It is gradually becoming more challenging for artists to keep their projects locked away. Many recording artists, including SZA and now Asap Rocky, have found themselves fighting off music pirates.
Still, the “Highjack” rapper is moving full steam ahead with the release of his highly-anticipated album, Don’t Be Dumb. During his recent appearance on Apple Music’s New Music Daily, Asap Rocky addressed the recent leaks. In the chat with Zane Lowe, Asap Rocky confessed that any things floating around online won’t make the final project.
“And once it’s leaked it’s just like, nah, it’s not on the project,” he said. “I might perform it here or there, but it’s leaked. It is what it is. It’s out already. A lot of these records didn’t make it because they got leaked at some point.”
Asap Rocky doubled down on his decision while shaming the leakers. “It’s very important and special if it makes it on the album,” he said. “Most of the songs that I usually perform and sh*t like that, motherf*ckers leak it.”
Back in June, Asap Rocky seemingly confirmed the project’s release date. If plans haven’t changed, fans should expect it at the end of the month.
Watch Zane Lowe’s full interview with Asap Rocky for Apple Music above.
Don’t Be Dumb is due on 8/30 via ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds, RCA. You can find more info here.
ASAP Rocky has been in the lab since 2018. The last time he had an album out, Drake has lot a rap battle to Pusha T. That’s an eternity in music terms. The rapper has had to contend with multiple song leaks as a result. Listeners have been sifting through demos and snippets for Don’t Be Dumb longer than they’ve known the title of Rocky’s album. Now that the release date is in sight, though, ASAP Rocky has made it clear that anything leaked prior to the Don’t Be Dumb release will not make the final tracklist.
Rocky addressed the leak problem during a recent appearance on New Music Daily with Zane Lowe. The rapper was promoting his new single, “HIGHJACK,” but the interview turned into a broader teaser for the accompanying album. Lowe asked whether about the album’s evolution, and ASAP Rocky drew a direct correlation between leaks and the need to record new material. “Most of the songs that I be performing and sh*t like that,” he noted. “Motherf*ckers leak it. And once it’s leaked, it’s just like, nah, it’s not on the project.” Lowe asserted that a song loses context once its released to the public, and the rapper agreed. He did, however, note that he has a soft spot for several of the songs that have leaked. “I might perform [them] here and there,” he conceded. “But if it’s leaked, it is what it is.”
A$AP Rocky speaks on the impact of leaks, says leaked tracks won’t be on ‘DON’T BE DUMB’
“Most of the songs that I usually be performing and sh*t like that, motherf*ckers leak it and once it’s leaked, it’s just like, nah, it’s not on the project.” (via NMD) pic.twitter.com/7n9WtYYViO
This isn’t the first time ASAP Rocky has blamed the album’s delay on leaks. In May, the Harlem rapper claimed that the amount of material circulating online has made it difficult for him to put together a solid body of work. “Dummies need to stop leaking,” he asserted. “Every time, it’s back to the drawing board.” In Rocky’s defense, there have been a lot of leaks. A quick glance at the Genius page for Don’t Be Dumb reveals over a dozen songs with stacked guest features. “GO!” featuring Playboi Carti was previewed by Rocky back in April 2022. It leaked in December. “Sights” was another Playboi Carti collaboration teased in September of that year. The leak of this track, however, led to a spat with Playboi Carti’s Opium crew.
Opiumbaby accused ASAP Rocky of leaking the song on Twitter. He called the rapper out for ruining what could have been a hit single. “F*ck Rocky, he played,” Opiumbaby wrote. “F*ck that ASAP sh*t. Allat leaking sh*t.” The affiliate then lamented the money that was spent on the song. “That sh*t cost,” he claimed. “That’s not even yo song. It’s our sh*t. Could’ve been on all platforms.” It’s ironic that ASAP Rocky be attacked for an issue he’s complained about for years, but that’s the internet in a nutshell. We are excited to see what ends up making the final Don’t Be Dumb tracklist.
