Photo credit: Mauricio Alvarado
Rapper A$AP Rocky has dropped a new single, “pray4dagang” featuring fellow rapper KayCyy, as reported by Stereogum. While it proceeds the release of Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky’s upcoming fourth studio album, it is not yet known if it is part of the album, though the phrase “Don’t Be Dumb” can be found all throughout the song’s accompanying video. Said video can be found on Rocky’s YouTube channel however it is only 2 minutes of the song’s full 3:22 minute runtime. Currently, the full song is only available on Apple Music until it’s full release on July 5th.
UPDATE: It appears the video has been taken down from Rocky’s YouTube channel. While there is no official statement, some have pointed to the song charting low as potential reasons for the removal. A link to a fan re-upload featuring the full song has been added instead.
The short video features some extremely striking and arguably very topical visuals, all accompanying the lowkey and emotional track. The lyrics reflectively look over Rocky’s recent life, deep in thoughts and worried about the state of things. Unable to spend time with family, including his children and watching the world change around him, he resolves that in many ways he can only pray. It’s a tone that suits the chaotic year Rocky has had so far, with the rapper being found not guilty for a 2021 shooting incident and Rihanna being pregnant with what will be her third child with Rocky. It’s no surprise he has much on his mind with this track, yet the lyrics tell only one half of the story.
Coated in dark grays and smoky visuals, the video features countless scenes of conflict. The video follows Rocky and others fighting against police and authority figures. Many of the people wear clothing with phrases like “Don’t Be Dumb” and “American Sabotage” written on them. The video also showcases the conflicts raging across various iconic locations in the United States, such as in New York City and by the Lincoln Memorial. Upside down American flags can also be seen, a controversial symbol which some call “unpatriotic” but is officially used as a sign of distress, either due to a threat to oneself or one’s property or to indicate the country itself is in a state of danger – leading to it often being adopted as a symbol of protest. Given Rocky is a resident of Los Angeles, it’s quite likely the visuals are inspired by recent protests against the Trump Administration and ICE. While Rocky would be far from the first artist to make statement about these recent events, joining a long list including fellow rapper Doechii, his use of the video is certainly a unique way to speak up on these tumultuous times. Regardless, the visuals add another layer to the song’s themes of Rocky feeling all he can do is pray for those closest to him.
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