A$AP Rocky's 'Don't Be Dumb' Review: A Charismatic Return, But Not a Slam Dunk
After an eight-year hiatus, A$AP Rocky, the enigmatic king of New York rap, is back with his fourth album, 'Don't Be Dumb'. In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, where even A-list stars like Rocky's friend and collaborator Tyler, the Creator release multiple albums a year, this extended absence is a lifetime. During this time, Rocky has been making headlines for his relationship with pop superstar Rihanna, their three children, and his acquittal in a gun-related case. He's also been making waves as an actor, starring in the dark comedy 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' and Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest'.
Rocky's recent music releases have been sporadic, with only a few singles like the Tame Impala collaboration 'Sundress'. His last full-length album, 'Testing', released in 2018, received mixed reviews, lacking the dynamism and charisma of his earlier work. 'Don't Be Dumb' attempts to strike a balance between the experimentalism of 'Testing' and the more straightforward, hit-oriented approach of his debut, 'Long.Live.A$AP'.
The album's hour-long runtime is filled with brash, fast-paced tracks that shed the ponderous avant-garde elements of 'Testing'. It showcases Rocky's playful, fiery attitude, reminiscent of his major-label debut. However, it's not without its flaws. Some lyrics feel rushed, and the production can feel overbearing at times. Despite these minor shortcomings, 'Don't Be Dumb' is a coherent and enjoyable listen, with a diverse guest list that includes Hans Zimmer, Tyler, the Creator, and Jessica Pratt. Rocky's charisma shines through, even in the less impressive tracks.
One of the album's standout moments is 'Stole Ya Flow', a playful Drake diss track where Rocky sounds genuinely entertained. He raps with a sense of fun, even in the face of petty faux-altruism. On 'Playa', he adopts an avuncular tone, offering specific, albeit callous, advice to someone in love. 'Air Force' showcases a unique blend of harsh, glitchy beats and stoned psych-rock, a clever nod to those who criticized the indie-leaning 'Testing'.
However, the album isn't without its weaker sections. 'Helicopter' features a lazy observation about social media obsession, and 'Whiskey' (a Gorillaz collaboration) veers into lethargic free association, threatening to drag down the entire record. Thankfully, these moments are outweighed by the album's more sprightly tracks.
Despite its flaws, 'Don't Be Dumb' is Rocky's strongest album since his debut, marked by a renewed sense of playfulness. Fans who were disappointed by 'Testing' can breathe a sigh of relief. Rocky's return is a charismatic one, even if it's not a perfect slam dunk.
