Popcast ASAP Rocky Interview! How Rihanna, Three Kids + Two Trials Changed His Life & Music
15 snips
Jan 16, 2026 
ASAP Rocky, the dynamic rapper and fashion icon, opens up about the transformative past eight years leading to his new album, 'Don't Be Dumb.' He reflects on how trials, family, and leaked sessions reshaped his music. Discover his obsession with Tim Burton and how it influenced his artistic vision. Rocky shares insights about fatherhood with Rihanna and the profound impact on his priorities. He also discusses the challenges of leaks, maintaining creative integrity, and his evolving stage presence. Humor and heart shine through as he connects his past influences with his current journey.
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How Leaks Reshaped Rocky's Output
- Leaks and security failures repeatedly gutted Rocky's in-progress music and altered release plans.
- He traces leaks to sloppy passwords, breached label accounts, interns, engineers and fan markets that fund hacks.
Tim Burton Helped Shape The Album's World
- Rocky consulted Tim Burton to develop a visual idea he calls 'ghetto expressionism' for his album.
- Burton drew characters and collaborated on the concept and a video, including a character called Black DeMarco.
A Return To 2011 Energy In A 2026 Album
- Rocky framed Don't Be Dumb as what 2011 Rocky would make in 2026, merging vintage style with current sounds.
- He purposely limited the record to 15 songs amid many drafts and scrapped sessions.
