A$AP Rocky has intensified the anticipation for his forthcoming album Don’t Be Dumb with the release of a striking black-and-white video for his latest single, “HIGHJACK.” The video, which premiered on Wednesday, August 21, was co-directed by Rocky alongside Thibaut Grevet and his AWGE creative team.
The visually arresting clip features Rocky performing against the backdrop of a grand, stylized house, embodying the moody atmosphere of the track. “HIGHJACK” has already stirred considerable buzz since its release earlier this month, largely due to its perceived subliminal jabs at fellow rapper Drake.
The track, which includes contributions from singer Jessica Pratt, contains verses that seem to directly target Drake. Rocky raps in the first verse: “Fuck your ho ’cause she like that / Yeah, bitch fat ass, pretty, I might wife that / N-ggas swear they pimpin’, Scottie simpin’, get your wife back.” This verse appears to criticize Drake’s romantic interests and personal life.
Further fueling speculation, Rocky alludes to Drake’s past relationship with Rihanna, rapping: “These n-ggas want my wife bad, the people want my next track.” This perceived diss is part of a broader trend of tension between the two artists.
The feud between Drake and A$AP Rocky has been ongoing, especially following DJ Kast One’s recent comments on Hot 97. Kast One disclosed that Rocky’s album features multiple diss tracks aimed at prominent figures, including Drake. “I heard A$AP Rocky definitely addressing a lot of the main topics that are happening out there right now,” Kast One noted. “Let’s just say the list keeps going on strong.” DJ Kast One added that Rocky’s confrontational stance would solidify his position on Drake’s list of rivals.
Drake and Rocky, who previously collaborated on the hit “Fucking Problems,” have been in a war of words since Drake’s subtle critiques of Rihanna. In his track “Fear of Heights” from the album For All the Dogs, Drake rapped: “Why they make it sound like I’m still hung up on you? / That could never be / Gyal can’t run me / Better him than me / Better it’s not me.”
Drake also seemingly referenced Rihanna’s 2016 album ANTI in his lyrics: “I’m anti, I’m anti / Yeah, and the sex was average with you / Yeah, I’m anti ’cause I had it with you / Okay, I’m auntie like your daddy’s sister / Auntie like a family picture / And I had way badder bitches than you, TBH / Yeah, that man, he still with you, he can’t leave you / Y’all go on vacation, I bet it’s Antigua.”
Rocky responded with a track featuring Kid Cudi and later took aim at Drake again on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Show of Hands,” boasting about his past involvement with Drake’s former partner, Sophie Brussaux. Drake’s retaliation included a broadside in his diss track “Family Matters,” which addressed Rocky among other adversaries such as Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and The Weeknd.