ASAP Rocky, the Harlem born rapper recently released his long awaited 5th studio album Don’t Be Dumb, and it hits like a needed wake-up call. It is catchy, chaotic, and certainly unique. But in a catalog full of hits, can this album leave a mark as good as his others?
Coming five years after Testing, fans, including these Hawkeye View editors, are eager to see if Rocky could push his sound even further. Here is our review of some of the top hits.
“PUNK ROCKY” – The song opens with a soft kick drum that carries through the whole song; this song stands out to us due to its softer ambiance. Rocky doesn’t have anything to prove; instead, he’s reiterating whatever he’s feeling like a mantra. The nostalgic feel of the song, paired with the background vocals is reminiscent of the sting of an old heartbreak, which leaves you numb but never fully healed. The line “I thought you was the one, I guess you just the two” is clever and ties in beautifully with the themes of love and fame that the album solidifies. Although the lyrics seem a little bit scattered, the song itself is a good opener for the album and does feel reminiscent of Rocky’s older rap. The indie rock feeling of the song isn’t entirely cohesive with the rest of the album, but it’s incredibly evident that Rocky is having fun, which for some is what cements a good album. In truth, this song isn’t the best representation of Rocky’s lyrical ability, but it is a welcome taste into what rap could be for unfamiliar listeners.
“STAY HERE 4 LIFE” – Sampling both Brent Faiyaz’s song “Full Moon (Fall in Tokyo)” and the keys from “Mewtwo” by Ken Carson, “Stay Here 4 Life” has become one of the most popular songs on Don’t Be Dumb. Although some fans express that Faiyaz’s original song was actually better than Rocky’s version, the verses from Rocky add a certain depth to the song that provide a deeper look into Rocky and Rhianna’s relationship. Lyrics from Rocky such as “Truth is, I just got struck by Cupid,” along with Faiyaz’s smooth and angelic vocals about a romantic desire to stop time to savor the moment, allow for the song to be warm-hearted and passionate. Additionally, Rocky mentions at the end of his song about his fans being “disappointed” in him for settling down in his relationship. Except, when Rocky says these people “quote-on-quote look up to [him],” it gives a satirical and irritated tone that puts into question if these so-called “fans” get to make these judgements about his personal life. It brings into light para-social interactions and how fans tend to be unhappy when artists decide to shy away from their “personas.” When in reality, settling down with the mother of his three children differs from the celebrity stereotype of embracing the bachelor lifestyle. He finishes this message with the transition to his next song, “Playa,” that showcases his growth and maturity from stepping up as a father.
“DON’T BE DUMB/TRIP BABY” – In an unexpected collaboration, Rocky teamed up with Clario to contribute to the penultimate song on the album. Clairo’s 2019 song “Sinking” does a fantastic job of conveying the sincerity of the song and really making it what it is: a modern serenade. Undoubtedly, the muse for the song is Rocky’s longtime partner Rihanna and it makes for some stunning writing. Romance is alive and well on the track, with the chorus oozing nothing short of devotion and longing. Phrases like “Right about now, I’d do anything just to see your face,” “every day,” and “I’d do anything just to stay in your graces” exemplifiy the well-known ideals of love. It’s interesting how simple the song seems compared to what Rocky could do, almost showering the listener with the idea that true love is natural and doesn’t overexert itself. Melodically, the beat and the production of the song is calming and nostalgic, blending beautifully with the second half of it. Rocky’s vocals seem at home, cementing the song as one of the album’s standouts for vocals alone. There’s no barrier between what Rocky wants you to feel and what you do feel while listening. It’s blunt and vulnerable when comparing it to the other tracks.
“ROBBERY (Ft. Doechii)” – Sampling Duke Ellington’s 1936 historic jazz track “Caravan,” the Swamp Princess, otherwise known as Doechii, brings a rapid flow along with interesting switch-ups that truly demonstrate her talent. Both artists bring raspy low voices that delve into a world of story telling, as well as a visualizer that truly adds to the cinematic experience of the song. Although the song fits into the weird and eccentric tone of the album, Robbery is different from any song out there right now. It is definitely a song that you wouldn’t play on the AUX, but at the same time there is an appreciation for the cinematic masterpiece it is. The powerful dominating tones, vocals, and quick pace help bring to life this song focused on fashion, luxury, and money. The back and forth from both ASAP and Doechii feels like “Bonnie and Clyde,” making listeners feel as if this heist is high stakes and dangerous. Doechii fits this role perfectly, making her undoubtedly the best feature on the album, especially due to the Faiyaz feature being a sample.
Ultimately, Don’t Be Dumb is a welcome change in Rocky’s discography. There’s so much to love about the piece, which longtime and new fans will pick up on from the first listen. Something about the album is undoubtedly different, not as authentically it could be. Some tracks feel experimental just for the sake of being that way, which is reflected in the critical reception of the album. Although Don’t Be Dumb doesn’t live up to his older projects such as Long. Live. ASAP or At. Long. Last. ASAP is trying something new and disregarding what others think. ASAP is branching out into other genres and attempting to make them his own is a commendable pursuit.
