Rihanna fans may finally have a reason to get excited about new music. During a recent interview, A$AP Rocky teased that the Grammy-winning singer is working in the studio, leading many to believe her ninth studio album is on the horizon. While the rapper stopped short of revealing details, his comments have sparked fresh excitement among fans.
It has been more than a decade since Rihanna released her last studio album, and fans have eagerly been awaiting her next release, dubbed “R9.” As previously noted by The Blast, fans begged the singer to release new music on the ninth anniversary of “Anti,” but so far, nothing has been announced.
It appears there’s cause for celebration, though, as the singer’s longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, shared that Rihanna is busy working in the studio. In an appearance on “The Jason Lee Show,” the rapper was asked whether he was the reason why Rihanna has not released an album in 10 years.
He answered in the negative, adding that Rihanna was currently in the studio. “Yeah, I said it. Sorry, babe… Bro, she working. She cooking, no funny sh-t. D-mn, I’mma get in trouble for this. Her fans are going to kill me,” A$AP Rocky said.
Rihanna’s Last Album Was Released More Than 10 Years Ago
Rihanna has released eight studio albums since her 2005 debut, with the gaps between releases ranging from seven months to three years. Her most recent album, “Anti,” arrived on January 28, 2016, meaning fans have now waited more than a decade for its follow-up.
Three singles from the album dominated music charts, including “Work (featuring Drake),” “Love on the Brain,” and “Needed Me.” She also received six Grammy nominations for specific singles and the album.
While A$AP Rocky’s latest comments sparked excitement among some people, others are proceeding with caution. “She’s been in the studio for 10 years,” one user commented. “We will believe it when the album is on Spotify,” another wrote, followed by a crying emoji. “She been ‘cooking’ since Anti dropped and we still starving,” said another.
The Singer Is Juggling Her Career And Motherhood
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky began a romantic relationship in 2020, and they share three children: 4-year-old RZA, 3-year-old Riot, and 9-month-old Rocki. In previous interviews, Rihanna shared that she balances her career with motherhood.
In 2024, the singer caused a frenzy after she was photographed wearing a shirt that read, “I’m Retired,” leading many to believe she was making a statement. She later clarified that she was not officially retiring from making music, but she had to make some changes to be present in her children’s lives.
Throughout the years, Rihanna has also emphasized her desire to be a hands-on parent and have quality time with her children.
Rihanna Has ‘Cracked’ Her Next Album
Rihanna has been repeatedly asked about her ninth album over the years, but it seems she’s taking her time to figure out what style of music she wants to release.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar in 2025, the singer shared why, despite spending time in the studio, she hasn’t come up with a concept. “Every time, I was just like, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s not right. It’s not matching my growth. It’s not matching my evolution,” she said.
Rihanna also noted that her next album must be worth the time she took away from music, saying, “I have to show them the worth in the wait.” She did, however, reveal that she finally “cracked it,” teasing that her upcoming music is “not anything that anybody expects.”
In February, she sent fans into a frenzy after posting a video of herself working in a recording studio, per The Blast.
Rihanna Released Some Songs Since Her Last Album
Despite not releasing a full album, the singer and entrepreneur dropped some songs over the years. In 2022, two of her songs, “Lift Me Up” and “Born Again,” were included in the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack.
In 2025, she recorded the song “Friend of Mine” for the animated film “The Smurfs Movie,” in which she also voiced the character of Smurfette.
In addition, she also collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, N.E.R.D., PartyNextDoor, and DJ Khaled.
