A$AP Rocky has been on an eight-year hiatus from releasing new music, a feat that rivals even the most prolific hip-hop artists in terms of output. During this time, Kanye West has released five albums, Rocky has appeared in several films and had his high-profile relationship with Rihanna, which has led to three children, all while avoiding prison for firing a gun at an ex-friend.
The wait is over, but not entirely without its share of controversy. Rocky's fourth album, 'Don't Be Dumb,' attempts to rectify Testing's lack of mainstream success by embracing a more straightforward sound that still retains some of the experimental elements of his previous work.
While it never quite reaches the same level as his debut Long.Live.A$AP, 'Don't Be Dumb' shows Rocky at his most charismatic and playful. Tracks like 'Stole Ya Flow' and 'Playa' demonstrate the artist's wit and confidence in delivering lyrics that are both relatable and irreverent.
However, some sections feel phoned-in, with lyrics that don't quite live up to the same standard as earlier work. Rocky also experiments with too many production elements at times, which can make certain songs feel overstuffed. But overall, 'Don't Be Dumb' is a fun listen and has its moments of brilliance.
Rocky's chemistry with collaborators like Hans Zimmer and Tyler, the Creator shines through in some standout tracks, particularly 'Air Force (Black Demarco),' which is an unexpected fusion of hip-hop and psych-rock that feels like a sly nod to those who trashed Testing.
One thing is for sure – Rocky has found his footing again and proved himself as one of hip-hop's most exciting and charismatic figures, even after years of taking a break from music.
The wait is over, but not entirely without its share of controversy. Rocky's fourth album, 'Don't Be Dumb,' attempts to rectify Testing's lack of mainstream success by embracing a more straightforward sound that still retains some of the experimental elements of his previous work.
While it never quite reaches the same level as his debut Long.Live.A$AP, 'Don't Be Dumb' shows Rocky at his most charismatic and playful. Tracks like 'Stole Ya Flow' and 'Playa' demonstrate the artist's wit and confidence in delivering lyrics that are both relatable and irreverent.
However, some sections feel phoned-in, with lyrics that don't quite live up to the same standard as earlier work. Rocky also experiments with too many production elements at times, which can make certain songs feel overstuffed. But overall, 'Don't Be Dumb' is a fun listen and has its moments of brilliance.
Rocky's chemistry with collaborators like Hans Zimmer and Tyler, the Creator shines through in some standout tracks, particularly 'Air Force (Black Demarco),' which is an unexpected fusion of hip-hop and psych-rock that feels like a sly nod to those who trashed Testing.
One thing is for sure – Rocky has found his footing again and proved himself as one of hip-hop's most exciting and charismatic figures, even after years of taking a break from music.