Is Rihanna Releasing a New Album ? The Truth Behind “R9”
Fans have been waiting for R9 since 2016. Is this finally the year?
It has become the most agonizing question in pop culture: Is Rihanna releasing a new album? Since the release of her critically acclaimed masterpiece Anti in 2016, the Navy (her devoted fanbase) has been in a state of perpetual waiting. We have seen her build a billion-dollar beauty empire, revolutionize the lingerie industry, and become a mother of two. But musically? The airwaves have been largely silent, save for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack contribution.
As we navigate through the musical landscape of 2025, where peers like Taylor Swift continue to dominate the news with constant releases, the absence of a new Rihanna project feels heavier than ever. Is “R9” (the placeholder name for her ninth studio album) a myth, or is it actively in production?
In this comprehensive guide, we are breaking down every rumor, every interview snippet, and every studio leak to answer the ultimate question. We will analyze why the delay has lasted this long, what the album might sound like, and whether 2025 is finally the year the drought ends.
The Current Status: What We Know in 2025
To understand the probability of a release, we have to look at the most recent breadcrumbs Rihanna has dropped. Unlike other artists who disappear completely, Rihanna stays in the public eye, often taunting interviewers about the album status.
“Starting Over”
In recent appearances, Rihanna has hinted at a creative reset. After years of recording demos that never saw the light of day, sources suggest she has scrapped earlier concepts to find a sound that matches her current life as a mother and mogul. This perfectionism is a double-edged sword; it ensures quality but guarantees delays.
Much like the intense scrutiny surrounding Selena Gomez’s trending news in 2025 regarding her return to music, Rihanna faces immense pressure. She isn’t just releasing a collection of songs; she is following up on an album that defined a decade.
The Reggae Influence
For years, the prevailing rumor was that R9 would be a reggae or dancehall album, paying homage to her Barbadian roots. Collaborators like Diplo and Pharrell Williams have been linked to the project at various stages. However, as of 2025, insiders suggest the album has evolved into something more experimental, potentially blending rock, pop, and Caribbean influences.
Prepare for the Drop: Listen to Anti on Vinyl
While we wait for R9, revisit the album that changed everything. The 2LP vinyl edition of Anti offers the best sound quality for tracks like “Love on the Brain.”
Check Price on AmazonThe “R9” Timeline: A History of Hope and Heartbreak
If you feel like you’ve been reading headlines about this album for a decade, it’s because you have. Here is a breakdown of the rollercoaster timeline regarding Rihanna’s musical hiatus.
| Year | The Rumor/Event | The Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Rihanna confirms she is in the studio working on a reggae album. | No release. Focus shifted to Fenty Beauty global expansion. |
| 2019 | She trolls fans on Instagram, claiming the album is done but she refuses to release it. | The “R9” meme is born, but no music drops. |
| 2021 | Paparazzi ask about the album; she says “soon.” | She becomes a billionaire (officially) and music seems to take a backseat. |
| 2022 | Release of “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther. | Her first solo lead single since 2016, but not an album track. |
| 2023 | Super Bowl Halftime Show. | Millions expected an album announcement. Instead, we got a celebrity baby announcement for her second child, Riot Rose. |
| 2024/2025 | A$AP Rocky confirms she is “working on it.” | Tentative hope for a late 2025 release. |
Why Has It Taken So Long?
It is easy to be frustrated, but when you look at Rihanna’s life trajectory, the delay makes sense. She has transitioned from a pop star churning out an album a year (the Unapologetic to Talk That Talk era) to a multifaceted business tycoon.
1. The Fenty Effect
Rihanna didn’t just start a brand; she shifted the culture. Fenty Beauty forced the entire cosmetic industry to rethink shade ranges. This level of business requires immense time. When we look at other moguls, like Kylie Jenner’s net worth and businesses, we see a similar pattern: as business grows, creative artistic output often slows down or changes form.
2. Motherhood
Rihanna welcomed two children, RZA and Riot Rose, with partner A$AP Rocky in quick succession. Priorities shift when you have a young family. The demand of a world tour is grueling. While some stars like Beyoncé manage it, Rihanna has openly stated she wants to enjoy her time as a mother.
