Rihanna is reportedly preparing to release her ninth studio album, marking her first new music in eight years. The anticipated album comes after the singer reportedly scrapped an entire record’s worth of material, aiming to deliver a fresh sound that reflects her current life stage.
According to The Sun, an unnamed “well-placed industry insider” revealed that the 36-year-old artist has been meticulously working on her new album, discarding previous attempts to ensure its quality. “It’s been a running joke how long Rihanna’s ninth album has taken to be released, but finally, the wait is almost over,” the source stated. The insider explained that Rihanna’s desire for a new and fresh sound led to the abandonment of previous recordings, noting that she explored various genres including pop, reggae, and hip hop.
Rihanna’s last album, Anti, was released in 2016. Since then, she has focused on her personal life and business ventures. She welcomed her son, RZA, with partner A$AP Rocky in May 2022, followed by their daughter, Riot Rose, in August 2023. In addition to her music career, Rihanna has significantly expanded her wealth through her successful Fenty cosmetics and Savage X Fenty lingerie brands, which contribute to her estimated net worth of over $1.4 billion (£1.1 billion).