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A$AP Rocky's fourth studio album, Don't Be Dumb, is currently still on track to be delivered to major DSPs this fall. The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, recently sat down for an interview with Dazed magazine where he confirmed the project is being prepared for release.
The Harlem rapper's upcoming album was originally scheduled to be released in August but was eventually delayed, with a report from BBC, last month, citing "leaks and sample clearances" disrupted the release of Don't Be Dumb.
"I think my fans can expect the unexpected with me. I got a chance to reassess the bit and do some finishing touches before we actually put it out" - A$AP Rocky confirmed.
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Rakim's last full-length studio album, Testing, was delivered to streaming services over six years ago on May 25, 2018. The project was praised for its experimental production, featuring artists like Kid Cudi, Skepta, Kodak Black, Frank Ocean, and more.
Although the rapper has yet to unveil several details behind Don't Be Dumb's potential tracklist, Rakim has hinted at a potential collaboration with Peso Pluma on his fourth studio album. The Harlem native teased this collab in a Complex interview from July 2023, where he stated:
"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."
Everything we know about A$AP Rocky's fourth studio album 'Don't Be Dumb'
Rakim began teasing the release of his fourth studio album, back in 2018, with Juicy J reportedly confirming that he had contributed to the production of the Harlem rapper's "newest project".
A$AP Rocky has since teased this project several times, over the years, with the most notable moment being his official Don't Be Dumb listening event in June. The album showcase followed the debut of his AWGE fashion collection at the 2024 Paris Fashion Week, where almost all the pieces included references to the rapper's upcoming LP.
Based on Rakim's exclusive interviews with GQ and Billboard, this year, the rapper has explained and praised the influence Tim Burton and his projects have had on the conceptualization of Don't Be Dumb.
"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 stated in his Billboard Interview.
The rapper also approached Tim to help design the album cover for Don't Be Dumb, which reportedly did not work out because the two were unable to "align their schedules".
Tim Burton's close friend and collaborator, Danny Elfman, has reportedly contributed "musical snippets" throughout Rocky's upcoming LP, including a full-length song featuring producer The Alchemist.
Other collaborators that Don't Be Dumb would reportedly feature, include artists like 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, while the producer was still in college. During a 2022 exclusive interview with GQ, Rakim explained the massive contribution Metro had on his upcoming album when he stated:
“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$AP rapper delivered two new singles, this year, for fans awaiting the release of Don't Be Dumb. The first song, Tailor Swif, was delivered to streaming services on August 30, 2024, alongside a music video directed by Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia.
"Eatin' lamb chops on the block when we was broke (We was broke) / Even when I was poor, I was out here eatin' goats (Eatin' goats) / Mary had a lil' lamb, but my momma need a coat / Yeah, I had a Shearling and a Gucci link at four years old (Ahh, yeah)" - A$AP Rocky raps on 'Tailor Swif'.
The second single, Ruby Rosary, was delivered to streaming services on September 06, 2024, via A$AP Rocky Recordings LLC. The record marks the Harlem rapper's first collaboration with J. Cole, with the track's upbeat production credited to The Alchemist.
The performances on Ruby Rosary were highly praised online, with many citing references to notable moments from the 2024 rap "civil war". Kendrick Lamar and Drake's feud also included artists like Metro Boomin and Rocky, who were seen dropping diss tracks against the OVO CEO.
"Now I ride windows down, with my foot on the side / Barely could drive, all the doors suicide / Like, who dared me to die? (Uh) / You a dead man walkin' like you barely alive / Cut everything but the family ties (That's right) / Cut the s--t, cut the lies, word to the wise / Who in your top five?" - A$AP Rocky raps on 'Ruby Rosary'.
Other recently distributed singles that are rumored to be included on Don't Be Dumb's tracklist have been provided below:
- D.M.B. (2022)
- Shittin’ Me (2022)
- Same Problems? (2023)
- RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n) (2023)
- HIGHJACK (2024)
After initially announcing Don't Be Dumb's "August 30th" release date at the 2024 Paris Fashion Week, A$AP Rocky's decision to delay the project appears to lie in his hope "to make the best album ever".
