For anyone counting, it’s been almost seven years since Testing, ASAP Rocky’s third studio album, dropped. Since then, Rocky’s given plenty of updates about his next project, once telling Complex that “leaks and clearance stuff” caused delays. Along the way, he’s hinted at potential collabs, including one with former Smiths singer Morrissey.
Now that his assault with a firearm trial is in the rearview mirror after an acquittal that had Spike Lee and 50 Cent celebrating, it looks like the album, tentatively titled Don’t Be Dumb, is (finally) actually on its way. At least, that’s what we’re gathering from his recent chat with Samuel Hine for GQ, which you can read completely here.
According to Rocky, the album is “done,” though it still lacks an official release date. Rocky also admitted he’s been talking about this album “for a long-ass fucking time,” guessing that fans are probably “tired of hearing” updates by now. Nevertheless, he mentioned that “mixing and mastering” is happening, ultimately placing himself among an exclusive club of artists (like Rihanna) who march to their own beat rather than following industry timelines.
“The truth of the matter is fans, they’re starving,” Rocky explained. “And I don’t think that any of us—it’s numerous artists, Frank Ocean, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Rihanna, whoever. I think those people who really take their time to put out timeless pieces, projects and bodies of work, that’s all that matters. I don’t think they’re putting out music to stay relevant, to stay culturally relevant, to stay with the times, or just to have a dick swinging contest.”
Rocky continued to stress how “starving” these fanbases are, then pushed the point even further by comparing Don’t Be Dumb to a “gourmet meal” that’s nearly ready to be served.
“It’s hot y’all!” he declared about the metaphorical plate holding the meal. “It’s hot! The chef is cooking. But here we are. I just want to bring it out. A whole gourmet meal. The whole course.”
The reason for Rocky’s GQ interview in Milan was his new gig at Ray-Ban. As previously reported, Rocky has been appointed as the brand’s first-ever creative director, a position where he’ll be handling everything from product design to directing brand campaigns.
All signs suggest 2025 will finally be the year we get to hear Rocky’s new full-length project, and possibly even one from Rihanna. As everyone reading this already knows, Rihanna’s last album, Anti, just celebrated its ninth birthday in January.
