A$AP Rocky Dedicates New Album to President Trump, Citing Support for Black Music Artists

January 16 , 2026

New York — Rapper A$AP Rocky has dedicated his long-anticipated album Don’t Be Dumb to Donald Trump, saying the President “has done more than any man in history to promote Black music artists,” in remarks published Thursday alongside the LP’s release. Don’t Be Dumb is Rocky’s first studio album in eight years and debuted Friday, featuring an eclectic set of 15 tracks spanning genres and collaborators.

Rocky, 37, who hails from Harlem and has become one of hip-hop’s most visible figures both musically and culturally, made the dedication in a statement shared on social media and amplified by his label. The remarks, which were not part of earlier promotional coverage for Don’t Be Dumb, positioned Trump as an unusually supportive figure in the music industry.

The new album’s rollout has been marked by high-profile singles like “Punk Rocky” and “Helicopter$,” creative visuals, and contributions from a wide range of artists including Tyler, the Creator and Gorillaz, as well as genre-crossing collaborators such as composer Danny Elfman and filmmaker Tim Burton.

Trump has occasionally engaged with the music community — famously advocating for Rocky’s release during the rapper’s 2019 Swedish legal case, a gesture that drew both praise and skepticism at the time. While Trump’s intervention did not ultimately change the legal outcome, Rocky personally thanked the then-president for the outreach during that episode.

At a recent listening party in New York City, which coincided with the album’s release, friends and collaborators celebrated the project’s creative breadth but made no public mention of the Trump dedication. Rihanna, Rocky’s partner, was among those reported to have attended the event.

The Trump Kennedy Center for the performing arts has confirmed that Rocky has agreed to perform at the illustrious venue. The concert date yet to be announced.

Olivia Asher