3. The “Anti” Legacy
Anti was not an immediate commercial smash in the traditional sense, but it became a critical darling and a streaming giant. It proved she was an artist, not just a singles machine. Following that up is daunting. She is reportedly scrapping songs that don’t beat Anti in quality.
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Check Price on AmazonThe Musical Landscape: Where Would R9 Fit?
The music industry has changed drastically since 2016. The streaming era is fully mature, and TikTok dictates hits. If Rihanna releases a new album, she enters a ring currently occupied by a new generation of pop stars.
For instance, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet phenomenon has shown how domination looks in the mid-2020s—shorter songs, high virality, and intense aesthetic branding. Would Rihanna adapt to this short-form content style, or would she deliver a cinematic, cohesive body of work like BeyoncĂ©’s Cowboy Carter?
Potential Collaborations
Who would be on R9? The industry is buzzing with theories.
- A$AP Rocky: Given their relationship, a collaboration is almost guaranteed.
- SZA: They shared a hit with “Consideration,” and fans are desperate for round two.
- Drake: Unlikely given past history, but never say never in the music industry.
- Billie Eilish: Rihanna has expressed admiration for Billie’s unique style.
The Long Hiatus: Good or Bad for Her Career?
Is making fans wait almost a decade a genius marketing move or a risk of losing relevance? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Advantages of the Wait
- Mystique: Scarcity creates value. When she drops, the world will stop.
- Quality Control: She isn’t rushing out filler tracks just to meet a contract.
- Brand Building: She has cemented herself as a fashion and beauty icon, distinct from just “singer.”
Disadvantages of the Wait
- Fan Frustration: The “Navy” is tired of being teased.
- Industry Shifts: Trends change fast. A sound recorded in 2022 might sound dated in 2025.
- High Expectations: The longer the wait, the higher the bar. Anything less than a masterpiece will face harsh criticism.
Latest News & 2025 Rumors
As of late 2024 and early 2025, the rumor mill has kicked into high gear again. There have been sightings of Rihanna leaving recording studios in Los Angeles late at night—often a sign that crunch time is happening.
Furthermore, her style choices often foreshadow her eras. Just as Bella Hadid’s fashion style in 2025 influences street trends, Rihanna’s recent pivot to “mob wife aesthetic” mixed with high-fashion grunge might hint at a rock or alternative influence on the new record.
We also cannot ignore the touring rumors. Live Nation insiders have whispered about holding stadium dates for late 2025 or 2026. A tour of that magnitude usually requires a new album to support it.
Frequently Asked Questions About R9
Is Rihanna releasing a new album in 2025?
While there is no official release date confirmed by Rihanna or her label, intense studio activity and comments from her partner A$AP Rocky suggest that 2025 is a highly probable year for the release of her ninth studio album.
What will Rihanna’s new album be called?
Fans have affectionately dubbed the album “R9”, and Rihanna has acknowledged this nickname, joking in interviews that she might actually name it that because the term has been “burned into her skull” by fans asking for it.
Why did Rihanna stop making music?
Rihanna never officially “stopped” making music, but she took a hiatus to focus on her businesses (Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty) and her personal life, including becoming a mother to two children.
Will Rihanna go on tour in 2025?
Rumors of a massive world tour have circulated since her Super Bowl performance. Typically, a major tour follows an album release, so if R9 drops in 2025, a tour announcement would likely follow shortly after.
Conclusion: The Wait Continues (For Now)
So, is Rihanna releasing a new album? The answer is a tentative, hopeful “Yes.” The evidence points to a return. The studio sessions are real, the desire is there, and the industry is ready. However, Rihanna operates on her own timeline.
She has earned the right to release music only when she feels it is perfect. In a world of fast-food music consumption, Rihanna is preparing a gourmet meal. Until that day comes, we have eight incredible albums to stream, a beauty empire to shop from, and the knowledge that when R9 finally lands, it will likely be the biggest musical event of the decade.
Stay tuned for updates, because with Rihanna, the drop could happen at any second.
Support the Music
Complete your collection with the vibrant “Loud” album on vinyl while you wait for the next era to begin.
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