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Tag: Rihanna

  • Rihanna teases special release ahead of ‘Music of the Sun’ 20-year milestone

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    On August 27, 2025, Rihanna sparked a wave of excitement by updating her social media profiles across X and Instagram. Her longtime profile picture was replaced, and the banner now showcases the titles of all her studio albums, signalling something big is on the horizon.

    Roc Nation, her label, further fuelled speculation with a shareable video plastered with the names of her albums and a link teasing new merchandise. The merch is set to drop this Friday, in honour of the 20th anniversary of her debut album, ‘Music of the Sun’.

    It’s been nearly a decade since Rihanna released her critically-acclaimed eighth album, ‘ANTI’. Whilst she’s made sporadic musical appearances—most recently contributing songs to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and a Smurfs movie soundtrack—fans have eagerly awaited new studio material. Rihanna has also been balancing her artistic pursuits with flourishing entrepreneurial ventures. Her Fenty brand—including fashion, beauty, and hair products—has elevated her to billionaire status. On the personal front, she and partner A$AP Rocky are expecting their third child.

    Amid all this, Rihanna has been quietly working on her ninth studio album. She recently shared during a red carpet interview at the Fenty Hair launch that she’s returning to the studio with renewed energy. Reflecting on her creative process, she said:

    “I’ve been working on the album for so long… now I’m prepared. So I’m gonna start over… see what I’m still in love with.”

    Whilst the merch drop is a confirmed celebration, fans are hoping this moment might also mark the beginning of a new musical chapter. Rihanna’s twenty-year milestone could well be the perfect launching point for her next era.

  • Rihanna’s ‘R9’: Breaking boundaries and defying genres

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    After nearly a decade since her critically acclaimed album ‘Anti’, Rihanna is poised to make a groundbreaking return with her ninth studio album, tentatively titled ‘R9’. In a recent interview, she revealed that this project will defy traditional genre classifications, marking a significant evolution in her musical journey.

    Addressing long-standing rumours, Rihanna dismissed the notion that ‘R9’ would be a Reggae album, stating, “Way off! There’s no genre now. That’s why I waited.” This departure from genre constraints reflects her desire to create music that authentically represents her personal and artistic growth over the past years. She emphasised the importance of this evolution, noting that after such a prolonged hiatus, the new music “needs to count… It has to matter.”

    Throughout her time away from the music scene, Rihanna has been exploring various musical directions, ensuring that her new work aligns with her current artistic vision. She expressed confidence in the direction of ‘R9’, stating, “I feel like I’ve finally cracked it.” This sentiment suggests a deep personal connection to the project, hinting at a body of work that is both innovative and reflective of her journey. Whilst fans eagerly await a release date, Rihanna has remained focused on ensuring that ‘R9’ meets her high standards. She has been candid about the challenges of balancing her multi-faceted career, including her successful ventures in fashion and beauty, with her passion for music. This careful approach underscores her commitment to delivering a project that resonates deeply with her audience.

    In addition to her musical endeavors, Rihanna has embraced motherhood, welcoming two sons, RZA and Riot, with her partner A$AP Rocky. This new chapter in her personal life has undoubtedly influenced her artistry, potentially offering fresh perspectives and themes in her upcoming work. As anticipation builds, it’s clear that ‘R9’ represents more than just a new album; it’s a testament to Rihanna’s artistic evolution and her refusal to be confined by expectations. Fans can look forward to a project that challenges conventions and offers an authentic glimpse into the mind of an artist unafraid to redefine herself.

  • Rihanna makes first court appearance at A$AP Rocky trial, accuser testifies

    On January 29, 2025, Rihanna made her first appearance at the Los Angeles trial of her partner, A$AP Rocky (legal name Rakim Mayers), who faces two felony assault charges for allegedly firing a handgun at former friend Terell Ephron, known as A$AP Relli. If convicted, Mayers could face up to 24 years in prison. During the proceedings, Ephron testified about the 2021 incident in Hollywood. He recounted confronting Mayers, who, after an initial scuffle, allegedly drew a firearm from his waistband. Ephron described the moment, stating, “He turned around and then it was like BOOM!” He added that he felt his hand become hot and realized he had been grased by a bullet.

    Mayers’ defense attorney contends that the shots were not from a real gun but from a prop starter pistol, asserting that Ephron was aware of this and is attempting to extort Mayers. The trial, which began on January 21, has delved into the strained relationship between the two, who were once close friends and collaborators within the A$AP collective. Rihanna, who shares two young sons with Mayers, attended the trial discreetly, sitting between Mayers’ mother and sister. Her presence underscores the high-profile nature of the case. The trial is ongoing, with the defense scheduled to cross-examine Ephron in the coming days.

  • Rihanna becomes the face of Dior’s J’Adore fragrance

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    Rihanna, the Bajan billionaire with power and influence, has officially announced that she is the face of Dior J’Adore. Her inaugural campaign launches this September “in a bid to reinvigorate the flagship fragrance range,” according to Business of Fashion. Everyone on her social media profiles is asking for the album, but I think if she is to drop one, it would be a surprise release or when we all least expect it. She has not announced her retirement, so we all have hope.

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