A$AP Rocky Releases Fourth Album 'Don't Be Dumb' Following SNL Appearance

The first Saturday Night Live broadcast of 2026, which aired on January 17, featured actor Finn Wolfhard as host, marking his appearance shortly after the conclusion of the series *Stranger Things*. The episode’s musical guest was A$AP Rocky, whose performance coincided with the release of his fourth studio album, *Don't Be Dumb*, on January 16, 2026, distributed via AWGE / ASAP Worldwide and RCA Records. This album represents a significant return for the Harlem rapper, arriving almost eight years after his 2018 project, *Testing*.

During his musical segment, A$AP Rocky premiered several new compositions from *Don't Be Dumb*, a project noted for incorporating elements of punk, alternative music, R&B, and jazz. The lead single, "Punk Rocky," which features Thundercat and string arrangements by Danny Elfman, was among the performed tracks. Rocky also delivered a medley that included the title track, "Don't Be Dumb," and "Helicopter," the latter of which was issued as a single on January 12, 2026. Critics have characterized the sprawling album as a re-establishment of Rocky's artistic focus, with some reviewers suggesting it is his strongest work since his 2013 debut, *Long.Live.A$AP*.

The January 17 broadcast also included a reunion sketch featuring Finn Wolfhard alongside his *Stranger Things* co-stars Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, capitalizing on the cultural moment following the series finale. The remainder of the month maintains a high-profile schedule for the program, with Teyana Taylor hosting on January 24, accompanied by the band Geese as the musical act. This momentum builds toward the 1,000th episode of *Saturday Night Live* on January 31, which is scheduled to feature Alexander Skarsgård hosting and Cardi B returning as the musical guest to promote Skarsgård’s upcoming film *Pillion*, set for a February 6 release.

*Don't Be Dumb* is an hour-long, 17-track album featuring a wide range of collaborators, including Tyler, the Creator, Doechii, Brent Faiyaz, and Gorillaz, with cover art designed by filmmaker Tim Burton. The album’s sonic breadth is a central point of discussion, contrasting experimental, rock-influenced tracks like "STFU" with more personal reflections on Rocky's life as a husband and father to his children with Rihanna on tracks such as "Playa." The release reportedly achieved early commercial traction, securing the number one pre-saved hip-hop album spot on Spotify and reportedly selling over 130,000 units prior to streaming availability. This project signifies a deliberate artistic statement following the polarizing reception of *Testing*.