A$AP Rocky Reveals Tim Burton–Illustrated Don’t Be Dumb Artwork, Teases Accompanying Film

A$AP Rocky steps into Tim Burton’s surreal world with the artwork for Don’t Be Dumb. (Instagram)

A$AP Rocky Unveils Tim Burton–Illustrated Don’t Be Dumb Artwork, Teases Accompanying Film

Just when you thought the worlds of hip-hop and gothic cinema couldn’t collide any harder, A$AP Rocky proves otherwise.

The three-time Grammy nominee has officially revealed the Tim Burton–illustrated artwork for his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, set to premiere January 16. Alongside the reveal, Rocky confirmed something even bigger: an accompanying film, created in collaboration with Burton, is also on the way.

“SORRY 4 THE WAIT DON’T BE DUMB FINALLY HERE! THANKS TIM BURTON FOR HELPING ME MAKE THIS MOVIE! COMING SOON,” Rocky wrote on Instagram, sharing the striking artwork—which Burton himself also reposted.

The illustration places Rocky firmly in Burton’s unmistakable visual universe, evoking the off-kilter, surreal energy of characters like Jack Skellington and Beetlejuice. It’s a natural fit for an artist whose aesthetic has long flirted with fashion, fantasy, and cinematic storytelling beyond the confines of traditional hip-hop visuals.

The album marks Rocky’s first full-length release since teasing Don’t Be Dumb back in December 2022, making the project one of the most anticipated hip-hop drops of the new year. The added revelation of a companion film suggests Rocky isn’t just returning with music—but with a fully realized audiovisual statement.

The timing also couldn’t be better. Rocky has spent the past year expanding his presence on screen, earning praise for his performances in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, further blurring the line between musician and actor.

As for Burton, the legendary filmmaker continues to balance his signature gothic sensibilities across mediums, currently serving as executive producer on Season 3 of Netflix’s Wednesday alongside creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.

With Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky and Burton appear poised to deliver something that sits squarely at the crossroads of music, film, and visual art—a reminder that some releases aren’t just albums, but events.

More details on the film are expected soon. Until then, consider this your warning: A$AP Rocky’s Burton era has officially begun.