After a seven-year wait, fans of A$AP Rocky may finally be getting the album they’ve been anticipating. Following his not guilty verdict in a felony assault case, the Harlem rapper’s long-awaited project, Don’t Be Dumb, appears to be on the horizon.
A$AP Rocky on the Art of Taking Time
During an interview with GQ in Milan, Italy, Rocky addressed the excitement surrounding his upcoming release and emphasized the importance of timeless music over rapid-fire releases.
“The truth of the matter is fans, they’re starving. And I don’t think that any of us—it’s numerous artists, Frank Ocean, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Rihanna, whoever—I think those people who really take their time to put out timeless pieces, projects, and bodies of work, that’s all that matters.”
For Rocky, longevity outweighs the industry’s pressure to constantly drop new music for relevance.
“I don’t think they’re putting out music to stay relevant, to stay culturally relevant, to stay with the times, or just to have a d*-swinging contest.”**
Don’t Be Dumb: A “Gourmet Meal” for Fans
Rocky reassured fans that Don’t Be Dumb will be worth the wait, likening the project to a “gourmet meal” that has been carefully crafted for an audience that has been hungry for something substantial.
“It’s hot y’all! The chef is cooking. But here we are. I just want to bring it out. A whole gourmet meal. The whole course.”
Although he didn’t provide a concrete release date, his enthusiasm suggests that the album could be dropping sooner rather than later.
A$AP Rocky Named Ray-Ban’s First Creative Director
In addition to his music, Rocky is also making major moves in the fashion world. He was recently announced as Ray-Ban’s first-ever creative director, a role that will see him overseeing product design and brand campaign direction.
Fabrizio Uguzzoni, Ray-Ban’s president, expressed excitement about the partnership:
“Today, we are welcoming A$AP Rocky into our family; he’s a visionary artist and creator. His ability to push the boundaries of the diverse worlds he explores aligns with the Ray-Ban DNA. We are reinforcing the brand’s values of innovation, pioneering spirit, and courage. Let the future begin!”
Rocky himself also shared his admiration for the brand and his excitement for the future:
“I’ve always admired Ray-Ban’s ability to stay true to its roots while constantly evolving. I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.”
What’s Next for A$AP Rocky?
Between his anticipated album, fashion ventures, and his growing family with Rihanna, 2024 is shaping up to be a defining year for A$AP Rocky. Fans now eagerly await official details on Don’t Be Dumb—and if his words hold true, they’ll soon be feasting on a full-course hip-hop masterpiece.
