In the eight years since A$AP Rocky’s album “Testing,” fans have received little in news regarding his future projects. From fashion releases to a rumored marriage with Rhianna, many fans had assumed that Rocky was retired. That is, until Dec. 19, when Rocky revealed that his album, “Don’t Be Dumb”, would release on Jan. 16.
According to Rocky, “Don’t Be Dumb” took so long to release mainly because of songs being leaked. Rocky stated that over 85% of the album had to be redone after a majority of it was leaked before the official release. When it was finally announced, the album underwent a quiet rollout, allowing hype to build by itself, with only two singles releasing prior to Jan.16.
In the opening track, “ORDER OF PROTECTION,” A$AP raps over a heavy, New York style trap beat, a staple throughout the album. He addresses both the leaks of his album and his recent public trial. He also utilizes his signature synth and static style, confirming to fans that he remains true to themselves.
On the lead single, “HELICOPTER,” Rocky begins a trend of callouts throughout the album, seemingly addressing his recent feud with Drake, which took a backseat among the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud. Rocky once again uses a trap-beat, this time reminiscent of his friend Playboi Carti, who was originally featured on the song before being removed.
The album embraces a tonal shift on “STAY HERE 4 LIFE,” where Rocky seemingly sings about his life with Rhianna. Brent Faiyaz, who is featured on the song, provides strong backup vocals and an emotional verse that adds to the ambiance of the song.
Rocky also introduces yet another theme of the album in this song, being his private life with Rhianna. He intentionally chooses to keep fans in the dark about his personal life, addressing how he doesn’t have much privacy anymore. At the end of the song, Rocky angrily addresses critics who think of him less for staying in a committed relationship. This cleanly transitions into his next song, “PLAYA,” where he delivers a performance much like his older songs, boasting about his riches and fame.
Throughout the album, Rocky delivers many, somewhat generic, trap songs eminent of rappers like Lil Wayne. In these songs, he raps about money, fame, and drugs, much like his older songs, namely “I Smoked Away My Brain.“ These songs, such as “PLAYA,” “STOP” “SNITCHING,” “NO TRESPASSING,” and “STFU,” while they do deliver enjoyable verses, are overall too generic, and bring the album down as a whole.
The best song on the album is “ROBBERY,” featuring Doechii. The beat sounds similar to one that would play in a western film, with Rocky and Doechii both delivering very strong performances that contribute to its outlaw vibe. They keep up the momentum through the second-half of the song, delivering a duo performance that leaves fans nodding their heads to the beat.
On the final song of Disc One, “THE END” featuring will.i.am and Jessic Pratt, Rocky delivers powerful social commentary addressing racial injustice, global warming and religious issues in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or self-righteous. However, Jessica Pratt’s verse does become somewhat preachy near the end, when she addresses children being addicted to screens in a way that feels very out of touch.
On the closing song of Disc 2, “FISH N STEAK (WHAT IS IS),” A$AP and Tyler The Creator deliver slightly calmer verses compared to their older collaborations. While this song is enjoyable, it doesn’t serve as a fitting close to the album, and seems like it was intended for a deluxe version.
Overall, “Don’t Be Dumb” doesn’t stack up to Rocky’s older projects, and has some issues with its production and flow. It is still an immensely enjoyable project that fits right in with the rest of A$AP’s discography. I enjoyed “Don’t Be Dumb” and would rate it a 7.5/10.
