After releasing his album Testing, eight years ago, A$AP Rocky became a father to three children with his partner Rihanna, found himself involved in a felony assault case and starred in two films, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” and Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest.” All of which could provide notable material in his long-anticipated return on Friday with Don’t Be Dumb, with 17 tracks. Despite lasting almost an hour, Rocky does not fully explain his hiatus, leaving his album bare of substance.
Arriving with maximalist energy and hype, the album’s cover was designed and illustrated by Tim Burton (“The Nightmare Before Christmas”), signaling a cinematic and theatrical vision for the album. In previous albums like AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP, Rocky blended his Harlem roots, Houston influence, psychedelia and high fashion into a persona. In Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky seems intent on reaffirming this identity rather than reinventing himself.
From the opening track, “ORDER OF PROTECTION,” Rocky makes his return clear. Rain and thunder crash behind a marching, almost defiant beat as he announces, “Back from the fuckin’ past / Back right up on they ass.” Production is easily the album’s strength; tracks like “ORDER OF PROTECTION” sound polished, making Rocky seem untouchable. Across Don’t Be Dumb, artist features make for a strength in itself, with Doechii, Westside Gunn, Brent Faiyaz, Tyler, The Creator and will.i.am all adding distinct touches to the album.
“STOLE YA FLOW,” one of the hardest-hitting tracks on the album, includes Rocky sounding furious. Featuring a relentless beat, the track ends with symphonic production that feels designed for a climactic movie battle scene, with Rocky yelling, “I don’t owe you shit!” Whilst many listeners interpret the track as a clear diss towards Drake, as per, “First you stole my flow, so I stole yo’ bitch,” the track can also be interpreted as a generalization about friends who become enemies.
The emotional center of the album comes in a short run of tracks clearly inspired by Rocky’s partner, Rihanna. “STAY HERE 4 LIFE,” featuring Brent Faiyaz, sounds smooth and romantic, Faiyaz’s vocals floating over a beat that switches in its final third, “Cause, like, I been looking for you all year long / Have you been looking for me as well?” As the beat slows, Rocky directly addresses critics questioning his relationship, declaring, “I am not a player,” and transitioning into the next track, “PLAYA.”
The lack of introspection in Don’t Be Dumb lingers as a weakness and a question of intention. Whilst energetic and stylish, Rocky rarely says anything profound. For an artist returning to music after significant life changes, Rocky doesn’t reveal much about how he’s changed; only he’s louder and more confident.
The most substantive moment in the album arrives at the very end of disc one with “THE END,” featuring Jessica Pratt and will.i.am. Over haunting production and Pratt’s eerie repetition of “This is the way the world ends,” Rocky reflects on the state of the world. Touching on issues like climate change and war, Rocky raps “It’s hard to sing ‘Sunshine, good morning’ with global warming.” The track offers a glimpse of depth for listeners who may have wanted more throughout the album.
Don’t Be Dumb succeeds when listened to without expectations built up over eight years, but fails to reach the artistry recognition of AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP or LONG.LIVE.A$AP. Overall, the album provides a high production statement heavy with flexes from an artist who knows exactly who he is.
3 ½ years out of 5
