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Rihanna Confirms New Album Work After Decade-Long Hiatus
Rihanna has confirmed that she is currently recording a new studio album, the first since 2016’s Anti. On August 5, 2025, her partner A$AP Rocky announced on The Jason Lee Show that the Barbadian artist was in the studio, adding that she was “cooking” and “working.” The comment was followed by a brief apology from Rocky for the omission.
In February 2026, Rihanna posted a video on Instagram in which she said she would head to the studio after a personal commitment. She also mentioned preparing a Mardi Gras costume for her son. The post confirmed that she was actively working on new material, a development that has been the subject of speculation since the release of Anti.
Rihanna has spent the past decade focusing on her fashion and beauty ventures, including Savage X Fenty and Fenty Beauty, and on raising her three children: RZA (4), Riot (3) and Rocki (10 months). In a 2025 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she explained that she had been reluctant to return to the studio because she felt her creative vision had evolved. She said, “It’s not matching my growth. It’s not matching my evolution. I can’t stand by this.” The artist added that the time away from music should inform the next project.
The artist has also spoken about the pressure surrounding a follow‑up to Anti. In a 2023 interview with British Vogue, Rihanna described Anti as her “most brilliant album” and noted that she felt the expectation to surpass it was “toxic.” She emphasized that music should be an outlet and that a new record does not need to achieve commercial milestones to be meaningful. The comments suggest that the forthcoming album, informally titled R9 by fans, will reflect a more personal and experimental approach.
Earlier this year, Rihanna became the first woman to surpass 200 million certified units in the United States, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The milestone was reached with 200.5 million certified singles, a record that underscores her continued commercial relevance despite the absence of a full‑length release.
The exact release date for R9 remains unknown. No record label or distribution partner has announced a timeline, and the artist has not issued a public statement beyond the studio confirmation and Instagram video. Industry observers note that the lack of a firm schedule is not uncommon for artists who take extended breaks between projects.
In summary, Rihanna is actively recording a new album after a decade without a studio release. She has confirmed studio activity through partner A$AP Rocky’s statement and her own Instagram post. The project, tentatively called R9, is expected to reflect her evolved artistic vision and may draw on the experience gained from her business ventures and family life. The music industry will continue to monitor official announcements for a release window, potential singles, and any accompanying promotional activities.
In February 2026, Rihanna posted a video on Instagram in which she said she would head to the studio after a personal commitment. She also mentioned preparing a Mardi Gras costume for her son. The post confirmed that she was actively working on new material, a development that has been the subject of speculation since the release of Anti.
Rihanna has spent the past decade focusing on her fashion and beauty ventures, including Savage X Fenty and Fenty Beauty, and on raising her three children: RZA (4), Riot (3) and Rocki (10 months). In a 2025 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she explained that she had been reluctant to return to the studio because she felt her creative vision had evolved. She said, “It’s not matching my growth. It’s not matching my evolution. I can’t stand by this.” The artist added that the time away from music should inform the next project.
The artist has also spoken about the pressure surrounding a follow‑up to Anti. In a 2023 interview with British Vogue, Rihanna described Anti as her “most brilliant album” and noted that she felt the expectation to surpass it was “toxic.” She emphasized that music should be an outlet and that a new record does not need to achieve commercial milestones to be meaningful. The comments suggest that the forthcoming album, informally titled R9 by fans, will reflect a more personal and experimental approach.
Earlier this year, Rihanna became the first woman to surpass 200 million certified units in the United States, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The milestone was reached with 200.5 million certified singles, a record that underscores her continued commercial relevance despite the absence of a full‑length release.
The exact release date for R9 remains unknown. No record label or distribution partner has announced a timeline, and the artist has not issued a public statement beyond the studio confirmation and Instagram video. Industry observers note that the lack of a firm schedule is not uncommon for artists who take extended breaks between projects.
In summary, Rihanna is actively recording a new album after a decade without a studio release. She has confirmed studio activity through partner A$AP Rocky’s statement and her own Instagram post. The project, tentatively called R9, is expected to reflect her evolved artistic vision and may draw on the experience gained from her business ventures and family life. The music industry will continue to monitor official announcements for a release window, potential singles, and any accompanying promotional activities.
