A$AP Rocky returns today with “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n),” the second taste of his forthcoming album Don’t Be Dumb, following “Same Problems.” The song, which was co-produced by Rocky and Pharrell, has already climbed its way into the Top 20 on the Genius Top Songs chart—possibly thanks to a rumor-fueling lyric about Rocky’s partner, Rihanna.
Backed by an anthemic instrumental and heavy bass, Rocky interpolates the melody of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on the hook, where he vows to make some noise about what he believes in—a confidence that has come with age.
We grow, we learn and we live (Woo, woo)
I might start a riot (Woo, woo, woo)
We grow, we learn and we live (Woo, woo, woo)
Opposite of quiet (Woo, woo, woo)
On the post-chorus, Rocky reveals that he drew fashion inspiration (and song title inspiration) from legendary professional wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who’s known for wearing kilts in the ring.
I just bought designer kilts, yeah, I Roddy Pipe it (Uh, uh)
I just put some BDs on my whip with lime green pipin’ (Woo, woo, woo, woo, woo)
The line that’s caused speculation about his relationship with Rihanna opens the first verse. Rocky refers to her as his “wife” in the lyric, leaving many fans wondering if the couple, who share one kid and have another on the way, secretly tied the knot.
My wife is erotic, I’m smokin’ exotic (Woo, woo)
My whip is exotic, my crib is a cottage (Woo, woo, woo)
We may never get official confirmation on Rocky and Rihanna’s relationship status, but one thing we do know: They both got hella rich off their music. Rocky makes sure to brag about that fact—and all the fancy cars and clothes it affords him—for a lot of the verse’s remainder.
I’m way more deadly when my pen involved
Business suits, we the men in charge (Woo, woo)
Bottega suits on the business call (Woo, woo)
He makes more references to RiRi on the second verse, where he vows his faithfulness and either hints at a new collab with the pop singer or shouts out the music video for his 2022 song “D.M.B,” which Rihanna starred in alongside him.
Nah, bitch, this ain’t lip gloss (Uh, woo, woo, woo)
Luxe balm up in my palm (Uh, woo, woo)
New collab’ with my baby mom (Woo, woo, woo)
You can read all the lyrics to “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” on Genius now.
