After 8 years without dropping an album, A$AP Rocky came through with DON’T BE DUMB and got the music world buzzing once again. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 123,000 equivalent-album units for first week sales, marking Rocky’s third No. 1 album (and his first in over a decade). Despite taking an extremely long hiatus, Rocky proved he can pop a fit and still spit bars. From bangers to alternative serenades and swanky jazz numbers, DBD has it all. But what songs stand out among the pack?
Instead of rushing, we wanted to let the music marinate a bit before giving our thoughts—and now, it’s about that time. We ranked the 10 best songs on A$AP Rocky’s DON’T BE DUMB, and gave our reasons why below.
10. “THE END” (feat. will.i.am & Jessica Pratt)
Disc 1 concludes with an absolutely beautiful final piece, and yet another experiment from Rocky. The features will.i.am and Jessica Pratt, are the most prominent parts of the track, with Rocky serving as a bridge that conveys a conscious message: “This is the way the world ends.” That message is left to linger, with the last 2 minutes dedicated to repeating that phrase as the album comes to a close.
9. “NO TRESPASSING”
“NO TRESPASSING,” entirely produced by Rocky himself, sounds like something from a 2004 Neptunes album. The kicks knock like crazy, there’s what sounds like a siren whirring, the works. Over that backing? It’s just Rocky popping his shit, which is always one of his best bags to be in. The last verse has all of his signature flow switches, cadences, and the brand mentions Flacko is known for.
8. “WHISKEY (RELEASE ME)” [feat. Gorillaz & Westside Gunn]
One of the weirder songs on the album, the Gorillaz feature is perfectly fitting. “WHISKEY” feels like a floaty, drug-induced trip, before dropping into a much more classic A$AP Rocky pocket—but for a brief period of time. It then switches into an even more odd, syncopated outro, accompanied by jarring Westside Gunn ad-libs from every corner. And for some reason, it just works.
7. “DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY”
The album’s title track, “DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY” is one for fans of songs like “Palace,” from LIVE.LOVE.A$AP, or “Purity” (ft. Frank Ocean), from TESTING. Rocky’s entire discography has always had a trippy, spaced-out aesthetic, and his decision to sing more adds to the evolution of his sound.
6. “HELICOPTER”
The second track on the album, “HELICOPTER” is definitely one made for the live show. Considering he pulled up to Camp Flog Gnaw in a literal chopper, it’s easy to see that this track is specifically made for larger-than-life moments. And it goes hard as hell.
5. “PUNK ROCKY”
“PUNK ROCKY” is the most recent destination on a route he’s been traveling on since AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP. People might not remember how much experimentation was present on that project, but with TESTING, he went even further into different lanes. This track sits in the middle ground and is a nicely executed swing in that direction. For those who liked “Sundress,” this evokes a similar style of genre experimentation, but instead of bridging rap with alt-indie (thanks to that Tame Impala sample), he reaches for the alt-punk pocket, and it connects.
Not to mention, it has one of the wildest videos we’ve seen in recent memory, and casting Winona Ryder was perfect for the song’s punk vibe.
4. “STOLE YA FLOW”
Of course we have to address the elephant in the room. “STOLE YA FLOW” is easily the most talked-about track on the album, as the less-than-subtle Drake disses immediately caught everyone’s attention. Rocky’s explanation for them makes sense, though, as he’s acknowledged that for the last 5+ years, he’s been quiet regarding the constant shots sent his way regarding his and Rihanna’s relationship. “Sometimes I gotta be petty,” and he did just that.
3. “ROBBERY” (feat. Doechii)
In terms of pure rapping and lyricism, as well as thematic experience, “ROBBERY” could be one of Rocky’s best songs in general. Instrumentally, it sounds like it came straight out of a 1950s lounge, cigars and whiskey on the rocks as far as the eye can see. The jazzy swing of the track, Doechii’s delivery (and acting chops), and the silky smooth hook make this a standout track on DBD.
2. “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” (feat. Brent Faiyaz)
Rocky and Brent Faiyaz are two of the smoothest artists in the game, so it’s only right that their collab keeps that same energy. Another love song done in his own fashion, similar to 2022’s “D.M.B.“, Rocky details his relationship—and romantic relationships as a whole—while Brent croons along and shares his perspective on the same subject.
We wouldn’t be surprised if this one takes off.
1. “STOP SNITCHING” (feat. Bossman DLow & Sauce Walka)
Even on an album as experimental as DBD, tried and true bangers are always welcomed, and “STOP SNITCHING” is just that. After Rocky’s lengthy trial involving a situation with A$AP Relli, it’s no surprise he took this stance and spoke on it on the album. And while there are plenty of surprising features across the project, Sauce Walka blessed the track with an early verse of the year contender, and the BossMan DLow ad-libs across the song are the icing on the cake.
Plus, the song carries a message we all can agree with, right?
