During the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, Rihanna revealed she was pregnant (again). Fans across the internet lost it. Many of Rihanna’s fans were overjoyed with the news, while others wondered if or when she would drop a new album. Rihanna’s last album, Anti, dropped eight years ago in 2016 and earned her numerous Grammy nominations. The album has become a cult classic and has only built anticipation for her next drop.Â
In 2022, Rihanna released her original song “Lift Me Up” for the Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Rihanna’s return to music was huge and landed a debut at No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts. The Navy was excited to hear new music from Rihanna after so many years but still wanted to know when she would release a new album. In many interviews, the singer has playfully shied away from speaking about it, but in a Feb. 15 cover story with Britsh Vogue, she is ready to open up.
Rihanna addressed rumors about the new album in the wide-ranging interview. She said, “I realised that if I keep waiting for this, it’s going to keep taking forever, and it’ll never come out, and no, I’m not down to do that.” She expressed how she wants to “play” with her music and has “ideas in her head.” Rihanna finishes by saying she “can’t say them (the ideas) out loud yet.” We understand, Rih, keeping your cards close to your chest — fair play.Â
A new album is TBD… However, Rihanna told British Vogue she wanted to release new music this year. She says, “Honestly, it’d be ridiculous if it’s not this year… I want to make music and make videos.” Rihanna has given us some of the best visuals, and she misses them “almost more than the music.” She has also never stopped recording music, and that’s pretty reassuring, so besties, don’t lose hope just yet!Â
The balancing act of work, motherhood, and a relationship is not easy, but Rihanna has it down pat. In the interview, Rihanna speaks about how she and A$AP Rocky work together to protect their son’s privacy. When Rihanna first revealed her son, it was with a TikTok that has gained almost 30 million views. Rihanna is known to keep her life private, but this moment nearly broke the internet. A new baby on the way means more fabulous maternity looks from Rihanna and maybe a baby clothing line. One thing about Queen Rih, she keeps us on our toes.
See the full feature in the March issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday, 21st February.