Sat Jan 17 19:50:00 UTC 2026: ## A$AP Rocky’s ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ Album Drops, Morrissey Collaboration MIA

The Story:
A$AP Rocky’s long-awaited album, ‘Don’t Be Dumb,’ finally arrived on January 16, 2026, after numerous delays and a name change. Fans were anticipating a collaboration with Morrissey, teased as far back as 2018. Rocky himself had suggested that Morrissey was contributing to the album, initially titled ‘All Smiles.’ Despite these hints, the final tracklist revealed no presence of the former Smiths frontman. The album does include a presumed Drake diss track and references Rocky’s partner, Rihanna.

Key Points:

  • A$AP Rocky’s album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ was released on January 16, 2026, almost eight years after his previous album, ‘Testing’ (May 2018).
  • A collaboration with Morrissey, teased since 2018, did not materialize on the released album.
  • Rocky stated in 2021 that Morrissey was writing, producing and contributing vocals to the album (then titled ‘All Smiles’).
  • The album was initially scheduled for release in August 2024 but faced several delays.
  • The album features a presumed Drake diss track, ‘Stole Ya Flow’, and references Rihanna.
  • A$AP Rocky was found not guilty in February 2025 for his role in a 2021 shooting incident.
  • A$AP Rocky was unveiled as Chanel’s brand ambassador in November 2025.
  • A$AP Rocky welcomed his third child with Rihanna in September 2025.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context of Morrissey canceling shows frequently, combined with his general reputation for unpredictability, strongly suggests that scheduling conflicts, artistic differences, or perhaps even a last-minute cancellation by Morrissey himself could be the reason for the absence of the collaboration on “Don’t Be Dumb.” Given the extended timeframe of the album’s development (from 2018 to 2026), it’s plausible that the collaboration fell through at some point during production.

Key Takeaways:

  • Musician collaborations, even those heavily publicized, are not guaranteed to come to fruition.
  • Artist schedules and personal matters can significantly impact album release dates and content.
  • Delays in album releases can be indicators of internal changes in direction or unforeseen issues.
  • Morrissey’s cancellation of numerous shows in 2026 might have influenced the final production.

Impact Analysis:
The absence of Morrissey from A$AP Rocky’s album, coupled with Morrissey’s ongoing cancellations, highlights the challenges of relying on collaborations with artists known for their volatility. This incident serves as a reminder for fans to approach collaboration announcements with cautious optimism. Moving forward, artists might need to implement strategies to account for and mitigate the risk of last-minute changes in collaborative projects to meet release deadlines and fulfill fan expectations.

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