A$AP Rocky Teases New Album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ by Calling It ‘The Dumbest S***’
After nearly eight years without a full studio LP, A$AP Rocky is officially gearing up to release his highly anticipated fourth album, Don’t Be Dumb, on Jan. 16, 2026. The long-awaited record follows years of sporadic singles, festival teases, and creative collaborations. Rocky has recently amplified excitement by unveiling the official cover art designed with legendary filmmaker Tim Burton. He also partnered with brands like Bilt. Even more recently, Rocky teased how he feels about his new music. Here’s what he said.
A$AP Rocky teased his new album ‘Don’t Be Dumb,’ with some choice words
As A$AP Rocky continues to build anticipation for his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, parts of the rollout have leaned into the project’s unconventional title and playful swagger. According to HotNewHipHop, Rocky described the record in bold terms that reflect his playful nature. The artist allegedly called the new album “the dumbest s*** in the world” while on the New York platform Sidetalk.
Rocky’s forthcoming album is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases as it finally nears its Jan. 16, 2026, debut, following multiple delays. The rapper has moved the album into its final stages of mixing and mastering. In early 2025, he told GQ that while fans may be tired of long waits, he wants to deliver a complete and thoughtful project rather than rush it.
The lead single, “Punk Rocky,” blends indie-rock and hip-hop vibes. The music video features Winona Ryder, while the album’s cover art was created in collaboration with filmmaker Tim Burton, further suggesting an experimental aesthetic. Heavyweights like Jessica Pratt and frequent collaborators, such as members of the A$AP Mob, add texture to the project’s rollout.
“We got Pharrell Williams, we got Dean Blunt, we got Metro Boomin,” Rocky previously told Complex in 2023. “I don’t want to leave people out. We got Hitkidd, we got Tyler, The Creator, myself, Madlib, The Alchemist. We also got Mike Dean, Swedish House Mafia, and I don’t want to give too much away.”
As part of the promotional strategy for the album, Rocky partnered with the rent rewards platform Bilt. The collaboration includes a limited-edition vinyl of the album designed by Rocky himself and is available exclusively to Bilt members through pre-order on the company’s app and website. Alongside the vinyl release, Rocky participated as a contestant in a special edition of Bilt’s monthly game show, Rent Free. This gives members a chance to win up to $2,500 toward their rent and signed copies of the exclusive vinyl. In a standout charitable component, Bilt also covered the January 2026 rent for tenants of the Harlem apartment building where Rocky lived as a teenager.