ASAP Rocky has unfinished business with Drake. Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and the rest of the rappers who went at the 6 God appear to be done. Rocky wants another round, though. At least, that’s what DJ Kast One claimed. The DJ went on Hot 97 and insisted that ASAP Rocky was dissing Drizzy all over his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb. We all assumed we’d have to wait until August 30 to hear these bars, but ASAP Rocky may have given us a taste with his new single, “HIGHJACK.” At least, that’s what some listeners think.
There’s a self-fulfilling aspect to analyzing bars. If one goes into a song looking for a diss, then one will likely find it. That being said, ASAP Rocky does say a lot of things that apply to Drake. “HIGHJACK” sees him trash talk somebody who has a lot in common with the 6 God. “These n**gas want my wife bad, the people want my next track,” Rocky raps. “The coppers want my black a*s, f*cked up, but it’s like that.” Rihanna’s relationships with both Rocky and Drake has been talking points point throughout the battle. Drake even referenced Ri by her nickname, “Fring,” when he dissed Rocky on “Family Matters.”
The most convincing piece of evidence that ASAP Rocky is dissing Drake, though, is the interpolation. “HIGHJACK” has a smooth, cloud rap instrumental, but Rocky repeatedly ends his bars with “like that.” This, of course, evokes Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” which was the Drake diss that started the whole battle. “Pull up to the trenches, all my jewelry, yeah, I’m like that,” he raps. “I just put my finger in the **** ’cause she like that. Don’t compare that p**sy boy to me (I don’t like that).” The “boy” that the rapper is insulting could conceivably be Drake aka “The Boy.”
ASAP Rocky isn’t the only rapper who seemingly wants a piece of Drake. The day before he dropped his single, JPEGMAFIA dropped his album I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU. The album contained not one but two Drake disses, and they were absolutely brutal. One alluded to the Toronto rapper fooling around with underage girls. The other saw Peggy coin the phrase “No Drizzy” in reference to the troubling allegations leveled at the 6 God. ASAP Rocky’s diss, if it even is one, is much tamer by comparison. Maybe the real fireworks will be on the album.
It has been a little over a month since ASAP Rocky finally announced the official release date for his long-awaited upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, and tonight, he has shared the first single since then, “Highjack,” featuring folk singer/songwriter Jessica Pratt. Pratt’s fresh off the release of her own new album, Here In The Pitch.
Despite being the first single since the release date was announced, “Highjack” isn’t the first glimpse of what to expect from Don’t Be Dumb. Since he first announced the album’s title way back in December 2022, he’s released a handful of singles, including “Riot (Rowdy Pipe’n),” “DMB,” and “Same Problems.”
However, one thing we do have an inkling about; Rocky’s feud with Drake isn’t over yet, either. Earlier this week, Hot97’s DJ Kast One told his cohosts that at least one song on the album addresses Rocky’s feelings about his former friend and recent romantic rival. And, of course, this should be taken with a grain of salt, but Rihanna also recently promised that the couple’s music together is so good, they haven’t been able to hash out whose projects it belongs on. Don’t Be Dumb might be a good possibility — or, at least, the most likely to come out.
You can listen to ASAP Rocky’s “Highjack” featuring Jessica Pratt above.
Don’t Be Dumb is due on 8/30 via ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds, RCA. You can find more info here.
ASAP Rocky has really taken his time. The rapper hasn’t dropped an album since 2018. He hasn’t dropped a single since July 2023. Don’t Be Dumb, his anticipated comeback, is slated for release on August 30, and fans finally have a single. The verdict? Worth the wait. ASAP Rocky teams up with folk star Jessica Pratt for a moody banger that perfectly lays the foundation for what’s to come. Rocky has always had eclectic taste, but “HIGHJACK” is a reminder that when he’s on, nobody sounds quite like him.
