While A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti have remained publicly supportive of one another over the years, fans have been patiently waiting for the two style-shifting innovators to reconnect in the studio. Now, with Rocky officially rolling out his long-delayed album Don’t Be Dumb, that long-awaited collaboration may finally be back on the table.
After nearly eight years of anticipation since 2018’s TESTING, Rocky is moving with renewed energy as Don’t Be Dumb heads toward its rumored January 16th, 2026 release. Adding fuel to the rollout, the Harlem rapper recently hinted at a possible Carti feature—setting social media and fan forums into a frenzy.
According to RapTV, Rocky responded directly to a passionate fan post on his subreddit that urged him to elevate the album’s promotion and, most notably, include the long-circulating “helicopter” snippet featuring Playboi Carti. The fan’s message was blunt yet earnest, calling for stronger marketing, hands-on merch moments, and one final plea for the elusive Carti collaboration. Rocky’s response? A simple but powerful “BET” followed by a fire emoji.
While it’s unclear whether Rocky was cosigning every suggestion or specifically addressing the Carti request, the response alone was enough to reignite excitement among fans—especially those who had begun to lose faith after years of false starts and silence surrounding the project. For two artists often labeled as “non-droppers,” even the slightest confirmation carries major weight.
Don’t Be Dumb is set to be Rocky’s first full-length release since TESTING, a polarizing album that challenged conventional rap structures and sparked years of debate. Whether the new project follows a similarly experimental path or signals a new era altogether remains to be seen, but early signs suggest Rocky is fully locked in. With a confirmed Saturday Night Live appearance and more promotional moments on the horizon, momentum is finally building.
Beyond speculation, one thing remains clear: the bond between Rocky and Carti is still intact. Rocky recently appeared at Carti’s Los Angeles tour stop, reaffirming their creative alliance. Though their collaborative catalog from the previous decade remains limited, their influence on modern rap culture has been undeniable—and the idea of them reconnecting on Don’t Be Dumb feels timely.
As the countdown to January continues, fans are watching closely. Whether the “helicopter” snippet makes the final cut or not, Rocky’s renewed engagement signals that Don’t Be Dumb may be worth the wait! Possibly one of the most conversation-starting releases of 2026.
