ASAP Rocky says that he played his new album, Don’t Be Dumb, for Tim Burton, and the legendary director loved it. He discussed the project during an interview with Billboard, last week, explaining to the outlet that German expressionism was a key inspiration for it. “In this very moment, it’s very grim. That’s an abbreviation,” he said of his mindset. “It’s infusing German expressionism with ghetto futurism.”
From there, Rocky revealed that he tried to get Burton, whose work is also inspired by the movement, to handle the cover artwork, but it didn’t work out. Regardless, he was still able to meet up with him and play the final project. “I sat and I played the album for Tim Burton, and he was f–king with it heavy,” he said. “He was rocking his head and he’s like, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you made that kind of music!’”
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 21: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Asap Rocky attends the A$AP Rocky X American Sabotage by AWGE Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Rocky also revealed that Don’t Be Dumb will see him delving into deeper topics than his previous works. In particular, he referenced a song called, “Shroom Cloud,” on which he tackles, “current affairs and world wars and, you know, the world dying and whatnot.” He added: “At times like this, only two types of people strive and survive. I’m not trying to sound like I’m glorifying wars, [but] I think artists and druggies, they make it through. I mean, what was the hippies doing? They was getting high at Woodstock and f–king and having a great time and having these hippie babies who subsequently had us.”
Elsewhere in his interview with Billboard, Rocky also discussed his relationship with Rihanna, who he labels the “perfect” partner. Don’t Be Dumb was originally slated for release on August 30, but it has since been delayed. Be on the lookout for further updates on ASAP Rocky and his upcoming album on HotNewHipHop.
Tim Burton, the visionary director, producer, and writer known for his distinctive gothic-fantasy aesthetic, has carved out a unique niche in the film industry. As of 2024, Burton’s imaginative contributions to cinema and his successful ventures in film, television, and literature have accumulated a net worth of about $100 million, according to Wealthy Gorilla. His career, marked by a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects, stands as a testament to his creativity, innovation, and enduring appeal.
From the darkly enchanting Edward Scissorhands to the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Burton’s ability to blend the macabre with the magical has captivated audiences around the globe. This narrative explores Burton’s illustrious career in film, his distinctive style and themes, his impact on modern cinema, and his ventures beyond directing.
A Cinematic Journey Of Imagination
LYON, FRANCE – OCTOBER 22: Tim Burton attends the Re-production by Tim Burton Of Silent Documentary Film Directed In 1895 By Late French Filmmaker Louis Lumiere during the 14th Film Festival Lumiere on October 22, 2022 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)
Tim Burton’s cinematic journey began with his education at the California Institute of the Arts, where he honed his craft before joining Walt Disney Studios as an animator. However, it was his unique vision that led him to direct films that would become emblematic of his style. Burton’s breakthrough came with the success of Beetlejuice (1988), which set the stage for a series of iconic films, including Batman (1989) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). Each project showcased Burton’s ability to create fantastical worlds filled with quirky, outcast characters, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and humor in a way that was groundbreaking at the time.
Signature Style & Themes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Ortega, Tim Burton, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Christina Ricci and Ted Sarandos, CEO & CCO, Netflix, attend the world premiere of Netflix’s “Wednesday” at Hollywood Legion Theater on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Tim Burton’s work is immediately recognizable for its gothic aesthetic, eccentric characters, and exploration of themes such as individuality, isolation, and the contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary. His films often feature protagonists who are misfits or loners, reflecting Burton’s own feelings of isolation growing up. The visual style of Burton’s films—marked by surreal landscapes, exaggerated features, and a distinct color palette—creates a unique, immersive experience. This stylistic consistency across his body of work has not only defined Burton’s career but also influenced the broader landscape of film and art.
Impact On Modern Cinema
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 20: Tim Burton attends “Tim Burton’s Labyrinth” exhibition at “Espace Chapiteaux” on May 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien Hekimian/Getty Images)
Burton’s impact on modern cinema extends beyond his filmography. He has also played a pivotal role in revitalizing genres. These range from superhero movies with Batman to stop-motion animation with Corpse Bride. Further, his approach to storytelling, which emphasizes visual storytelling and character-driven narratives, has inspired a generation of filmmakers and artists. Burton’s ability to maintain creative control over his projects, navigating the complexities of the Hollywood system, has also been influential in demonstrating the viability of auteur-driven projects within a commercial framework.
In addition to his directing work, Tim Burton is an accomplished writer, producer, and artist. His forays into literature, including the illustrated book The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories, reveal another dimension of his creativity. Burton’s art exhibitions have drawn significant attention, showcasing his talents as an illustrator and painter. His influence also extends into television and music videos, where his unmistakable style continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry.
As a filmmaker, Tim Burton is renowned for his trailblazing style and techniques. Burton’s complex but distinct style can be described as whimsical with gothic overtones. This unique approach to filmmaking has made him one of the most iconic and influential directors in the industry. Moreover, he’s also become a box office titan, with several commercially successful movies under his belt. As a result, he has been recognized and awarded with numerous honors.
