A$AP Rocky's return with 'Don't Be Dumb' is a triumphant comeback, but it still falls short of being a true classic. After an eight-year hiatus since his last album, Testing in 2018, Rocky has been keeping himself busy - from acting to fatherhood and even dodging prison time - but the wait was worth it for this latest effort.
The album's playful, fleet-footed approach is reminiscent of Rocky's breakout debut, Long.Live.A$AP. Gone are the experimental samples and avant-garde sounds that left fans and critics underwhelmed on Testing. Instead, Don't Be Dumb finds Rocky firing on all cylinders, with songs like Stole Ya Flow and Playa showcasing his signature charisma.
The guest list is a veritable who's who of hip-hop royalty, from Hans Zimmer to Tyler, the Creator. However, it's clear that Rocky is still the star of the show, and he delivers on every track. On "Stole Ya Flow," Rocky unleashes a scathing diss track that's more fun than biting, with lines like "N***** gettin' BBLs / Lucky we don't body shame." The advice on "Playa" is similarly offbeat and humorous.
However, not every song is a home run. Some tracks feel overly produced, while others are marred by lazy lyrics. Rocky's observation on "Helicopter" about people's obsession with blue checks feels like a clever commentary on social media culture, but it's not enough to elevate the whole record.
Despite its flaws, Don't Be Dumb is an enjoyable listen that proves Rocky is still one of the most charismatic and talented rappers in the game. Fans who were left underwhelmed by Testing can finally breathe easy, as this latest effort cements Rocky's status as a hip-hop legend.
The album's playful, fleet-footed approach is reminiscent of Rocky's breakout debut, Long.Live.A$AP. Gone are the experimental samples and avant-garde sounds that left fans and critics underwhelmed on Testing. Instead, Don't Be Dumb finds Rocky firing on all cylinders, with songs like Stole Ya Flow and Playa showcasing his signature charisma.
The guest list is a veritable who's who of hip-hop royalty, from Hans Zimmer to Tyler, the Creator. However, it's clear that Rocky is still the star of the show, and he delivers on every track. On "Stole Ya Flow," Rocky unleashes a scathing diss track that's more fun than biting, with lines like "N***** gettin' BBLs / Lucky we don't body shame." The advice on "Playa" is similarly offbeat and humorous.
However, not every song is a home run. Some tracks feel overly produced, while others are marred by lazy lyrics. Rocky's observation on "Helicopter" about people's obsession with blue checks feels like a clever commentary on social media culture, but it's not enough to elevate the whole record.
Despite its flaws, Don't Be Dumb is an enjoyable listen that proves Rocky is still one of the most charismatic and talented rappers in the game. Fans who were left underwhelmed by Testing can finally breathe easy, as this latest effort cements Rocky's status as a hip-hop legend.
but some tracks feel kinda overproduced to me, you know? like, can we keep it real for a sec? 
also, not every song hits the mark, but when he does, oh man... the charisma and energy is still there 
'Stole Ya Flow' tho, that diss track tho 
gotta respect his confidence. maybe he's not perfect yet, but this album makes up for it. A$AP Rocky's still got it, no doubt 
! But yeah, not every track is a winner - some feel a bit overproduced or lazy with lyrics 
. Still, it's an enjoyable listen and proves Rocky is one of the best in the game 
and the guest list is lit 
. anyway, all in all, don't be dumb is a great album and rocky's still one of the best rappers out there 
[A GIF of A$AP Rocky doing a funny dance move] 
album got its moments, still some room for improvement tho 
but idk if its a true classic lol some tracks feel kinda overproduced and lazy lyrically...i mean the diss track on Stole Ya Flow tho is straight fire 
but cmon, cant we all just get along? 
anyhoo its still a solid album and rocky's charisma shines through. i mean hes def one of the best out there right now 
.
... can't we just have a song without any of those cringeworthy lines for once? and what's with all these fancy music videos 
? can't they just make a nice ol' fashioned music video like they used to? 
. I love how he's gone back to his playful, old-school sound - it's like a breath of fresh air! 
. And Rocky himself? He's still got that charisma and swag 
. The tracks are fun, especially "Stole Ya Flow" - who doesn't love a good diss track? 
.
. I love how he went back to his Long.Live.A$AP vibes - those experimental samples were whack 
. Still not perfect tho, some tracks feel like they're tryin' too hard to be funny 
. But all in all, Don't Be Dumb is a solid comeback and proves A$AP Rocky's still got it 