A$AP Rocky has revealed the official album cover for his highly anticipated project Don't Be Dumb, created in collaboration with filmmaker Tim Burton. The artwork showcases Burton's signature dark aesthetic blended with references to Rocky's past releases. Rocky teased the January 16, 2026 release date alongside the reveal.
Album Cover Reveal
On December 16, 2025, A$AP Rocky shared the cover art for his long-delayed album Don't Be Dumb via Instagram. The design, co-created with Tim Burton, features a crowd of ominous characters, including crash dummies from his 2018 album Testing, a creepy 'I ❤️ NY' t-shirt, and a green-faced figure with hair rollers holding a bullhorn—elements Rocky incorporated into recent live performances at festivals like Lollapalooza and Tyler, The Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw.
Rocky captioned the post: “SORRY 4 THE WAIT DON’T BE DUMB FINALLY HERE! THANKS TIM BURTON FOR HELPING ME MAKE THIS MOVIE! COMING SOON.” The reveal drew praise from fans and peers, including Rihanna, who commented, “Sooo f*ckin proud!!!! 💪🏿❤️ LETS GOOOO BABY.”
Background and Teasers
Don't Be Dumb has been in the works since late 2022, following Rocky's 2018 release Testing. The rapper has kept fans waiting with intermittent updates, including new music like “Highjack” featuring Jessica Pratt and “Taylor Swif,” the latter accompanied by a video filmed in Ukraine before the 2022 Russian invasion. He also contributed to the soundtrack of Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest, starring alongside Denzel Washington.
In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Rocky highlighted Burton's influence, praising his use of “matte painting and German expressionism.” The album includes contributions from Danny Elfman, Burton's longtime collaborator, who scored several tracks.
Release Date Speculation
Rocky first announced a release for August 23 during his AWGE fashion show last summer but delayed it without a new date until recent hints. At Camp Flog Gnaw, he displayed “01162026” on his sleeve, interpreted by fans as January 16, 2026—coinciding with National Nothing Day, sparking debates on whether it's a serious date or another tease. A pre-save link is now active, suggesting the project may indeed arrive soon.