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$AP can be as an artist and all aspects of production.
5. “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)” Featuring Skepta
Included in his third studio album Testing as a 2018 single, “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” shows ASAP Rocky’s international influence. It was produced by Skepta, who is a British grime artist, making it a transatlantic anthem. The flute riff that you can’t get out of your head, along with the impressive production, are among some things people love about this track.
Further, the music video for “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” was shot in New York City and London. Split-screen visuals were used throughout various scenes throughout both cities, showing how they differ in street culture but still remain connected somehow or another through shared experiences. This song demonstrates how wide-ranging Rocky’s discography is by manifesting his aptitude for uniting musical spheres and also being a global hip-hop icon.
After they warmed fans’ hearts by turning up to “TGIF” by GloRilla together, ASAP Rocky and Rihanna are once again proving why they’re couple goals. Moreover, we got some closer looks at their matching “1988” tattoos, written in gothic lettering and referring to the year in which both artists were born. While RiRi sports the ink around her right ankle, the Harlem rapper has the numbers spread vertically across his spine. It’s yet another wholesome and adorable shared style choice for them, and one that seems particularly fitting given their personal and year-bound bond. What will be their next power move?
Well, a lot of fans hope that the answer is that both Rihanna and A$AP Rocky drop their albums soon, and it seems like Rocky is already on it. He set the release of his new project Don’t Be Dumb for August of this year, and after such a long wait, fans couldn’t believe that they finally heard the good news. There have been some new trailers, announcements, merch drops, and more promotional material to lead up to its eventual drop, all of which had some skeptical fans letting some hope in. Let’s see how it sounds, and whether or not this will be a sonic shift or more of what we love.
As for Rihanna, she hasn’t really said much about a new project, although we know that it’s in the works and that she’s excited to make her comeback. In fact, it’s ironic how she apparently DM’d GloRilla to ask when her album was dropping, and with the release of the Ehhthang Ehhthang mixtape earlier in 2024, we hope that manifests soon. All that’s left now is for the Barbadian singer to return the favor. Can you imagine all the DMs she’s gotten asking this very same question?
Nevertheless, we know that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky would love to expand their family, although they don’t seem to be planning that for anytime soon. As such, maybe this will be yet another wrench in these albums’ rollouts. But we can stay safely content with the fact that they seem so happy together, and that one day, we for sure won’t have any new material to look forward to. They, though, will likely remain in love, and maybe that’s what’s important for this Class of ’88.
Today (July 3), Lana Del Rey linked up with Quavo to drop “Tough,” a new collaborative single. Del Rey — who is best known for ethereal, Americana-inspired music that typically has little to do with rap — doesn’t exactly live and breathe hip-hop. At least, that’s what you might believe if you haven’t been paying attention.
Yes, she usually collaborates with artists like Taylor Swift and Father John Misty, but the truth is that hip-hop has been an undercurrent of Del Rey’s career since pretty much the very start. To drive that point home, let’s go through a few highlights that illustrate Del Rey’s long-running connection to hip-hop.
2012 — “National Anthem”
The world met Del Rey on her debut major-label album, 2012’s Born To Die. The project spawned a number of singles, the most relevant one here being “National Anthem”: In the video, she plays Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy, while she recruited ASAP Rocky to portray John F. Kennedy.
2015 — “Art Deco”
It was rumored that this song was about Azealia Banks, but Del Rey herself shut that narrative down, saying in an interview, “Definitely not. I have no idea where people got that from. I just don’t know what the correlation is. That song is actually about a group of teenagers who go out every night.”
That didn’t stop the two from getting into a Twitter spat in 2018, though, during which Del Rey showed her teeth: She invited Banks to “pull up” and declared, “I won’t not f*ck you the f*ck up.”
2017 — ASAP Rocky
Del Rey reunited with her “National Anthem” co-star on a couple of occasions in 2017: Rocky featured on “Summer Bummer” (as did Playboi Carti) and “Groupie Love” from the Lust For Life album.
2021 — Chemtrails Over The Country Club
When Del Rey revealed the album’s cover in 2021, she received some push-back over the apparent lack of racial variety among the people featured in the art. In response, she wrote in part on social media, “My best friends are rappers, my boyfriends have been rappers…. My dearest friends have been from all over the place, so before you make comments again about a WOC/POC issue, I’m not the one storming the capital, I’m literally changing the world by putting my life and thoughts and love out there on the table 24 seven. Respect it.”
(Per Harper’s Bazaar, Del Rey’s dating history includes G-Eazy; He’s the only rapper listed, but perhaps Del Rey has had some other relationships go under the radar.)
2021 — Migos
Del Rey manifested her Quavo collab in 2021 when she named Migos as the artist she’d most like to work with, saying, “I love them. Everything they do. There was kind of like a new revolution of sound 11 years ago in the singer-songwriter community, which I loved seeing. And then with Migos, I think they kicked off a new super fun, super autobiographical, completely different style of rap. I love them.”
Lana got in a good hang with Sexyy Red at this year’s Hangout Festival: The two made some waves online with their joint twerk session.
2024 — Quavo
Del Rey and Quavo were at the center of some dating rumors a few months ago, but Quavo explained, “We having hits,” ultimately teeing up their new song and bringing this timeline to an end.
Well, it’s finally here… or almost, at least, but even knowing of its existence is enough to vindicate and validate six years of agonizing patience. Moreover, ASAP Rocky is dropping his new album Don’t Be Dumb on August 30, and fans couldn’t be more excited, happy, or in disbelief about the news. He recently posted a new clip on his social media that features some masked and heavily clothed people walking around a smoky area with industrial buzzes, rising synthesizers, and dramatic droning in the background. It’s more of an atmospheric mood board than anything else, but we’ll take it with a big smile on our face now that we at least have a release date.
Furthermore, this is the first time that A$AP Rocky has fully locked in a release date for Don’t Be Dumb since he began teasing his fourth studio album all those years ago. From what new interviews, statements, and announcements indicate, he’s currently in the mixing and mastering phase of the project, which is very exciting since it suggests that the post-production process will be very detailed. The Harlem native is known for his attempts at creating full, distinct worlds with each of his full-length records, which are all very different from each other. Here’s hoping No. 4 sees him expand his reach and experiment some more.
Of course, a big part of the delays behind Don’t Be Dumb, and Rihanna’s much-anticipated album as well, has been her and A$AP Rocky’s relationship and new life as parents. Whether folks are critiquing their fashion styles or going wild over their wholesome posts or viral moments, there’s a lot to discuss around the power couple. Most importantly, it seems like they’re in a great place of joy and fulfillment that the creation of music likely can’t fill the void of anymore. But at least they’re still putting in hard work for their fans, and they want to get it just right.
So rejoice, A$AP Rocky fans: this isn’t another adorable Bottega Veneta campaign with his kids. This is the real deal, and it looks like Don’t Be Dumb will be one of the year’s biggest releases. Will he deliver yet another fantastic experience that pushes his artistry in a similar direction or can none of us predict what the madman will do on this latest experiment? For excitement’s sake, we’re hoping for the latter.
