The beloved musician released a single preceding his upcoming record, ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ set to release January 16. The music video is that of his single ‘Punk Rocky’ released on January 5. Not one to produce low effort music videos, A$AP Rocky, full name Rakim Athelston Mayers, always exceeds expectations with his extravagant music videos. Alongside Ryder there are also appearances from the likes of Danny Elfman, Thundercat and ASAP Nast.

The song features otherworldly vocals paired with dream like music video visuals; the whole thing is a total acid trip in the best way possible. In one scene in particular Mayers’ bruised eye begins mouthing lyrics to the camera, totally eerie yet brilliant visual effects. Now more than ever considering the detrimental rise of AI usage to creat art, we require creativity and visual effects to be used in music videos. The livelihood of countless individuals is rooted in music video related jobs, whether that be planning the visuals or having a hand in set design, it is so important artists not only continue to make videos, but we continue to support them.

Winona Ryder makes her appearance as Mayers’ next-door neighbour in a garage-band esque set up. She initially appears lounging on her front porch in comfy attire before offering our leading man some home cooked goods. Ryder then goes on to join in an exciting party among friends before being busted by who we can only presume is her partner. Despite her screen time being short lived, Ryder will forever steal any role she is in, hopefully this urges her to take part in countless more music videos!

The track itself features a punk-rock inspired sound, leaving fans questioning the artistic direction and flow of this highly anticipated new record. Produced and written by Mayers himself alongside Cristoforo Donadi, Zach Forgarty and Ging. The artist alluded to the music video release by posting a 14-second teaser trailer on his social media pages, this featured a small snippet of the song, further building excitement.

The album is set to feature an all-star line up of producers, including Pharell Williams, Mike dean, Metro Boomin, The Alchemsit and many more.

The album art is undoubtedly extraordinary, and this is due to the fact it was created by none other than director Tim Burton. The cover features six of Mayers’ alter egos from the record, something we cannot wait to see delved into more. Burton’s eye for artistry has always been evident, notably when he picked Ryder as his leading lady in his hit film, Beetlejuice. It is incredible the pair have somewhat collaborated once again on an unlikely project.

‘Don’t Be Dumb’ is set to be Mayers’ fourth studio album, and we are coming up to almost eight years since his last studio release, ‘Testing’ which came out in 2018 so it is safe to say that fans are ecstatic for new music.

Due to illness RHCP will not be able to perform in Glasgow tonight July 1. We are working on ways to reschedule. Pls hold onto your tickets & wait for an update soon. RHCP love Scotland & are deeply disappointed not to be able to perform the show. Thank you for your understanding pic.twitter.com/eUHEQPypA5

— Red Hot ChiliPeppers (@ChiliPeppers) July 1, 2022

In a statement posted to their socials, the group highlighted their disappointment in the cancellation and the plans for what will happen to fans missing out on their show, “We are working on ways to reschedule. Pls hold onto your tickets & wait for an update soon. RHCP love Scotland & are deeply disappointed not to be able to perform the show. Thank you for your understanding”. Obviously, fans have expressed their disappointment in the update, but in today’s day and age, show cancellations are almost to be expected every once in a while, just keep your fingers crossed.

The tour was set to be one of the band’s most significant as well, the band’s 12^th LP, Unlimited Love, acted as a bit of a reunion for the band and die-hard fans alike. With the return of legendary guitarist John Frusciante and even more legendary producer Rick Rubin, this would be the band’s first time with the classic setup since Stadium Arcadium in 2006. The band’s previous guitarist, Josh Klinghoffer, was a top-notch guitarist for the 15 or so years he was able to command the stage, but the return of Frusciante was the injection of excitement the band were long overdue after having a streak of lukewarm albums (in my opinion anyway).

While there is not yet any information on when the rescheduled Bellahouston Park date will land, or if any of the band’s other tour dates have been affected, there are still tickets available to a whole bunch of other shows on the European tour. Now the UK tour has essentially concluded, the band will return to the European festival circuit until the end of the year. You can find full information on the band’s dates here.

