A$AP Rocky brings the DON’T BE DUMB universe to a new visual with Tim Burton

A shared creative universe.

A$AP Rocky and Tim Burton continue to develop their shared creative universe. After working together on the visual identity of DON’T BE DUMB, the duo now present “WHISKEY / BLACK DEMARCO”, a project that functions as a double music video and expands the album’s universe through narrative.

The release accompanies the tracks “WHISKEY (RELEASE ME)” and “AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO)”, both featured on Rocky’s fourth studio album, released on 16 January. The visual is directed by the artist himself alongside his creative collective AWGE, reinforcing a vision that connects music, fashion and film.

Tim Burton acts as the driving force of the story. Following an accident, six illustrated characters escape from his sketchbook and take over the streets of New York. GR1M, MR. MAYERS, RUGAHAND, BABUSHKA BOI, DUMMY and SHIRTHEAD were created by the filmmaker and reflect different aesthetic stages of A$AP Rocky, translated into a dark and recognisable visual language.

From a sonic perspective, the two tracks offer a clear contrast. “WHISKEY” features a haunting vocal hook from Damon Albarn alongside ad-libs from Westside Gunn. “BLACK DEMARCO”, meanwhile, leans towards a more melodic structure that balances the overall project and complements the rhythm of the visual.

With this release, A$AP Rocky and Tim Burton show that their partnership goes beyond a one-off collaboration. It is a shared creative universe that continues to grow and marks a new phase in the rapper’s career.

A$AP Rocky is back in music.