The long-awaited album follows “Testing” with massive streaming numbers, a bold rollout, and a projected No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200.

After nearly a decade of waiting, Don’t Be Dumb has finally arrived, and it’s wasting no time making noise. A$AP Rocky’s long-awaited follow-up to 2018’s Testing is projected to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with over 200,000 first-week units, a statement-sized return that confirms Rocky never really left the conversation.

Eight years is a lifetime in rap. Since Testing, Rocky has navigated high-profile legal battles, become a father, lived through a pandemic alongside the rest of the world, and evolved publicly and privately. All of that context hangs in the air around Don’t Be Dumb, making the album feel sort of like a reintroduction.

The rollout has matched the moment. The album pulled in over 34 million Spotify streams on day one, immediately pushing Rocky to the most successful month of his career on the platform. Visually, the era is just as loud, with artwork designed by Tim Burton, a cinematic music video for “Punk Rocky” featuring Winona Ryder, and a Saturday Night Live performance the night after release.

Don’t Be Dumb features guest appearances from Brent Faiyaz, Sauce Walka, Westside Gunn, Doechii, will.i.am, and Tyler, The Creator. As for Rocky, he moves freely between hip-hop, R&B, and rock influences, playing with tone and structure while reminding listeners of the breadth of his range.

If the numbers stand pat, Don’t Be Dumb will land at number one on the Billboard 200 and end being Rocky’s biggest first week opening. Very impressive stuff.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.