Believe it or not, we’re already well into the new year — and that means A$AP Rocky’s long-awaited album Don’t Be Dumb is finally within reach. After years of teasing and delays, fans won’t have to wait much longer, with the project scheduled to arrive on January 16.
To build momentum for the release, Rocky has dropped a striking new music video for “Punk Rocky,” and it comes with a major surprise. Winona Ryder Joins A$AP Rocky in the “Punk Rocky” Visual, taking on a leading role in a cinematic and surreal clip that blends fashion, film, and music into one bold statement.
A Star-Studded, Surreal Music Video
The video, co-directed by A$AP Rocky alongside Folkert Verdoorn and Simon Becks, brings several of the rapper’s alter egos from Don’t Be Dumb to life. Rocky appears in multiple forms, including Gr1m, Rugahand, and Babushka Boi, while the Williams twins and Tommy Revenge complete the eccentric lineup.
Alongside Ryder, the cast features an eclectic mix of creative heavyweights. Danny Elfman, Thundercat, and A$AP Nast all make appearances, turning the visual into a cross-disciplinary collaboration that feels part music video, part art film. The result is an off-kilter, visually rich experience that reflects Rocky’s experimental direction on the new album.
The Tim Burton Connection
Ryder’s involvement is no coincidence. The entire Don’t Be Dumb era carries strong Tim Burton energy, starting with the album’s cover art, which was designed by the legendary filmmaker himself. Longtime Burton collaborator Danny Elfman also played a key role in shaping the album’s sound, adding his signature dark and whimsical musical style.
Elfman’s history with Ryder goes back decades, including classic films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, making this reunion feel both nostalgic and creatively fitting. Their presence adds a cinematic depth that sets Rocky’s project apart from standard hip-hop releases.
An Album Years in the Making
Don’t Be Dumb arrives almost eight years after Rocky’s last studio album, Testing. Initially teased under the title All Smiles, the project has gone through several reinventions, partly due to music leaks that forced Rocky to rethink and rework large portions of it.
In an earlier interview, the rapper admitted that constant leaks pushed him back to the drawing board again and again. Despite the setbacks, he now confidently describes the album as a “masterpiece,” hinting that the long wait may be worth it. The record is also rumored to feature a diverse list of collaborators, with even Morrissey potentially appearing on the tracklist.
A Stylish Preview of What’s to Come
With its high-fashion visuals, cult-film influences, and bold performances, Winona Ryder Joins A$AP Rocky in the “Punk Rocky” Visual serves as a powerful introduction to the Don’t Be Dumb era. It signals that Rocky is once again pushing boundaries, not just in music, but in storytelling and aesthetics.
As January 16 draws closer, “Punk Rocky” offers fans a taste of what’s ahead — a project that looks just as daring and imaginative as it sounds.