After years of speculation and what has felt like an endless wait for her fans, Rihannahas finally confirmed that her next album is in progress. However, it will still be some time before we get to hear it. One thing is certain: don’t expect something conventional or similar to her past work. The artist has made it clear that this project will be unlike anything she has released before.
One of the biggest questions remains: When will Rihanna’s new album be released?
A 9-Year Wait for ‘R9’
Since the release of Antiin 2016, Rihanna has not dropped another full album, leaving her fans eagerly anticipating new music from the Barbadian superstar. However, she has remained patient when it comes to her return to music. Now that she’s back in the studio, she has revealed that she’s being very selective about her comeback.
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Over the past nine years, Rihanna has been searching for the right direction for her next project, discarding ideas that didn’t truly represent her artistic growth. Creating an album that lives up to the legacy of Anti, Unapologetic, or Talk That Talk is no easy feat.
«Every time I tried to start something, it just didn’t feel like it fit who I am now. I didn’t want to release music just for the sake of it. After all this time, I knew it had to be worth it,» she said in a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar.
What Is Rihanna’s Next Album’s Release Date?
The artist isn’t ready to reveal the release date for R9 just yet, but she’s working on it.
«I just cracked the code on what I really want to do for my next body of work,» she told Harper’s Bazaar.
«I am actually feeling really good about this,» Rihanna added. She acknowledged, «I know I kept saying this over the years.» But this time, she feels confident: «It feels like it digs right into where I need to be. This body [of work] needs to come out, and I’m ready to go there.»
Rihanna speaks on her upcoming ninth album ‘R9’
“I’ve been in the studio the whole eight years. I know it’s not going to be anything that anybody expects. And it’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible… I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl!”
As for the sound of her new music, Rihanna has revealed that it won’t follow any specific genre and will steer away from commercial expectations.
«It’s not an album for the radio; it’s an album for art. It’s what my creativity needs to express right now,» she said.
It’s clear that she is prioritizing her authenticity over external pressures and expectations.
During this nine-year musical hiatus, Rihanna has faced constant comments and criticism for not dedicating more time to releasing music. However, in the interview, she shared that her decisions are now deeply influenced by her children. She also emphasized that she has learned to find a balance between family life and her passion for music.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are seen outside of Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on February 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Rihanna Assures Fans She Won’t Disappoint
Even though R9 remains a mystery, Rihanna is confident that she has finally found the inspiration and direction needed for a project worthy of marking her musical comeback.
«This project gives me a sense of freedom that I haven’t felt in years. I’ve been searching for this energy for a long time, and now that I have it, I know it’s the right time,» she said.
There is still no estimated release date for Rihanna’s next album, but one thing is certain: the wait will be worth it.
«I’m not going to release anything mediocre. Not after all these years,» she affirmed.
And given her impeccable track record, fans can rest assured that she won’t disappoint—neither her loyal audience nor music lovers in general.
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