Jessica Pratt is best known for her rootsy, intimate pop, and she wisely plays to her strengths on the “HIGHJACK” chorus. It’s subtle yet catchy. ASAP Rocky does most of the heavy lifting here, and he proves up to the task. The rapper sounds confident as ever over a beat that evokes his cloud rap origins. He clowns on his enemies and looks back at the success he’s had over the last decade. “Catch me on the block, not the web, this ain’t Minecraft. Before we dropped Peso on you n**gas, you ain’t like RAF,” he raps. “N**gas want a feature from me? This ain’t a life raft.” ASAP Rocky also references the Future and Metro Boomin song “Like That” in his bars. We know he has plans to diss Drake on Don’t Be Dumb, so the “like that” repetition seems intentional. Rocky is really back.
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Yeah, b*tch, fat a*s, pretty, I might wife that N**gas swear they pimpin’, Scottie sippin’, get your wife back H*, you know you trippin’, Flacko different, know you like that Swipe a pretty b*tch right off her feet, this a hijack
Although Drake waved the white flag after Kendrick Lamar’s relentless assault, ASAP Rocky reportedly still has some shots left for him. According to Hot97 DJ Kast One, Rocky hasn’t forgotten the swipes Drake took at him on “Push Ups,” his initial response to Kendrick’s declaration of war on “Like That.”
“I heard A$AP Rocky definitely addressing a lot of the main topics that are happening out there right now,” Kast One told his fellow hosts. “Let’s just say the list keeps going on strong.” After being asked for clarification by Ebro Darden, who wondered if “Rocky is still on Drake’s list,” Kast One confirmed, “Oh, he’s gonna be cemented on the list after this.”
Hot 97 DJ Kast One says ASAP Rocky will be responding to Drake’s “Family Matters” diss on his new album “Don’t Be Dumb”
Ebro- “Rocky is still on Drake’s list?”
Kast- “oh hes gonna be cemented on the list after this…”
Although the two rappers were at one point collaborators and appeared to be good friends, all that changed after ASAP Rocky began dating Rihanna — who Drake also formerly dated — and eventually had two kids with her. Drake seemingly lashed out at his old flame on his For All The Dogs song “Fear Of Heights,” after which, it seemed friendly feelings between him and Rocky two went out the window.
Fans were sure Rocky aimed a line or two at Drake on Kid Cudi’s single “WOW” early this year, followed by another sneaky diss on Metro Boomin and Future’s We Still Don’t Trust You track “Show Of Hands.” If he continues to go in, the beleaguered Drake just might have to call in sick for the rest of the year.
ASAP Rocky is pulling out all the stops on his new album. He’s been working on it since last decade, and the list of collaborators he’s lined up is absurd. Don’t Be Dumb is slated to have production from the likes of Madlib, Pharrell, and The Alchemist, just to name a few. Slick Rick (!) and Rihanna have been rumored as potential features. DJ Kast One dropped by Hot 97 on July 26 to hype up the album. He claimed that another superstar will be featured on the album: J Cole.
DJ Kast One told Hot 97 he already heard Don’t Be Dumb. He also claimed that he heard a standout verse from Dreamville’s finest. “I heard J Cole,” he stated. “I heard songs being played.” The untitled, technically confirmed song will be the first collab between the rappers in over a decade. ASAP Rocky dropped a guest verse alongside Cole on the “TKO” remix from 2013. Justin Timberlake’s single also featured bars from Pusha T, in what now amounts to a nightmare blunt rotation for Drake.
ASAP Rocky and J Cole are generational peers. That’s part of what makes the impending collab so exciting. Well, one of the reasons. ASAP Rocky has been against Drake throughout 2024’s rap civil war. He dissed Drake on Future’s “Show of Hands,” and has stated he plans to do so again on Don’t Be Dumb. J Cole, on the other hand, is a former Drake ally. The rapper was on “First Person Shooter” with Drake, and his line about the “Big 3” started the whole mess. Cole was on Drake’s side until the “7 Minute Drill” debacle. The Dreamville star apologized for dissing Kendrick Lamar and then seemingly changed sides. He appeared on the same Future and Metro Boomin album in which Rocky dissed Drake.
