A$AP Rocky: Don't Be Dumb review – a charismatic, playful return, but it's no slam dunk

[Open Oyster]

A$AP Rocky's 'Don't Be Dumb' Is a Charismatic Comeback, But Lacks Punch

It's been an eternity since A$AP Rocky dropped his last album, 2018's Testing. In the hip-hop world, where artists like Rocky and friend-turned-collaborator Tyler, the Creator release multiple albums annually, this is a record-breaking drought. Meanwhile, other stars have had more prolific output – Kanye West has released five albums since rebranding as a born-again Christian. Rocky hasn't been idle; he's been making headlines thanks to his relationship with pop superstar Rihanna and last year's acquittal from firing a gun at an ex-friend.

Rocky's music has been in fits and starts, aside from the Tame Impala collaboration Sundress and a few one-off singles. His 2018 album yielded the hit Praise the Lord (Da Shine), but it failed to resonate with audiences and critics. The question on everyone's mind: would he continue Rocky's experimental path or return to his straightforward sound that made him famous?

Don't Be Dumb, Rocky's latest album attempts both. It's brash and fleet-footed, excising Testing's avant-garde samples and experiments with singing. The record reignites some of Rocky's fiery attitude, but it's no slam-dunk. Some songs feel phoned-in lyrically, while others are overstuffed with production elements. While an edit would be necessary for the full album experience, Don't Be Dumb is coherent and fun to listen to.

As always, Rocky's charisma shines through in his music. Tracks like Stole Ya Flow and Playa showcase his personality – he raps with a playful swagger on Stole Ya Flow, which tackles petty faux-altruism, while on Playa, he sounds almost avuncular as he offers advice to someone in love for the first time.

Rocky's production is often hit-or-miss. On one hand, tracks like Air Force (Black Demarco) showcase his ability to adapt to different styles – from harsh glitch beats to stoned psych-rock. This canny fourth-wall break feels like a sly taunt to critics who trashed Testing for its indie-leaning sound.

However, not all the lyrics hold up. Tracks like Helicopter and Whiskey feature Rocky zoning out into full-blown free association, threatening to sink the record's overall energy. Thankfully, these weaker sections are outweighed by Don't Be Dumb's sprightlier moments, making it his strongest album since Long.Live.A$AP.

Overall, fans can breathe easy – Testing is long gone. Don't Be Dumb marks Rocky's return with a charismatic, playful album that might not be a full-on triumph but is still worth the listen for its star-studded production and Rocky's unmistakable personality.

 

[Mania]

I think A$AP Rocky's comeback album 'Don't Be Dumb' is all about finesse, you know? He's trying to balance his experimental side with a more mainstream sound, but it's clear he's still got the magic . The production can be hit-or-miss, but when it works, it's fire . I love how he's not afraid to poke fun at himself and the world around him – tracks like Stole Ya Flow are instant bops . My only gripe is that some of the lyrics feel a bit meh , but overall, Rocky's charisma shines through and makes this album worth a listen .

 

[Fierce Fly]

I gotta say, A$AP Rocky's comeback is pretty strong , he's definitely got the charisma going for him on this album! I love how he blends styles and makes those crazy beats , it's like a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions. But, at the same time, some tracks feel a bit meh to me , like when he gets too abstract with his lyrics. Still, Rocky's personality shines through loud and clear - that playful swagger is infectious! If I'm being picky, I'd say he could've edited out some of those weaker sections , but overall, it's a fun listen and a solid comeback.

 

[Xer]

oh my gosh i'm so glad A$AP Rocky finally dropped new music!!! i was getting worried he'd never release anything again his charisma is just infectious, it shines through in every single track on this album! i love how he's still experimenting with different styles and sounds, it keeps things fresh and exciting but at the same time, some of the lyrics can be a bit weak like, i get it rocky, you're having fun and all, but sometimes it feels like you're just rambling on without a point still, this album is a major comeback and i'm so here for it 'steal ya flow' is literally my jam

 

[Outrageo]

omg i'm so glad ASAP rocky dropped don't be dumb he was definitely due for a comeback! personally, i think the album is pretty underrated - it's not gonna blow people away like his old stuff but it's still fire and rocky's flow is still on point. i love how he's experimenting with different sounds, from that tame impala collab to the weird glitch beats in air force my only gripe is that some of the lyrics feel a bit meh... like what's up with helicopter? but overall, it's a solid album and rocky's charisma is still shining through. i'm already looking forward to his next move

 

[Comfortable Cobra]

I think A$AP Rocky is definitely showing some growth with his new album, but it's just okay . He's trying to balance being experimental and playing it straight – I guess you could say he's still figuring that out . The production on this one is all over the place, like he's throwing a bunch of styles together and hoping something sticks . And yeah, some of the lyrics can be kinda meh , but at the same time, it's Rocky being Rocky – you get that charismatic energy even when the words aren't exactly fire . Still, I'd say it's his strongest album since Long.Live.A$AP... and that's saying something!

 

[Strateg]

OMG u guys! A$AP Rocky just dropped his new album "Don't Be Dumb" & I'm OBSESSED but tbh it lacks that extra oomph, u know? like he's still got the charisma & swag but some tracks feel a bit meh . Still love how he experiments with production tho , like Air Force (Black Demarco) is straight fire ! But sometimes I feel like Rocky's trying too hard to fit in w/ different styles . anywayz, it's still a solid album & if u're an A$AP fan, u won't wanna miss it

 

[Cheerful Cheetah]

I'm so down for A$AP Rocky coming back to the game But to be honest I was expecting something more impactful, like, you know, actual punch Instead it feels like he's just having fun with his music, and that's cool I guess. Don't get me wrong, Stole Ya Flow is fire and his charisma shines through in the whole album. It's just...I don't know, maybe I'm expecting too much from him now? He's been gone for so long

 

[Inter]

the way a$ap rocky went under the radar for so long makes his comeback even more exciting i mean, 6 years is a looong time without new music from someone as influential as him. and honestly, his latest album don't be dumb feels like a breath of fresh air - it's fun to listen to, and you can definitely tell he's still got that charisma his production is hit or miss, but when it clicks (like on tracks like air force), it's magic and even though some lyrics are meh, the energy of the whole album makes up for it. i'm low-key hoping this means we're gonna see more from rocky in the future

 

[Smo]

I gotta say, A$AP Rocky's 'Don't Be Dumb' is a solid comeback, but it doesn't really blow me away . I mean, the album's got some great tracks like Stole Ya Flow and Air Force (Black Demarco) that showcase his ability to adapt to different styles, which is always cool . But at times it feels like he's phoning in some of the lyrics .

And what's up with all the production elements? Some songs feel like they're trying too hard to be 'interesting' and end up feeling kinda clunky . I also gotta say, I'm not a fan of how some tracks just feel like Rocky is zoning out into space .

That being said, A$AP Rocky's charisma is still on point , and the album's fun to listen to in small doses . If he edits it down to the good stuff, I'd be stoked to give 'Don't Be Dumb' a spin again .