Rihanna has thrilled fans by announcing that she has “finally cracked” her upcoming album after eight years in the making.
However, those eagerly awaiting new music from the pop icon will need to be patient a little longer.
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, published on February 22, Rihanna—who just celebrated her 37th birthday—opened up about the challenges and expectations surrounding her long-anticipated project.
“This much time away from music needs to count… It has to matter,” Rihanna emphasized. “I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put up anything mediocre.”
Rihanna’s last studio album, Anti, was released in 2016 and earned widespread acclaim, even securing a Grammy nomination. Since then, she has ventured into new territories, including motherhood and her billion-dollar beauty empire, Fenty Beauty. With two children alongside partner ASAP Rocky, Rihanna’s priorities have naturally evolved, but she disclosed that she has actually “been in the studio the whole eight years.”
“Every time, I was just like, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s not right. It’s not matching my growth,’” Rihanna shared, reflecting on her journey through music creation.
She admitted that previous versions of her highly anticipated album, dubbed R9 by fans, did not align with her artistic evolution. Determined to release something that truly resonates with her, the Umbrella hitmaker has spent years experimenting with different sounds, searching for the right direction.
“I was searching for it. I went through phases of what I wanted to do,” Rihanna explained. “It’s not going to be anything that anybody expects. And it’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible. It’s going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now.”
Despite the long wait, Rihanna’s unwavering commitment to her artistry remains her guiding force. She reassured fans that the album will reflect her creative and personal growth, marking a significant new chapter in her musical journey.
“I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl!” Rihanna concluded, hinting at an exciting new era for her devoted fanbase. While a release date remains under wraps, anticipation for Rihanna’s return to music has never been higher.