To make matters worse for the 6 God, ASAP Rocky plans to diss him again on Don’t Be Dumb. During the same Hot 97 preview, DJ Kast One confirmed that the rapper will be firing back at Drake over the bars he dropped on “Family Matters.” Evidently, J Cole had made the full transformation to being anti-Drake. It was theorized that he dissed the Toronto star on “Red Leather,” but knowingly appearing on an album with Drake disses removes the need for speculation. We’ve come a long way since “In the Morning.”
Denzel Curry’s new album King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 is out in just a few more days, and he’s keeping the hype train running with the punishing new single “Hoodlumz,” featuring PlayThatBoiZay and ASAP Rocky. UK producer Kwes Darko provides a suitably menacing and the three MCs reciprocate with some Killer Instinct Ultra combo flows, throwing punchy rhymes almost as fast as the listener can catch them.
Rocky’s appearance is notable, given the history between him and his host’s respective rap crews back in the early blog era from which both emerged. Rocky, a member of the New York-based ASAP Mob, and Denzel, who claimed the more diffuse but ostensibly Florida-oriented Raider Klan, would have been, if not outright enemies, then at least less than cordial back then.
Both groups were heavily influenced by both the Memphis trap sound and the Houston chopped-and-screwed sound, but neither wanted to share digital space with the other. Consider it a 2010s version of the “South Bronx” battle between MC Shan and Juice Crew vs. KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions over hip-hop’s original birthplace. Apparently, whatever issue Zel and Rocky had before has since been cleared up — although it should be noted, neither is really all that tight with their old crews anymore either.
“Hoodlumz” is the third single from King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2, following “Hot One” with TiaCorine and the former ASAP Ferg and “Black Flag Freestyle” with That Mexican OT.
Listen to Denzel Curry’s “Hoodlumz”featuring PlayThatBoiZay and ASAP Rocky above.
King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 is out 7/19 via Loma Vista. Find more information here.
Denzel Curry has attempted and excelled at so many styles it can be difficult to determine which version of him we’re going to get. The teaser tracks for his upcoming album have been varied in sound and vibe, but “HOODLUMZ,” the album’s latest single, is Zel at his most aggressive. The rapper links up with ASAP Rocky and PlayThatBoiZay for a banger that boils down the aggressive of Raider Klan and ASAP Mob to two electric minutes.
PlayThatBoiZay kicks “the song”HOODLUMZ” off, establishing a frantic rhyme scheme that makes the whole thing feel like half a minute instead of two (complimentary). ASAP Rocky holds down the third and final verse in typically stylish fashion. The beat, with its eerie synths and busy drum pattern, sounds like the sort of thing that would end up on Cozy Tapes, so it’s no surprise that Rocky blends perfectly. That being said, Denzel Curry is the main reason to listen to “HOODLUMZ.” The Florida rapper is sharp as ever with characteristically stellar bars. “Spinnin, now we lay ’em out the top. Capital punishment like we were backed by the government,” he raps. “Boys on my avenue runnin’ it.” The album can’t get here fast enough.
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
We made you history, ’cause we rewrote it Wet up your body, that n**ga eroded Move with emotion, you left with no motion If it ain’t opps, what the f*ck am I smokin’?
From the gritty streets of Harlem to the global stage, Rakim Mayers, better known as ASAP Rocky, has revolutionized contemporary hip-hop. In 2011, he dropped his mixtape Live. Love. ASAP, which served as an early indication of this direction. Rocky has become a major force in contemporary hip-hop, known for his innovative production, fashion-forward style, and fire bars. Later, signing with Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records only amplified what we already knew about him being destined for greatness—constantly challenging rap’s status quo.
The thing about Rocky’s career, though, is that it never sticks to one particular sound or approach. Rather, he shows off different sides every now and then so that you can’t put a label on him too quickly. He’s made hits from groundbreaking singles like “Peso” or “Purple Swag” to critically acclaimed albums such as At.Long.Last.ASAP (2015). Rocky also experiments more with pop mixed in together with darker elements. There’s always something new happening within his music which makes other artists take notice.
