A$AP Rocky effortlessly crosses genres, keeps rap essence on ‘Don’t Be Dumb’
A$AP Rocky's newest album, "Don't Be Dumb," that released Jan. 16, shows the musician's scope of talent. The 19-track album includes multi-genre tracks like "STFU" and "ROBBERY." Kendall Thompson | Contributing Illustrator
Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.
A$AP Rocky has recently become a triple threat: rapper, actor and a fashion designer. Within the last year, Rocky starred in two movies — Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” the Oscar-nominated “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”— and was also a co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala.
His rapping career seemed to have stalled while he pursued other creative endeavors and dealt with legal battles. However, after eight years, Rocky has made his comeback with his new album, “Don’t Be Dumb.” Released Jan. 16, “Don’t Be Dumb” is Rocky’s longest album to date with 19 tracks.
The album is reminiscent of Rocky’s previous sounds, but it’s also a more refreshing one, featuring different genres and artists to signify that Rocky is back in the game.
In “Don’t Be Dumb,” Rocky makes one thing clear: He’s returned. “ORDER OF PROTECTION” doesn’t sugarcoat this.
The album’s opening track, “ORDER OF PROTECTION,” starts off with Rocky admitting he’s been away from music following his trial. In 2021, Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, which he was acquitted for in 2025. But, Rocky doesn’t let this stop him.
The opening track reestablishes Rocky in his rap career. Rocky announces this with pride, cautioning anyone to stay away from him as he regains his mark. As he raps the first verse, an angelic choir can be heard in the background, accentuating his high status as a rapper following his brief departure.
“It’s been a lil’ while since I been in the league / A couple lil’ trials, couple of leaks / Still in the field like I’m runnin’ in cleats / Last time I checked, we still in the lead,” he sings.
So far, “Don’t Be Dumb” is compelling. It’s fast paced and edgy, common characteristics in a Rocky album. However, “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” takes a pause, thanks to a feature with R&B singer Brent Faiyaz. In a lighter song, the track is a clear testament to Rihanna.
Rocky’s lyrics are endearing, clearly in love with Rihanna. Rocky recalls how Rihanna has made him a better person, saying that Rihanna transformed him from a boy to a man.
The song’s chorus is a duet between Rocky and Faiyaz; Faiyaz’s sweet melody and Rocky’s hard-hitting rap verses create a balanced track palatable to many listeners.
In maybe the most aggressive song on the album, the ninth song, “STFU,” is a multi-genre song that combines rap, electronic dance music and metal.
Rocky starts the song off with what seems to be a high-stakes car chase, emulating the rush of living the high life with a thumping EDM beat that immediately sets the fast-paced tone of the song. While Rocky describes his glitzy lifestyle, the track’s pacing gets faster as he complains about being “out of touch” since committing to his artistic endeavors in rapping, acting and fashion.
Metal and rap band Slay Squad is featured on the track, which is evident in the fiery, raging vocals from member Keilo Kei. Though listeners may be put off by the intense vocals, Kei offers a completely different perspective on rap while complementing the song’s theme of the thrilling rush of Rocky’s glamorous lifestyle.
While “STFU” is unapologetically ferocious, “PUNK ROCKY” is the complete opposite, offering a lighthearted, upbeat sound, perfect for a hot summer’s day and one of my favorite tracks on the album.
“PUNK ROCKY” tells the tale of Rocky wanting to find love but not wanting to get his heart broken. Whenever he meets someone, Rocky assumes she falls in love with him, too, but is instead mistaken for “just another fluke.”
“I thought I fell in love, I thought she felt it too / I thought we was in love, she just another fluke,” Rocky raps solemnly.
In “ROBBERY” featuring Doechii, Rocky offers a flirtatious jazz track, accentuating his ability to effortlessly cross genres. Creating a “Bonnie and Clyde” type of dynamic, Rocky and Doechii go on a robbery spree where the lyrics later reveal sexual tension.
Rocky’s talents are highlighted the best in this song. Instead of rapping alongside synthesizers and turntables, he raps with jazz instruments like the piano and trumpets — one of his underrated assets.
Doechii heightens this strength, adding a cadence and voice that creates a mischievous yet provocative layer. Undoubtedly, Doechii steals the spotlight. Doechii’s vocals and lyrics provide a sweet contrast from Rocky’s low voice, charming listeners immediately.
Rocky ends the album with a throwback, “I Smoked Away My Brain.” A mashup with Imogen Heap and Clams Casino, the track is not only my favorite Rocky song in his discography, but possibly, of all time.
There’s a reason why this track accumulated 779 million streams on Spotify. “I Smoked Away My Brain” borrows its instrumentation from Imogen Heap and Clams Casino’s 2020 “I’m God” and lyrics from Rocky’s 2011 “Demons.” The track creates a sort of purity and atmospheric beat that is rarely captured in songs today. A quintessential song to just let loose, “I Smoked Away My Brain” is an ethereal track that allows listeners to be free.
“I Smoked Away My Brain” was first introduced in 2023 as a single, and with Rocky concluding the album with his most popular song, he brings it back to his first track. “ORDER OF PROTECTION” lets others know that while Rocky has been absent from music for several years, he’s back, reinstating his popular status with his most popular track in his discography.
“Don’t Be Dumb” signified Rocky’s return to music. Incorporating a multitude of genres, Rocky not only gives his fans a new listen, but also declares that he’s back like he never left.
