Rihanna, the reigning queen of pop, has once again sent her fans into a frenzy with tantalizing hints about her much-anticipated new album, affectionately dubbed R9 by her devoted followers. During a recent red carpet appearance for her Fenty makeup brand, the Barbadian songstress offered a glimpse into the creative process behind the forthcoming record.
In response to questions about the highly-awaited follow-up to her 2016 masterpiece, Anti, Rihanna exuded confidence and excitement. “It’s gonna be amazing”, she declared with a smile. “It has to be — that is the only reason it’s not out yet. 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? 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”.
These latest remarks from Rihanna come over a year after she initially hinted at the album’s release date while promoting her Super Bowl halftime show. Despite previous expectations for a 2023 debut, the album has remained elusive. “I want it to be this year”, Rihanna exclaimed in February 2023. “But I just want to have fun. I just want to make music and make videos… And I need the right background music with the visuals. I can’t just go shoot a video to me talking”.
Ever since her last album, ‘Anti,’ released back in 2016, fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from the iconic pop star. In a conversation with Extra, Rihanna couldn’t contain her excitement, declaring, “It’s gonna be amazing. It has to be — that is the only reason it’s not out yet”. She emphasized the importance of the album capturing her growth and evolution as an artist during her time away from the spotlight. “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? 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”.
This isn’t the first time Rihanna has teased ‘R9.’ Over a year ago, while promoting her Super Bowl halftime show, she hinted that the album was slated for a 2023 release — a timeline that didn’t materialize. Rihanna expressed her eagerness to share the album with the world, emphasizing her focus on creating enjoyable music videos that complement the tracks. “I want it to be this year. Like, honestly, it’d be ridiculous if it’s not this year”, Rihanna stated in February 2023. “But I just want to have fun. I just want to make music and make videos… And I need the right background music with the visuals. I can’t just go shoot a video to me talking”.
Reports suggest that Rihanna has recorded over 500 songs for consideration on ‘R9.’ She likened the process of selecting tracks to revisiting old wardrobe choices, emphasizing how her taste and artistic direction have evolved over time. “It’s like, ‘Ew, no. I would never wear those again.’ Your taste changes, your vibe changes”, she remarked.
When asked about potential collaborations on ‘R9,’ Rihanna revealed that she’s selective about working with other artists. “I’m not a big collaborator… It has to be very intentional, so I’ll know when I have the record”, she admitted.
As fans eagerly await the arrival of ‘R9’, Rihanna’s unwavering dedication to her craft and commitment to artistic integrity continue to fuel anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to her discography.