The wait appears to finally be over. A$AP Rocky made it official on Friday (Dec. 19) as he delivered an early Christmas gift for fans while announcing that his much-delayed Don’t Be Dumb album will be arriving on Jan. 16.
The Harlem native took to Instagram with a post featuring the Tim Burton-assisted album’s cover art, which he’s hailing as a “masterpiece.”
“JANUARY 16 2026 , DON’T BE DUMB VINYLS , CDs , CASSETTES , AND DIGITAL DSPs AVAILABLE , THANKS TO EVERY CREATIVE AND MUSICIAN WHO HELPED ME WITH THIS MASTERPIECE,” Rocky wrote.
More than seven years since Rocky’s last offering, 2018’s TESTING, fans were still hyped to hear that 2026 will be starting with a new album from the 37-year-old.
“BACK LIKE YOU NEVER LEFT,” one person wrote. Another added: “Let’s go! It’s that time!”
It’s unclear what film maestro Tim Buron’s involvement in the album is exactly, but Rocky previously revealed in his Billboard cover story last year that he played his music for the decorated director.
“I sat and I played the album for Tim Burton, and he was f–king with it heavy,” Rocky said. “He was rocking his head and he’s like, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you made that kind of music!’”
The theory of a Jan. 16 release date picked up steam when Rocky performed at Camp Flog Gnaw in November, which saw him on stage with the numbers “01162026” emblazoned across the sleeve of his hoodie.
Find the Don’t Be Dumb cover art below. Look for the album on Jan. 16.
The post “A$AP Rocky Finally Announces ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ Album Release Date: ‘Masterpiece’” by Michael Saponara was published on 12/19/2025 by www.billboard.com