A$AP Rocky is bringing a distinctly Burtonesque aesthetic to his long-awaited next studio album. After more than a year of speculation, the Harlem rapper has confirmed that legendary filmmaker Tim Burton is officially involved in his upcoming project, Don’t Be Dumb.
In an all-caps social media post, Rocky announced the end of his nearly eight-year studio album drought, revealing that Don’t Be Dumb will serve as his fourth full-length release. Burton, known for his work on films such as Edward Scissorhands, Batman, and Mars Attacks, designed the album artwork and appears to be involved in the broader visual world surrounding the release. Rocky also referenced a “movie,” widely understood to mean the visual components connected to the album.
“SORRY 4 THE WAIT DON’T BE DUMB FINALLY HERE! THANKS TIM BURTON FOR HELPING ME MAKE THIS MOVIE! COMING SOON,” Rocky wrote alongside the announcement.
Rocky has teased the album several times in recent months, including during his appearance at Camp Flog Gnaw, where he wore a hoodie featuring the numbers “01162026” on the sleeve. Fans interpreted the date as a possible January 16, 2026 release, though Rocky has also stated that the album is still expected to arrive this year. The date notably coincides with National Nothing Day, adding to the ambiguity surrounding the rollout.
Adding further intrigue, Rocky previously revealed that composer Danny Elfman; best known for scoring many of Tim Burton’s films, played a role in the album’s sound. Speaking during Variety’s Hollywood Issue, Rocky said Elfman contributed to several tracks and scored portions of the project. Elfman reportedly worked on songs produced by The Alchemist, reinforcing the cinematic tone hinted at throughout the rollout.
Rocky first shared his desire to collaborate with Burton during an August 2024 Billboard cover story, explaining that scheduling conflicts initially prevented the partnership from coming together. That obstacle has since been resolved. According to Rocky, he personally played the album for Burton, who responded enthusiastically to the music and its range.
“I sat and I played the album for Tim Burton, and he was f—ing with it heavy,” Rocky said. “He was rocking his head and he’s like, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you made that kind of music!’”
Don’t Be Dumb marks Rocky’s first album since 2018’s TESTING, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. He previously topped the chart with Long.Live.A$AP in 2013 and AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP in 2015. The album was initially slated for release on August 30, 2024, but has faced multiple delays. Previously announced tracks include “Highjack,” “Tailor Swif,” “Ruby Rosary,” and “Pray4DaGang.”
