still has plenty to say.
