After assuring fans that Don’t Be Dumb would arrive before the end of the year, A$AP Rocky officially unveiled the Tim Burton–assisted cover art for the long-awaited album on Tuesday (Dec. 17). The reveal marked a major moment for the Harlem rapper, whose fourth studio album has been delayed multiple times since it was first announced.
Rihanna was quick to show her support, jumping into Rocky’s Instagram comment section to praise the project. “Sooo f—in proud!!!! LETS GOOOO BABY,” she wrote. Other artists also chimed in with encouragement, including Pusha T, Ty Dolla $ign, Westside Gunn, and Smino, all offering public recognition as anticipation for the album continues to build.
Despite the artwork being revealed, Don’t Be Dumb still does not have a confirmed release date. Rocky addressed the delays directly in his post, writing, “SORRY 4 THE WAIT DON’T BE DUMB FINALLY HERE! THANKS TIM BURTON FOR HELPING ME MAKE THIS MOVIE! COMING SOON,” suggesting the album’s visual elements may play a significant role in its rollout.
While the exact scope of Tim Burton’s involvement remains unclear, the filmmaker has served as a creative influence throughout the project. Burton is widely known for directing Edward Scissorhands, Batman, and Mars Attacks!, and Rocky previously spoke about sharing his music directly with the director. In a past Billboard cover story, Rocky recalled playing the album for Burton and receiving an enthusiastic response to its sound.
Further expanding the cinematic connection, Rocky revealed in Variety’s Hollywood Issue that Danny Elfman; Burton’s longtime collaborator, contributed to the album. According to Rocky, Elfman scored several tracks, reinforcing the idea that Don’t Be Dumb blends music with film-inspired production elements.
Speculation around the album’s release timeline intensified last month when Rocky appeared at Camp Flog Gnaw wearing a hoodie featuring the numbers “01162026,” which some fans interpreted as a potential January 16 release date. However, no official confirmation has followed.
Outside of music, Rocky’s focus has increasingly shifted toward family life. In September, Rihanna welcomed their third child together, a daughter named Rocki Irish Mayers, further reshaping priorities for one of hip-hop’s most fashion-forward figures as he prepares to return with his first album since 2018’s TESTING.
