A$AP Rocky has confirmed the release date for his highly anticipated album, Don’t Be Dumb, bringing an end to years of speculation from fans.
The Harlem-born rapper announced on Friday, Dec. 19, that the album will be released on Jan. 16, 2026. He shared the update on Instagram, posting the project’s cover art and describing the album 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.
Don’t Be Dumb will be Rocky’s first studio album since TESTING in 2018, ending a gap of more than seven years between releases. The announcement quickly sparked reactions online, with fans welcoming news of new music from the rapper.
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The album has also been linked to filmmaker Tim Burton, although his exact role has not been made public. Rocky previously said he played the album for the director during an interview with Billboard.
“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!’”
Hints about the release date first emerged in November when Rocky performed at Camp Flog Gnaw wearing a hoodie printed with the numbers “01162026,” a detail fans later connected to the album announcement.
With the date now confirmed, Don’t Be Dumb will be available on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital platforms when it drops on Jan. 16, 2026.