At the core of his 35-plus-year career are films with surreal and darkly imaginative themes. Tim Burton is also notable for creating unconventional and eccentric characters. Furthermore, his visual aesthetics are often striking, wildly colorful, or starkly contrasted. His characters are often misfits, antiheroes or outcasts who exist on the fringes of society. This visual storytelling is cinematic artistry at its finest, earning him a dedicated fan base. Of the bulk of his impressive works, these seven films dominated at the box office.
7. Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton’s sequel to Batman (1989) remains a cult favorite of those devoted to the franchise. Starring Michael Keaton as the iconic Batman, it had a mixed reception from critics who found it overly violent and depressing. However, many people admired the dark and psychologically nuanced take on the famous superhero, as well as its distinctive visuals. Batman Returns is also known for its iconic cast: Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Catwoman, and Danny DeVito’s portrayal of the Penguin. Overall, the movie had a worldwide box office gross of $266,824,29.
6. Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children (2016)
Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children is one of Tim Burton’s most recent successes in the Box Office. The film, based on the book series of the same name authored by Ransom Riggs, received mixed critical reviews. However, both critics and book fans lauded Eva Green’s portrayal of Miss Peregrine and the film’s dark fantasy aspects. While keeping to the family-friendly tone of the book, Tim Burton went above and beyond the visual aesthetics of the film. As a result, it was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects.
The visuals endeared even more fans of the book to the movie and were a clear reminder of Burton’s penchant for the strange and magical. The film tells the story of Jake Portman (Asa Butterfield). Following the mysterious death of his grandfather, Jake finds strange clues that lead him to a secret home for children with strange abilities. Overall, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children earned $295,986,876 at the box office.
5. Dumbo (2019)
The live-action adaptation of Disney’s Dumbo is the most recent of Burton’s works. While he took certain liberties with the original storyline, what struck many viewers was its emotional resonance and direction. After the movie’s release, Tim Burton commented on how the movie felt “autobiographical” at multiple points. Dumbo won the 2019 Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film and had a box office gross of over $350 million. The eponymous film tells the story of Dumbo, a baby elephant who gets separated from his mother at the circus. He discovers he is able to fly, thanks to his large, floppy ears and so, embarks on a journey to reunite with his mother.
4. Planet Of The Apes (2001)
Planet Of The Apes was a remake of the 1981 film adaptation of a sci-fi novel of the same name. Directed by Tim Burton, the movie follows the story of Captain Leo Davidson. On a routine space mission to search for a missing colleague, Davidson encounters an electromagnetic storm. He then crashes into a world run by sentient apes who have enslaved a primitive human race and try to hunt him down. The reception to Planet Of The Apes was mixed, particularly the film’s confusing plot. However, the movie had some amazing makeup effects, and it was the Oscar winner for Best Makeup. It was also quite commercially successful, earning $362,211,740 at the box office.
3. Batman (1989)
Batman (1989) is perhaps the most pivotal movie in the Batman franchise. With the film’s genius direction and cinematography, Tim Burton is credited by many to have revolutionized the superhero genre. It was well-received by critics for its darker and more nuanced spin on the classic superhero. Particularly well-liked, were Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman, and Jack Nicholson’s Joker. Naturally, the movie was a box office blockbuster with a worldwide gross of $411,348,924. The movie also won an Academy Award for Best Art Direction and helped pave the way for future comic book adaptations.
2. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005)
Employing sheer talent and imagination, Burton made Roald Dahl’s classic story into a classic Tim Burton movie. The film had a dark and whimsical touch, while it delved into the fantasy world of a chocolate factory, starring Johnny Depp as the eccentric confectioner, Willy Wonka. Although there were criticisms that the film lost the original story’s quaint allure, the film’s fantastical production design was well received. It also received positive reviews for Johnny Depp’s performance. Tim Burton’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory earned over $475 million at the box office. An adaptation of the titular character, titled Wonka, will be released on Dec. 15, starring Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka.
Tim Burton brought a unique spin on the already whimsical children’s classic by Lewis Carroll. The movie follows Alice’s return to Wonderland after her first visit. This time around, she’s not a little girl, but a young woman. Burton then utilizes his characters and their CGI co-stars to embark on a long and treacherous, but fantastical journey. Alice In Wonderland received the Academy Awards for Art Direction and Costume Design. The film was also a box office blockbuster, crossing the billion-dollar mark at the box office.
Over the weekend, Megan Thee Stallion brought the Halloween spirit to life with her annual Hottieween party, held at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. The exclusive event featured a star-studded guest list, including Offset, John Boyega, Victoria Monet, GloRilla, Kash Doll, BMF actor Da’Vinchi, Zonnique, Rocko, Dominican dembow artist Yaisel LM, and more.
Megan went all out with a Tim Burton-inspired theme, paying homage to the director’s iconic films like Beetlejuice, Alice in Wonderland, and Edward Scissorhands. The rapper herself dressed up as the talking flower from Alice in Wonderland.
Guests enjoyed Ace of Spades champagne and D’USSE Cognac while they reveled in the Tim Burton-inspired Halloween extravaganza. The event was proudly sponsored by Planet Fitness, Hugo Boss, and the United States Virgin Islands, making it a night to remember in the season’s spirit.