1. “Peso” (2011)
“Peso” is the track that first put ASAP Rocky on the map, released in 2011 as part of his debut mixtape Live. Love. ASAP. The song quickly became a viral hit, thanks to its hypnotic beat produced by ASAP Ty Beats and Rocky’s confident flow. “Peso” captures the essence of Rocky’s early style, combining Harlem street rap with Southern hip-hop influences. The track’s success led to a major label deal with Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records, marking the beginning of Rocky’s ascent in hip-hop.
The impact of “Peso” also extended beyond its initial buzz, as it was a crucial stepping stone in Rocky’s career. The accompanying music video, which features striking visuals of Rocky and his crew in their Harlem neighborhood, further amplified the song’s reach. “Peso” is essential for introducing Rocky’s distinctive sound and style and setting the stage for his future success in music and fashion.
2. “Goldie” (2012)
The song “Goldie” was the first single released from A$AP Rocky’s debut album Long. Live. ASAP, which came out in 2012. Hit-Boy produced the track, with a rich-sounding bass line that perfectly matches Rocky’s charismatic delivery. In this song, he talks about all of his favorite things about being rich and famous, like fashion week in Paris or driving fast cars through New York City streets. It’s not hard to see why people loved this record so much; it is sonically pleasing, and A$AP is painting pictures with words.
This joint got rave reviews, too. Critics said things like, “Rocky is the king of rap” or “he might just be one of the greatest ever.” Further, Rocky directed the music video for “Goldie” himself with help from fashion photographer Daniel Sannwald. Filmed on location in Paris, France, this video highlights Rocky’s keen sense of style.
“F**kin’ Problems” is one of ASAP Rocky’s most commercially successful songs. It was also released in 2012 as the second single from his debut album Long. Live. ASAP. The track features a star-studded lineup with Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar. It was produced by Noah “40” Shebib and C. Papi. The song’s hook and verses helped it climb to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning multiple platinum certifications and becoming a staple in Rocky’s catalog.
The collaboration brought together some of the biggest names in hip-hop, each delivering memorable verses. The success of “F**kin’ Problems” demonstrated Rocky’s ability to create mainstream hits while still maintaining his distinct edge. The accompanying music video, directed by Sam Lecca, features the four rappers performing in various sleek, minimalist settings. This helped emphasize their charisma and star power. This track is essential for showcasing Rocky’s ability to collaborate with top-tier artists and produce chart-topping hits.
4. “L$D” (2015)
“L$D” was a single from Asap Rocky’s At.Long.Last.A$AP, his second studio album, released in 2015. It marked a change in his music style. This is a psychedelic love song produced by Rocky that differs from his usual sound, with rock and electronic elements added. The experimental nature of this song was highly praised by critics. They appreciated its dreamy vocals and introspective lyrics about love and tripping on drugs.
The official music video for L$D (directed by Dexter Navy) takes an already trippy song even further out there. The stunning visuals and creative camera work used vibrant colors to capture the feel of Rocky’s trip through different scenes while still remaining within one location. In terms of his catalog, “L$D” is especially important because it shows how far he’s willing to go artistically while exploring new sounds. What sets apart this particular tune from Rocky’s others is that he blends genres together so seamlessly. This also helps showcase just how versatile A$AP can be as an artist and all aspects of production.
5. “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)” Featuring Skepta
Included in his third studio album Testing as a 2018 single, “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” shows ASAP Rocky’s international influence. It was produced by Skepta, who is a British grime artist, making it a transatlantic anthem. The flute riff that you can’t get out of your head, along with the impressive production, are among some things people love about this track.
Further, the music video for “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” was shot in New York City and London. Split-screen visuals were used throughout various scenes throughout both cities, showing how they differ in street culture but still remain connected somehow or another through shared experiences. This song demonstrates how wide-ranging Rocky’s discography is by manifesting his aptitude for uniting musical spheres and also being a global hip-hop icon.
