During a recent red carpet appearance, global music sensation Rihanna tantalized fans with insights into her much-awaited new album, affectionately referred to as R9. The Grammy-winning artist, known for her chart-topping 2016 release Anti, shared with Extra that the forthcoming album is poised to be nothing short of spectacular.
“It’s gonna be amazing. It has to be — that is the only reason it’s not out yet,” Rihanna expressed when questioned about the follow-up to Anti. Emphasizing the importance of evolution and growth in her music, she added, “If I’m not feeling it and I’m not feeling like it represents the evolution, the time I spent away. There should be a show of growth, right?”
The star, attending the launch of her new Fenty Beauty Soft’lit Foundation in Los Angeles, further elaborated on her creative process. “I want to play, and I feel like music is a playground, and I want to have fun with it and show truly where I am at,” Rihanna remarked, underscoring her desire for authenticity and enjoyment in her musical journey.
Addressing speculation about collaborations on R9, Rihanna revealed, “I’m not a big collaborator… It has to be very intentional, so I’ll know when I have the record.” Her candid comments shed light on her deliberate approach to featuring artists on her projects.
These updates from Rihanna come after previous statements about the album’s expected release. In February 2023, while discussing her Super Bowl halftime show, Rihanna expressed optimism about a 2023 release, stating, “I want it to be this year. Like, honestly, it’d be ridiculous if it’s not this year.” However, she emphasized her focus on enjoyment and creativity in music-making.
Just recently, Rihanna shared with Entertainment Tonight her confidence in the quality of her work in progress, describing it as “so good” and hinting at potential hits in the making. These teasers from Rihanna continue to build anticipation among fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of R9.
