Hi everyone. It’s Anthony Stirford here from Anthony XO.Music and today I’m here for a review of the new A$AP Rocky album, Don’t Be Dumb.
After an eight-year wait, Manhattan rapper Rakim Athelston Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, finally returns with a new studio album titled Don’t Be Dumb. Following years of delays, false starts, and constant speculation, the project arrives as his first full-length release since 2018’s Testing. Expectations were understandably high, and while the album does not fully redefine Rocky’s career, it stands as his most cohesive body of work to date.
Rocky first confirmed that a new album was in progress back in 2022. By 2023, he claimed it was already finished, yet the release continued to be pushed back. Rumors of surprise drops circulated throughout last year, but none materialized. Now, in 2026, Don’t Be Dumb finally lands, marking a long-awaited moment for fans and critics alike.
Don’t Be Dumb succeeds largely because of its focus and structure. Compared to Rocky’s previous albums, this project feels more intentional and unified. While a few tracks echo the energy and aesthetics of his LONG. LIVE. ASAP era, the album leans heavily into cloud rap influences, giving it a distinct atmosphere within his discography.
The production is sleek and immersive, built around glossy synths, heavy basslines, and moody textures. Rocky balances aggressive rapping with moments of melodic vulnerability, which works in the album’s favor. However, the album is not without flaws. The middle stretch suffers from uneven sequencing and occasionally messy production choices that disrupt the otherwise consistent tone.
To understand where Don’t Be Dumb fits, it helps to revisit Rocky’s career arc. His 2013 debut LONG. LIVE. ASAP was praised for its raw energy and confident lyricism. AT. LONG. LAST. ASAP (2015) refined that sound with richer production and artistic ambition. Testing (2018), however, divided listeners and often felt unfocused. In contrast, Don’t Be Dumb feels like a corrective step, prioritizing cohesion over experimentation for experimentation’s sake.
“ORDER OF PROTECTION” opens the album on a reflective note. Rocky directly addresses his prolonged absence from music, setting the tone with brooding production and an ominous pace. His restrained delivery builds tension, making it an effective slow-burn introduction that aligns perfectly with the album’s atmosphere. Rating: 4.5/5
“HELICOPTER” immediately shifts gears, offering a high-energy contrast to the opener. Driven by aggressive drums and rapid-fire production, the track is sharp, frantic, and built for replay value. Rocky’s vocal performance is both melodic and forceful, making this one of the album’s most immediate standouts. Despite online debate surrounding the music video, the song itself remains undeniable. Rating: 5/5
“STOLE YA FLOW” continues the momentum with industrial trap elements and thumping synths. Produced by ICYTWAT and Kelvin Krash, with additional contributions from Danny Elfman, the track carries a cinematic edge. Rocky’s delivery is confident and precise, though rumors of subliminal disses feel largely overstated. The strength here lies in the production and flow, not controversy. Rating: 4.5/5
“NO TRESPASSING” sees Rocky stepping into the producer role, crafting a paranoid yet bouncy West Coast-inspired beat. His self-assured performance fits naturally over the instrumental, resulting in a strong experimental cut that still feels unmistakably Rocky. Rating: 4/5
“AIR JORDAN (BLACK DEMARCO)” is another aggressive highlight, celebrating Rocky’s return to the spotlight. The gritty, video-game-like production pairs well with his abrasive vocal delivery, showcasing his versatility and confidence. Rating: 4/5
“PUNK ROCKY”, released ahead of the album, is somewhat misleading in title. Rather than punk, the track leans toward indie-pop with guitar textures and a laid-back flow. While the song is enjoyable, it does not fully deliver on its promised aesthetic, making it a lighter moment rather than a defining one. Rating: 3.5/5
While Don’t Be Dumb contains several strong moments, it is not filler-free.
“STFU” stands out as the album’s weakest track. Its noisy, disco-leaning production feels disconnected from the album’s core sound. Despite an interesting stylistic idea, the execution falls flat, and the featured performance does little to elevate the track. Rating: 2/5
“FISH IN STEAK (WHAT IT IS)” featuring Tyler, The Creator, is another missed opportunity. Although the chemistry between the two artists is evident, the track’s hypnotic but unfocused production makes it feel underdeveloped within the album’s broader context. Rating: 2.5/5
The final track of disc one, “THE END,” serves as a somber and fitting conclusion. Built around haunting guitar chords reminiscent of Portishead’s “The Rip,” the song benefits greatly from Jessica Pratt’s ethereal contribution. It closes the album on an introspective note, reinforcing the reflective themes introduced at the beginning. Rating: 3.5/5
Final Verdict
Don’t Be Dumb is an enjoyable and largely successful comeback for A$AP Rocky. The album delivers multiple standout tracks that align well with its aggressive, cloud-rap-driven atmosphere, particularly “HELICOPTER,” “ORDER OF PROTECTION,” “STOLE YA FLOW,” and “AIR JORDAN (BLACK DEMARCO).” However, uneven production choices and a handful of filler tracks prevent it from reaching its full potential.
While this may not be a defining career peak for Rocky, it is a solid return that reestablishes his artistic focus and reminds listeners of his strengths.
Final Rating: 7.35/10
Don’t Be Dumb Tier List
Great:
HELICOPTER (5/5)
Very Good:
ORDER OF PROTECTION (4.5/5)
STOLE YA FLOW (4.5/5)
NO TRESPASSING (4/5)
AIR JORDAN (BLACK DEMARCO) (4/5)
Good:
INTERROGATION – Skit (3.5/5)
STAY HERE 4 LIFE (3.5/5)
PLAYA (3.5/5)
STOP SNITCHING (3.5/5)
PUNK ROCKY (3.5/5)
WHISKEY – RELEASE ME (3.5/5)
THE END (3.5/5)
SWAT TEAM (3.5/5)
Average:
ROBBERY (3/5)
FISH IN STEAK (2.5/5)
Worst:
STFU (2/5)