Set to deliver his first full length since 2018's acclaimed TESTING, Harlem multi-hyphenate A$AP Rocky has issued the first offering from the highly-anticipated January 16th album, Don't Be Dumb and the stylistic leap is a bold, maybe unexpected first move.
Flexing a melodic indie rock lean with the single, "Punk Rocky," the track flirts with psych and indie pop in a departure from Rocky's hip hop signature. Along with the arrival of the new single, the accompanying video which was directed by Rocky along with Folkert Verdoorn and Simon Becks (coined The Three Musketeers) features supporting roles from the likes of Winona Ryder, Danny Elfman and Thundercat.
What's especially important is, the clip also frames five of the six alter egos that Rocky morphs into throughout Don't Be Dumb. In the video, Rocky himself is present as GR1M, Tommy Revenge as RUGAHAND, Thoto as BABUSHKA BOI, the Williams twins as SHIRTHEAD, and DUMMY as the collective lead a raging house party that runs afoul of their meathead neighbor and eventually lands them in trouble with the law. The rager piques the interest of Winona Ryder, playing the unassuming neighbor and includes Danny Elfman playing drums at the house party of all house parties.
While "Punk Rocky" serves as the next single from the long-awaited full length, it also signals Rocky's next iteration - one that finds the Harlem savant exploring multi-genres in addition to his accolades in hip hop.
The album is said to features several textures, with Rocky taking on tracks that showcase everything from jazz to indie, R&B to metal - along with some added direction from Danny Elfman who collaborated with Rocky on the presentation. This in addition to the artwork from iconic director Tim Burton - making for the first blockbuster album of the new year.
Don't Be Dumb arrives January 16th.
