We break down A$AP Rocky’s fresh album Don’t Be Dumb, out January 16, 2026 – chatting themes, bangers like collabs with Tyler, The Creator and Doechii, and its experimental vibe that could shake up hip-hop.

We talk about J. Cole’s recent freestyles, the ongoing buzz around his Kendrick rivalry (post-7 Minute Drill apology), and hype for The Fall Off (we recorded this before it dropped). We’ll discuss the project 10th March.

THIS WAS RECORED BEFORE HIS RECENT ALBUM DROPPED.

His Rise… and Fall (2011-2018)?

1. What were our introductions to A$AP Rocky?
2. LiveLoveA$AP - revolutionary or overrated; was this mixtape a good thing for NYC Hip-Hop?
3. Discuss the impact of the likes of A$AP Yams, Clams Casino and SpaceGhostPurrp on the rise and success of Rocky
4. Of the three major releases, which do we think is his best?
5. Tyler and Rocky; discuss…

Legal Troubles, Rihanna and Other Ventures (2019-present)

1. What do we believe is the main factor as to why Rocky is yet to drop his fourth album?
2. Do we have any favourite songs or features during this period?

All Smiles (legacy)

1. Among his peers (think Kendrick’s Control verse), where do we place Rocky and his contributions to the culture?

We discuss our most anticipated music projects for 2025, reflecting on the impact of 2025's releases including A$AP Rocky, Drake's Ice Man, J. Cole's 'The Fall Off' (again), Yasin Bey (again), The Alchemist (again), Baby Keem (again) Stove God as well as UK artists like Enny Skepta & Kano (again).

We also talk about the potential shifts in music trends for 2025.

Hon. Mentions:

1. A$AP Rocky - Don’t Be Dumb (16 January)
2. Ab-Soul - Soul Burger: The Odyssey
3. Big Sean & The Alchemist (TBA)
4. Danger Mouse & Black Thought - Cheat Codes 2
5. Denzel Curry - Strictly For The Scythe
6. Doechii (TBA)
7. Erykah Badu & The Alchemist - Abi & Alan
8. Freddie Gibbs & Kaytranada (TBA)
9. Isaiah Rashad (TBA)
10. J Hus?
11. JID & Metro Boomin - God Doesn’t Like Ugly
12. Kano?
13. Mach-Hommy & Conductor Williams (TBA)
14. Madlib & Your Old Droog - Droogie Otis
15. Pusha T & DJ Drama (TBA)
16. Roc Marciano - Criminal Jazz
17. Skepta - Fork & Knife
18. The Roots - End Game
19. Vince Staples?
20. Yasiin Bey & The Alchemist - Forensics

What We Missed 2025:

1. Nas & DJ Premier - LightYears
2. Conway the Machine - You Can’t Kill God with Bullets