A$AP Rocky Refuses to Discuss ‘don’t Be Dumb’ Release Date, Prioritizes Family adn Music
A$AP Rocky is no longer offering timelines for the arrival of his highly anticipated album, Don’t Be Dumb, admitting he was “foolish” to initially announce a release date. The Harlem-born rapper now intends to let the music speak for itself,following multiple delays linked to personal and legal challenges.
Album Delays and Refunded Pre-Orders
Fans who pre-ordered Don’t Be Dumb merchandise – including vinyl, CDs, and box sets – received refund notifications in December 2024 after the album was “rescheduled to early 2025.” The delays have fueled speculation and frustration among supporters eager to hear the follow-up to 2019’s testing.
During a recent interview with Numéro on Monday, october 13, A$AP Rocky expressed his reluctance to discuss release dates.”To be honest, I don’t want to talk about release dates anymore. I’d rather let the music speak for itself,” he stated. “One day, you’ll wake up and see what’s coming up. I was a bit foolish giving dates last time.” He previously indicated an August 2024 arrival – playfully dubbed “AWGEST” – when pre-orders launched in June.
“Today, I want to make it clear. You’ll just have to wait and enjoy the record when [it comes] out,” the artist shared. It remains unclear whether this statement is a strategic move to manage expectations or a signal that the album could arrive unexpectedly.
Did you know?– A$AP Rocky’s last album, Testing, released in 2019, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. It featured collaborations with artists like Frank Ocean and Skepta.
Balancing Career and Family Life
The setbacks surrounding Don’t Be Dumb appear to stem from a combination of factors, including A$AP Rocky’s legal battle and the expansion of his family with Rihanna. In a September interview with ELLE, he acknowledged the impact of these life events.
“I don’t want to primarily blame it on my case, but life was life-ing,” A$AP Rocky explained. He and Rihanna welcomed a baby girl that same month, prompting a shift in priorities. “We don’t plan on having children, but when it happens, you gotta adjust and move with it. I gotta be present for my family, because that’s first.”
Pro tip:– Following an artist’s social media can provide clues about upcoming releases. However, artists often employ strategic ambiguity to build anticipation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the release, a glimmer of hope emerged from an unexpected source. Tariq Cherif, co-founder of Rolling Loud, hinted at a potential drop before the Rolling Loud California 2025 festival, writing on social media that it “will be worth it when Don’t Be Dumb finaly arrives.”
Reader question:– Do you think artists should share release dates, or does it create needless pressure and disappointment when delays occur?
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: The album Don’t Be Dumb has faced delays due to a combination of A$AP Rocky’s legal issues and the birth of his second child with Rihanna, leading to a shift in his priorities.
Who: A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, and Tariq Cherif (co-founder of Rolling Loud) are central figures. Rocky is the artist delaying the album, Rihanna’s expanding family influenced his priorities, and Cherif offered a potential timeframe.
What: A$AP Rocky’s highly anticipated album
