On Oct. 28, Rihanna rocked the music world by releasing her first new song in six years, “Lift Me Up.” The single, which appeared as a part of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, was not only Rihanna’s first release since her wildly successful 2016 studio album ANTI, but also preceded the announcement that the pop star would headline Super Bowl LVII. Due to Rihanna’s adamancy to remain inactive over the past 6 years, fans were both shocked and delighted at this sudden spike in action from the singer, leaving many suspicious that a new album is on the horizon.

Here’s what we know about what's in the works.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is (hopefully) Just the Beginning

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever features two new Rihanna tracks, “Lift Me up,” and “Born Again.” These two stunning ballads, not only turned the heads of hardcore Rihanna fans, but also everyone else, with “Lift Me Up” debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B & Hip Hop Charts. This was also Rihanna’s first spot on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2017 when DJ Khaled released his smash hit “Wild Thoughts,” on which Rihanna and Bryson Tiller are featured. While two new soundtrack songs are a far cry from an entirely new album, their release, in conjunction with the Super Bowl announcement as well as some interviews with the singer, seem to hint that there may be more new music to come.

Super Bowl LVII

In September, after rumors circulated that pop star Taylor Swift would headline the 2023 Super Bowl, Rihanna quickly silenced gossip by announcing that she would be this year’s headliner. Her highly anticipated performance, that could feature a slew of special guests, is also reportedly being made into an Apple TV documentary, adding to suspicion that Rihanna’s hiatus as a singer may be ending.

In an exclusive interview with ET, Rihanna told interviewers that she wanted to “incorporate a lot of culture” into her show. “I want to incorporate different aspects of entertainment and things that I just enjoy and bring it to the stage,” Rihanna told ET. “I want to celebrate the music that I’ve made.”

This hints at the idea that the singer will reach back across her entire discography for an iconic, 2000s nostalgia filled performance. Possibilities for special guests include Drake, Shakira, Jay-Z, Calvin Harris, and Paul McCartney.

R9

In regards to Rihanna’s ninth studio, the question doesn’t seem to be if she will release it, it's when she will release it. Subtly hinting at recording new music for years now, Rihanna fans are praying that this sudden jump in musical activity is a sign that something is coming to follow ANTI – and fast.

In a May 2022 Vogue Cover interview, Rihanna conceptually discussed her new album, telling interviewers that she’s looking at it “completely differently from the way [she] had wanted to put it out before.” This not only solidifies that there is an album, but gives insight into the evolution of the project, which was originally rumored to be a reggae-inspired album based on a song that Rihanna recorded with Diplo in 2020 that was teased by Skylar Grey.

While potential names and releases of the mystery R9 are all still rumors, RiRi has made it crystal clear that this album will be very different from anything she’s ever released.

“You’re not gonna expect what you hear, just put that in your mind,” said Rihanna in an interview with AP. “Whatever you know of Rihanna’s not gonna be what you hear.”

Written by Emma Ehle, Photography: Krystal Pham, Social Media: Marlee Dockery

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