“LETS GOOOO BABY”: Rihanna celebrates the artwork for A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb

A$AP Rocky has reignited the hype. The Harlem rapper surprised fans on Tuesday by sharing the official cover art for Don’t Be Dumb, his upcoming studio album. The move did not go unnoticed, especially by Rihanna, who was quick to publicly show her pride.

“So f*cking proud!!!! LETS GOOOO BABY,” the artist wrote in the comments under Rocky’s post. A direct message that makes her full support clear at one of the most anticipated moments of Rocky’s recent career.

Rocky accompanied the image with a caption that opened the door to creative speculation: “SORRY 4 THE WAIT DON’T BE DUMB FINALLY HERE! THANKS TIM BURTON FOR HELPING ME MAKE THIS MOVIE.” While it remains unclear to what extent Tim Burton was involved in the design, the reference to the filmmaker points to an artistic collaboration that strengthens the project’s visual universe.

The mention of Burton is no coincidence. Last year, Rocky told Billboard that he had tried to collaborate with the director on the album’s visual side, although their schedules did not align at the time. Even so, he did play the full album for him. “He was nodding his head and said, ‘I didn’t know you made this kind of music,’” the artist recalled.

The artwork reveal comes after several delays that have shaped the development of Don’t Be Dumb. At an earlier stage, pre-orders were even cancelled and fans were refunded. According to Rocky, the main issues were leaks and clearance problems. He also acknowledged that the delay gave him more time to keep refining the album.

An album that “would never come out”

In November, staying true to his humour, Rocky joked that the album “would never come out”. Now, however, it appears the wait is finally coming to an end. Beyond the release itself, the album title holds personal meaning for the artist. For Rocky, Don’t Be Dumb serves as a reminder to learn from mistakes and turn them into something positive.

If there are no further changes, the album is set to be released on 16 January, bringing to a close one of the longest and most talked-about chapters in his recent discography.

Here’s what Rihanna loves most about her relationship with A$AP Rocky.