Art has always been representative of its artist, a change in the artist’s life is reflected in their art. However, change can be shocking, which is why A$AP Rocky’s new album has gotten some mixed reviews from a fanbase that hasn’t seen his art for nearly a decade.
Eight years have gone by since A$AP Rocky dropped “Testing,” his third studio album: in that time, a lot has changed. Rocky married Rihanna, had three children, acted, started a fashion brand and fended off two counts of felony assault in court.
Breaking that eight-year streak, Rocky dropped “Don’t Be Dumb,” a 17-track album with features from notable names like Doechii, Westside Gunn, will.i.am, Sauce Walka and Rocky’s best friend, Tyler, The Creator.
“Don’t Be Dumb” was a deviation from the norm for Rocky, with a new, aggressive and reckless production for intense tracks like “STFU” and “HELICOPTER,” intermixed with softer, more soothing production for love-oriented songs such as “STAY HERE 4 LIFE.”
Initially, this new style was jarring, but upon a second listen, this album is a banger. For me, it has four benchmarks; “HELICOPTER,” “STOLE YA FLOW,” “PUNK ROCKY” and “THE END.”
“HELICOPTER” set the tone. Rocky released the track as a preview before the full album release, it was a microcosm of the album, with some pieces of underwhelming lyricism, which were overcome by outstanding production. It shocked me, because I was not expecting such a rambunctious album, but it was very easy to add to my “Trunk Rattlers” playlist.
“STOLE YA FLOW” doubled down. Once the album was released, it quickly became the flagship track. Rocky addressed disrespect which was flung his way from Drake’s corner. Specifically, Drake took shots at Rocky’s wife, Rihanna, on “First Person Shooter,” saying that he had her first, and that their time was “average,” as a way to put Rocky below him.
In “STOLE YA FLOW,” Rocky makes his response very frank, “First you stole my flow, so I stole your b—.” It is slightly concerning that he’s referring to his wife as his “b—,” but he got the point across. Also, the song is just a banger overall, with great production quality but easily understandable lyrics, and some good drama.
“PUNK ROCKY” was unique. This track takes a new approach as compared to the rest of the album, with a less jarring, but more emo, rap/rock beat: paired with Rocky’s lyrics on losing love and detaching from his emotions. A very emo track overall, but it sets a vibe which contrasts with other tracks expressing his newfound love for his wife and kids.
“THE END” sends the album off. The last track of “Don’t Be Dumb” finally takes three and a half minutes to address the state of the world, beyond Rocky’s life. Rocky addresses climate change, racism, exhaustion with the current administration and his concern for the future.
“THE END’s” reflection of Rocky’s worldview is in line with how rap, as a genre, has always been an artistic method of expression of the political struggle of its artists: from “F— the Police” to “To Pimp a Butterfly” to even its origins in soul and jazz, which developed amidst societal struggle. That reflection, alongside the new style, can be too jarring for fans who expected another traditional Rocky album, but it wasn’t for me.
