In the world of hip-hop, few artists have made as notable an impact as ASAP Rocky. With the release of his latest album, Don’t Be Dumb, the New York rapper is back in the spotlight, though his journey has been anything but straightforward. After almost a decade since his last official album, fans are eager to see if this long-awaited release can reclaim some of his former glory.
Produced during a tumultuous period in Rocky’s life, Don’t Be Dumb has been several years in the making. Initially completed back in 2022, this project has been subjected to the ups and downs of Rocky’s personal life, including his very public relationship with Rihanna and the challenges of fatherhood as he became a father twice. Add in various collaborations that didn’t make the final cut, and it’s clear that this album reflects not just his artistic evolution, but personal growth as well.
Rocky first burst onto the music scene in the early 2010s with his mixtape Live Love ASAP, which was a cultural reset in the industry. However, the years since have seen a decline in his output compared to his contemporaries who have soared in commercial success. This gap has had fans wondering if Rocky still holds the creative edge that once set him apart.
Upon diving into Don’t Be Dumb, the album presents a mixed bag of tracks. The opener, Order of Protection, sets an interesting tone but falters with unexciting production that feels more like a narrative on his absence rather than a dynamic return. Thankfully, the album gains momentum with tracks like Helicopter, a vibrant, twisted trap banger that highlights Rocky’s slick flow and charismatic delivery. This track is a reminder of why we fell in love with his music in the first place.
Another standout, Stole Your Flow, offers a direct rebuttal to Drake amidst their ongoing feud, touching on themes of rivalry and authenticity. Rocky’s poignant lyrics show that he’s still storytelling at his best, getting in jabs at Drake’s personal life, which adds layers to the album. It’s this focus on lyrical content that feels like a return to form for Rocky, showcasing his sound evolution while echoing themes he once tackled in his earlier work.
However, the album’s second half veers into more experimental territory, which can be a double-edged sword. Tracks like STFU and Air Force Black Demarco push boundaries but sometimes falter under the weight of their ambition. While experimentation is commendable, having tracks that don’t quite hit the mark dilutes the overall strength of the album. Meanwhile, collaborative tracks like Robbery featuring Doi add unique flair, with jazz-infused production that stands out as a creative highlight.
As we reach the conclusion of Don’t Be Dumb, the final track encapsulates a mixture of introspection and societal commentary. Featuring eerie refrains sung by a child and highlighting a sense of cultural unease, it’s a thought-provoking note to end on. But does the album adequately address the question—was it worth the long wait? That’s still a matter of opinion.
Overall, Don’t Be Dumb showcases moments of brilliance, and while it may not fully restore Rocky to his former prominence, it proves he still has a vibrant voice in hip-hop. It’s a record filled with risks and revisions, hinting at the promise of what’s to come. By blending heart, experimentation, and insightful lyricism, you can’t help but feel a tinge of hope for Rocky’s future projects ahead.
As for a rating, considering the highs and lows throughout the album, I would rate Don’t Be Dumb a solid 45 out of 60. It’s a step in the right direction, but not quite the grand return fans might have hoped for.
