NEW YORK: The rollout for A$AP Rocky’s long-delayed album Don’t Be Dumb just took a strange and gritty turn. On Monday (Jan. 19), the Harlem rapper released “Air Force Black,” a lo-fi, bass-heavy collaboration with indie-rock darling Mac DeMarco. The track serves as the latest puzzle piece in Rocky’s experimental new era, blending his signature braggadocio with DeMarco’s slacker-psychedelic production.
A Sonic Clash of Cultures “Air Force Black” is an unlikely meeting of minds. While Rocky and DeMarco have been friends for years—often spotted together in Los Angeles studio sessions—this is their first major official release together.
The song plays on the internet meme culture surrounding “Black Air Force 1s,” a sneaker often associated with chaotic energy and fearlessness. Rocky leans into this persona, delivering verses that are less about fashion and more about menace. “Crease ’em if you want to / I’m stomping through the mud,” Rocky spits over a distorted, wobbly guitar riff provided by DeMarco.
Unlike the polished sounds of his previous single “Highjack,” this track feels raw, almost like a garage demo that was mastered for stadium speakers. DeMarco’s influence is heavy on the chorus, where his hazy, reverb-drenched vocals provide a ghostly contrast to Rocky’s aggression.
The ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ Era The release comes amid mounting anticipation for Rocky’s fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb. The project has seen several delays, but the arrival of “Air Force Black” suggests the finish line is near.
Insiders suggest the track was one of the final additions to the album. Speaking to Complex earlier this week, Rocky hinted at the collaboration’s vibe: “Me and Mac, we’re like oil and water that somehow makes a lava lamp. It’s weird, it’s distinct, and it’s very New York meets LA.”
Music Video: Lo-Fi Grit Accompanying the single is a music video directed by AWGE. Shot on 16mm film, the visual follows Rocky and DeMarco wandering through downtown Manhattan at night. It’s a stripped-back affair—no high-end CGI, just grainy footage of the duo causing mild havoc in bodegas and subway stations, fitting the “Black Air Force” energy of the track.
The video racked up 2 million views within hours of its release, with fans praising the departure from over-produced rap visuals.
“Air Force Black” is out now on all streaming platforms via RCA Records/AWGE.
