After several postponements, rapper decides to abandon public schedules and let the music speak for itself
A$AP Rocky stated in a recent interview with the magazine Number who no longer intends to announce release dates for his new album Don’t Be Dumb.
“To be honest, I don’t want to talk about release dates anymore,” he said. “I’d rather let the music speak for itself. One day you’ll wake up and see what’s coming.”
He admitted that promising deadlines was a mistake, saying he was “a bit foolish” to do so earlier. Rocky pointed out that many delays were not merely technical — they were also personal: “life happened”, he stated, highlighting that priorities such as family need to have space.
It is no coincidence that these priorities involved moments of great impact. During this period, Rocky faced a trial on gunshot charges, a process that put his freedom at risk, while at the same time he became a father to his two children with Rihanna, RZA and Riot.
He further reinforced that Don’t Be Dumb is already in the final mixing and mastering phase, but will no longer commit to public schedules. “I’m not going to promise any more dates,” added the rapper.
Don’t Be Dumbsynonymous with delay
Since it was announced, Don’t Be Dumb It has almost become a symbolic case of postponed releases in the streaming era. The album was initially scheduled to come out on August 30, 2024, but ended up being pushed to “fall” of that year, according to the album itself. Rockywhich pointed to leaks and the release of problematic samples as causes.
Additionally, there were requests for refunds for fans who pre-ordered physical copies — in December 2024, many saw their orders canceled when the new schedule was reworked. The delay has also been justified by the combination of personal pressures — family growth, extra responsibilities — and the typical challenges of high-level music production.
Even with all the comings and goings, Rocky maintains that the album is ready and that the wait will be worth it. He declared that this project could be “the best” to date.
In the end, Don’t Be Dumb embodies this contemporary tension between promise and delivery, and the constant struggle of balancing art, personal life and public expectations.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
