A$AP Rocky’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, reportedly secured only about 6,000 pre-orders in 2024 before they were canceled, according to Shopify backend data obtained by Kurrco, sparking fan discussions on the project’s postponement[1]. The Harlem rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, originally eyed a 2024 release but pushed it back, now set for January 16, 2026, via AWGE/A$AP Worldwide and RCA Records, as confirmed by multiple retailers and the artist’s official channels[3][4][5]. This revelation comes as Rocky teases the album’s arrival today at Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival last month, where he wore a hoodie emblazoned with “Jan.16”[1][2].
The low pre-order figures, cross-verified by reports from HotNewHipHop and HipHopWired via Shopify data, suggest the cancellation occurred last year amid preparations for an initial drop, potentially influencing the delay to avoid underwhelming sales[1][2]. Rocky addressed the postponement in a September 2024 Elle interview, attributing it partly to personal milestones rather than sales concerns: “I don’t want to primarily blame it on my case, but life was lifeing. We don’t plan on having children, but when it happens, you gotta adjust and move with it. I gotta be present for my family, because that’s first”[1][2]. This followed his acquittal in a 2022 assault case involving former A$AP Mob associate ASAP Relli, and aligned with welcoming a third child with Rihanna in September 2025[1]. Earlier delays stemmed from sample clearances and leaks, with Rocky announcing a shift from an August 30, 2024, target to fall 2024 during a Billboard cover story, later extending further as he focused on mixing and mastering by March 2025[5].
Promotion for Don’t Be Dumb has ramped up steadily, featuring singles like “Riot (Rowdy Pipe’n)” (July 2023), “Highjack,” “Tailor Swif,” “Ruby Rosary” (2024), and “Pray4DaGang” (July 2025), alongside previews at Paris Fashion Week in June 2024 and a Puma ad in October 2025[5]. The album boasts production from heavyweights including Pharrell Williams, Mike Dean, Madlib, Metro Boomin, the Alchemist, and Danny Elfman, with cover art by Tim Burton revealed December 16, 2025[5]. Vinyl pre-orders are active at outlets like Vinyl Junkies and Rollin’ Records, listing January 16, 2026, ship dates, signaling strong physical demand despite past digital pre-sale numbers[3][4]. Rocky’s fashion endeavors, including Chanel ambassadorship and Ray-Ban creative director role, have kept him visible beyond music[2].
Fan reactions to the 6K pre-order report have fueled online speculation about a potential “flop,” with X users posting comments like “Flop of the century incoming!” though Rocky has emphasized family and creative challenges over commercial pressures[1]. As A$AP Rocky drops Don’t Be Dumb—his first full-length since 2018’s Testing—today’s release could reset narratives, testing whether his cultural cachet translates to streaming and sales success in a competitive hip-hop landscape[5].
