Is there a name for the phenomenon when something is popular and mainstream, but you still feel it’s underrated? Because that’s how I feel about A$AP Rocky. Despite success in both music and film, critical accolades, a marriage and family with Rihanna (!), and a dedicated fanbase, Rakim Mayers (a.k.a A$AP Rocky) still feels like an underrated talent to me.

Regardless, his latest album, Don’t Be Dumb (released January 16th, 2026 on AWGE / ASAP Worldwide and RCA Records), should quell any questions about his place in the lexicon of modern rap greats. From his beginnings as part of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob, to his solo breakout success with “Fuckin’ Problems” (from hugely successful debut studio album LONG.LIVE.A$AP), to his intermittent acting stints in films like Dope, Monster, and most recently, both Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest and Mary Bronstein’s If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, Mr. Mayers has proven himself highly versatile. And not just in the studio or in front of the camera, but also behind it, as evidenced by his direction of the Winona Ryder-co-starring music video for the new album’s lead single “Punk Rocky” (above).

The last few years have proven trying in his personal life, facing felony assault allegations from a former friend and collaborator. The internet gossip pages were ablaze, speculating about the trial and potential years (or decades) behind bars, which would, to say the least, have delayed this long-awaited release significantly more. But I’m not here to talk about that or express any outside opinion on a situation I have zero firsthand knowledge about. All I can say is he was cleared of the charges at trial and, as a result, we got the record, which, as a fan of both A$AP Rocky and the concept of justice, made me happy

And boy did we get a record. The release was led by the aforementioned psychedelic-indie-rock anthem “Punk Rocky,” but the rest of the album showcases a huge array of dynamic soundscapes and top-tier production. While much of the production remains firmly planted in the more straightforward and standard rap fare of his initial efforts, Rocky proves more adventurous than he was even with 2018’s Testing, with full dips into several other genres, including jazz, trap, electronic, and alternative.

Aside from “Punk Rocky,” another of the biggest examples of fully committing to another genre entirely can be found in the dreamy, Doechii-featured jazz number “Robbery,” which serves as the perfect soundtrack to an after-hours, hazy trek through city streets, evoking a halcyon-feeling of nostalgia for speakeasies and Prohibition-era vibes. Hopefully, they have some NA moonshine for me. While the album shifts starkly between variations and multitudes of genres and subgenres, it never loses its footing, instead feeling like an odyssey of musical storytelling. It’s hard to pick specific standouts with so much sonic diversity, but the smooth backing vocals from Brent Faiyaz on “Stay Here 4 Life” and the somber ending track, aptly titled “The End,” with its distorted lullaby refrain of, “this is the way the world ends,” come to mind, in addition to the two aforementioned genre-specific cuts.

The 15-track release (the digital release includes an extra two tracks) features a stacked roster of guest personnel. Aside from Doechii and Brent Faiyaz mentioned above, it includes additional features and contributions from the likes of Gorillaz, Westside Gunn, Thundercat, Danny Elfman, Sauce Walka, Jessica Pratt, will.i.am, and Tyler, the Creator. Additionally, he sought out legendary film director Tim Burton for the album’s artwork, giving a highly unique and specific demented-fairy-tale quality to the whole release, perfectly embodied by the narrative flow and aforementioned closing track.

On day one, I listened to it back-to-back-to-back-to-back four times in a row, picking up on all the subtleties and nuances with each subsequent listen. I think this album will prove to be the gift that keeps on giving. Without a doubt, it’s his most dynamic and versatile release yet. With Don’t Be Dumb, A$AP Rocky sets a very early high bar for this year’s upcoming album releases.