A polished, yet inconsistent return.

Across a career spanning more than 15 years, New York rapper A$AP Rocky has been a revolutionary force in hip-hop. He has reshaped approaches to lyricism and production, helped bring cloud rap to the forefront of the early 2010s and radically altered the visual aesthetics of modern rap by embracing a freer, fashion-forward identity. His last release arrived in 2018, and after an eight-year absence, he returns with his latest LP, Don’t Be Dumb. The album functions as both a nod to the culture and a glorified victory lap, resulting in a project defined equally by its strengths and shortcomings.

The album opens with two of its strongest tracks, “ORDER OF PROTECTION” and “HELICOPTER,” both of which are ferocious and undeniably effective. These songs are soulful yet lyrically aggressive, with Rocky forcefully reasserting his status within the rap landscape. The abrasive energy that defines these tracks, and several others throughout the album, is something Rocky executes well. However, that same intensity can drift toward repetition. Don’t Be Dumb attempts to counterbalance this by including more restrained performances. “ROBBERY” reveals a calmer, more sensual side of Rocky’s lyricism, with guest rapper Doechii gliding effortlessly over a jazzy instrumental. In moments like this, Rocky sounds most comfortable, and the album’s more laid-back tracks tend to be its most digestible, groovy and rewarding.

Still, Don’t Be Dumb is weighed down by several notable flaws. Most prominently, Rocky is frequently outshined by his collaborators. The most striking example comes on the closing track, “FISH N STEAK (WHAT IT IS),” where Jozzy and Tyler, the Creator deliver more engaging performances than the album’s headliner. Elsewhere, Rocky takes creative risks that fail to pay off. “PUNK ROCKY” places him over electric guitars and live drums, resulting in a rock-leaning experiment that falls flat. “STFU” pushes even further, fusing EDM production with hip-hop vocals but offering little substance in return. Both tracks feel underdeveloped and ultimately uninspired.

Perhaps the album’s most significant weakness is its uneven sense of urgency. On much of Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky sounds disengaged, as if coasting rather than striving. While the album is undeniably polished from a production standpoint, his vocal performances often lack the hunger and ambition that once defined his work. Framing the record as a victory lap seems to come at a cost, particularly in the latter half of the tracklist, where the energy noticeably dips.

That said, Don’t Be Dumb remains an easy and often enjoyable listen. The production is sleek and inviting, making the album pleasant even when approached passively. However, closer examination reveals its limitations. When the lyricism, presence and overall cohesion are scrutinized, the project leaves lingering disappointment. By the final moments, some longtime fans may find themselves asking the same question: after eight years of waiting, was this really it?