Building on the buzz from Winona Ryder's starring role in the music video (as previously covered), A$AP Rocky officially dropped psychedelic track 'Punk Rocky' on January 6, 2026, as the lead single for 'Don't Be Dumb', his first full album in nearly eight years, out January 16. The surreal clip also features Danny Elfman and Thundercat, with album artwork by Tim Burton and Elfman string arrangements.
A$AP Rocky shared 'Punk Rocky' on January 6, ahead of 'Don't Be Dumb' on January 16. Standout lyrics include: “She ain’t gon’ be in my life no more / Got me crying in the microphone,” and “Let me shout on the megaphone / That ho ain’t my type no more.”
Co-directed by Rocky, Folkert Verdoorn, and Simon Becks, the video shows Rocky as a punk rocker rehearsing in a garage with pink rollers in his hair. Winona Ryder plays a neighbor in a Beavis And Butthead T-shirt munching blackberries, until noise complaints interrupt. Additional cast: Danny Elfman, Thundercat, and A$AP Nast.
The video advances the album's concept of six alter egos, showcasing GR1M (Rocky), RUGAHAND (Tommy Revenge), BABUSHKA BOI (Thoto), SHIRTHEAD (Williams twins), and DUMMY. Rocky teased it January 2 with a 14-second clip captioned: “VIDEO OF THE FUCCKIN YEAR !!!🔥 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026 -DONTBEDUMB PUNK ROCKY MONDAY.”
Following 2018's 'Testing', 'Don't Be Dumb' was announced June 2024 for August but delayed; Rocky confirmed mixing in February 2025 and January release in December. Prior singles: ‘Pray4DaGang’, ‘Ruby Rosary’, ‘Tailor Swif’, plus previews like ‘Highjack’ (ft. Jessica Pratt). NME hailed it as “the return of a prodigal son” post-Rocky's 2025 acquittal from a 2021 shooting.
Recent highlights: Chanel ambassador (November 2025), praising Matthieu Blazy; third child Rocki Irish Mayers (born September 13, 2025, after Rihanna's Met Gala reveal); films 'If I Had Legs I’d Kick You' (with Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien) and Spike Lee’s 'Highest 2 Lowest' (with Denzel Washington).
