A$AP Rocky Recruits Danny Elfman, Performs ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ Songs in ‘SNL’ Debut

A$AP Rocky made his debut as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on Jan. 13, performing songs from his latest album.

The Harlem-born rapper appeared on the late-night sketch comedy show for the first time, delivering three tracks from his long-awaited album, Don’t Be Dumb, which was released the day before.

For the opener, Rocky took the stage at Studio 8H for a cameo-filled performance of the album’s lead single, “Punk Rocky.” The back-alley–themed set featured iconic composer Danny Elfman on drums and Thundercat on bass.

Mirroring the song’s chaotic music video, Rocky wore pink hair curlers and wielded a megaphone while performing in front of a spray-painted garage, with a cast of characters trashing the set in the background.

Later in the show, he returned for a medley of “Helicopter” and the album’s title track.

In addition to his musical performances, Rocky appeared in the sketch “Snack Homiez,” joining Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard and a cameo from Sabrina Carpenter for a teen podcast about snacks.

Don’t Be Dumb includes cameos from Tyler, The Creator and Doechii. Rocky’s last album, Testing, dropped in 2018 and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Both of his earlier albums — 2013’s Long. Live. ASAP and 2015’s At. Long. Last. ASAP — reached No. 1 on the chart.

Saturday marked the hip-hop star’s first time as a musical guest on SNL, though he previously appeared in a 2018 sketch called “Friendos” alongside Kenan Thompson and Donald Glover.

Watch A$AP Rocky’s SNL performances below.