The Earvin Edit

The Harlem MC makes his long-awaited return with his fourth studio album. After years of leaks, delays, and everything that has unfolded in his life since his last release, fans have been more than eager to hear what he has to say on Don’t Be Dumb.

Written by Earvin Adjei

Dumb is exactly how many were beginning to feel after an 8-year wait. Well, dumb no more, the album has finally arrived, and there’s plenty to discuss.

The Good:

The production across the album is not only diverse but downright insane at times. Rocky has always been an artist willing to push boundaries and experiment with sound. While 2018’s Testing leaned heavily into that experimentation, Don’t Be Dumb continues this approach in a more refined way. The album uses several sonic lanes, each offering something different. There’s chaotic, bouncy production on AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO), a slowed-down and elegant vibe on WHISKEY, jazz-infused instrumentation on ROBBERY, and classic A$AP Rocky psychedelic sounds on DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY. What’s heard here is unlike most of what’s currently dominating hip-hop. At a time when mainstream rap production has grown stale, Rocky reminds listeners that the genre has more to offer than trap beats and lazy samples.

The album also has strong replay value, with a majority of tracks warranting repeat listens. The Brent Faiyaz-assisted STAY HERE 4 LIFE delivers a mellow, atmospheric vibe that many will find themselves returning to. Meanwhile, tracks like HELICOPTER and AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO) are packed with energy and seem made for mosh pits and live performances. DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY has that classic Rocky psychedelic sound and is sure to satisfy OG fans. Much like the production itself, the tracklist is diverse and offers a little something for everyone.

Rocky also uses the album to confront those he feels have taken his style. STOLE YA FLOW sees him rapping, “First you stole my flow, so I stole yo’ b**h,”* a clear message to anyone he believes ran off with a style he created. While many think the song targets Drake, some have suggested it could be aimed at Travis Scott, who has also been involved with Rihanna. That speculation was further fueled on NO TRESPASSING, where Rocky raps, “Ni**as talkin’ reckless, must be out his mind… I might move to Texas, ride ’round with my weapons,” an interesting line considering Drake’s recent move to Houston and Travis Scott’s ties to Texas. On STOP SNITCHING, Rocky takes an even firmer stance, making it clear that snitching is something he has no respect for. While the track could be aimed broadly at the rap industry, it may also reference his former friend A$AP Relli, who took Rocky to court for an alleged shooting. Regardless of who the bars are directed toward, Rocky lets it be known he is no longer biting his tongue on things he feels strongly about.

The Bad:

With Rocky seemingly shifting his focus toward creating albums that showcase a wide range of sounds, cohesion becomes an issue. While it’s refreshing to hear influences from multiple genres, these sounds occasionally clash, resulting in a tracklist that can feel more like a shuffled playlist than a tightly constructed album. For a project that largely leans into punk-inspired aesthetics, a track like ROBBERY, for example, sticks out and feels out of place.

Additionally, Rocky’s lyricism is somewhat lackluster throughout the album. While no one expects Nas-level bars, it would have been refreshing to hear the level of sharpness he displayed on earlier projects. His focus here is clearly on atmosphere and aesthetics rather than lyrical depth. We know Rocky can rap, but that skill once again takes a backseat on Don’t Be Dumb.

Final Verdict:

Don’t Be Dumb is an ambitious project that feels like a more refined and thought-out version of Testing. The album offers plenty in terms of production, genre exploration, and features, but it may ultimately be an acquired taste for some listeners. With repeated listens, tracks that were initially dismissed are likely to grow on people. Was the album worth an eight-year wait? No. But it is still an enjoyable project and a testament to Rocky’s artistry. It proves that he remains one of the most innovative and creative figures in hip-hop today.

Rating: 7/10