Since the attack, the London-born rapper, Octavian has called the country’s authorities “a little bit racist”, following his own ordeal and the treatment of A$AP Rocky, who was released from prison on Friday the 2nd of August 2019.

Speaking on Tim Westwood TV, Octavian said: “Fuck Sweden. I walked into the venue at my own headline show with a cup in my hand. It had alcohol which wasn’t from the venue, it was from outside. I was going straight from my tour bus into the venue and we got beaten up.

“We got beaten up by the security at my own headline show. I’m not saying the people in Sweden are racist, but the authorities are a little bit racist. They’ve got a serious problem against black culture and rappers in general.”

The Londoner is due to return to Sweden, this weekend, as he is scheduled to play, at Way Out West festival, in Stockholm. Before A$AP Rocky’s troubles, in Sweden, Octavian referred to being attacked in Sweden, during his headline gig, at London Forum, back in March. He asked the crowd to give “a big middle finger to Sweden”, during his show.

The news comes after A$AP Rocky had been held in prison, in Stockholm, since the 3rd of July 2019, on suspicion of assault. He had been arrested following an altercation between the rapper’s entourage and another man. Rocky’s trial began last Wednesday, the 31st of July 2019. After pleading not guilty, Rocky was released, on Friday the 2nd of August 2019, until the verdict of the trial is announced. This is expected to be on the 14th of August 2019.

The Dublin festival returns this year, to Marlay Park, taking place from the 5th of July to the 7th of July 2019. The weekend will see A$AP Rocky headlining Friday’s show, with Chance The Rapper headlining on the Saturday, and Cardi B headlining on Sunday, the festivals final day.

The announcement see another 12 names added to an already impressive line-up. Joining Cardi B will be Anne-Marie, Vince Staples, Gunna, Trippie Reed, Flatbush Zombies, AJ Tracey, JPEGMAFIA, J.I.D, Jimothy, H.E.R, and Joey Purp.

Delighted to announce CARDI B as the final headliner to this years #Longitude2019 lineup!
@AnneMarie & many more additions below!

➤ Tickets back on sale Friday 9:00am @iamCardiB pic.twitter.com/jquo8e0ykf

— Longitude Festival (@longitudefest) 28 January 2019

The confirmation of Cardi B’s appearance comes shortly after her return to London was announced – where she’ll headline Wireless Festival, two days before her Longitude appearance. Weekend tickets, for the Longitude festival will go on sale from this Friday (February 1), starting at €199.50.

When the video cuts to Twigs verse in the song she shows off her powerful dancing skills on a pole. She has always showcased her impressive flexibility on social media where she has posted several videos of her moves. Her elegant pole skills mix in with the video so well giving it the FKA touch we need.

This track is taken from Rocky’s third studio album “Testing” which was released back in May. On the album, he has also collaborated with the likes of Frank Ocean, Kodak Black, and Kid Cudi. Twigs appearance was very abrupt as this year the artist has been quiet as the singer released her third EP “M3LL155X” back in 2015. Her latest work was last November where she shared a new song ‘Trust in Me’ for a new Nike campaign.

Hopefully the next coming year FKA Twigs will surprise us with an Album. Until then watch the video down below.

The video is shot in a split-screen format, showing both rappers going about their daily lives in their respective home cities- New York for A$AP, and London for Skepta. The video was also directed by Dexter Navy, who has previously collaborated with the Harlem MC, and even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Video in 2016, for the track ‘L$D.’

Perhaps surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that the two rappers have collaborated. Rocky featured on Skepta’s track ‘Ghost Ride’, along with A$AP Nast, and the song itself was taken from Skepta’s EP Vicious.

Rocky had previously alluded to future work with the grime kingpin back in September, saying: “[I’ve] been working a lot with my boy Skepta, just exchanging energy and vibes in a brotherly way.”