Rihanna reveals that album has been in the works for eight years
Rihanna is back in the spotlight, and her fans are buzzing with excitement about her upcoming album. After a long hiatus since the 2016 release of Anti, Rihanna recently sat down with Harper’s BAZAAR to spill some tea about the highly anticipated follow-up. Known for her musical hits and business empire, the Barbadian superstar’s new album promises to be her most unique project yet, marked by a journey of self-discovery and artistic freedom. Here’s everything you need to know about Rihanna’s creative evolution, her life away from music, and what fans can expect from her next musical chapter.
A New Era for Rihanna’s Music: Embracing “New Freedom”
Rihanna’s return to music after nearly eight years has been a long-awaited event for fans. The singer shared that her artistic process has evolved significantly, stating, “I’ve been in the studio the whole eight years. But it didn’t hit me. I was searching for it.” This reflects the growth and maturity Rihanna has experienced in her personal and professional life during the time away from the music scene.
Her comments signal a shift in her approach to making music. She explained that she explored various ideas for her album, unsure of the direction she wanted to take. “I went through phases of what I wanted to do,” Rihanna confessed. “This kind of album, not that album.” She seems to be in a phase where artistic exploration is at the forefront. Rihanna is ready to break free from expectations, and she’s embracing the freedom to craft something entirely new.
Rihanna’s New Sound: Unpredictable and Raw
Fans who have grown accustomed to Rihanna’s chart-topping hits might be in for a surprise. As she revealed, this upcoming album is not going to follow the typical formula expected from a mainstream artist. “It’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible,” Rihanna boldly claimed. Instead, the album will be an authentic expression of her artistry in its purest form.
For fans, this means an album that might not necessarily be tailored to the conventional pop sound that has defined much of Rihanna’s past work. Rihanna is making music that aligns with who she is today. “It’s going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now,” she shared. This suggests that Rihanna is aiming to create something truly unique, potentially exploring new genres, sounds, and collaborations that could surprise even the most dedicated fans.
As Rihanna moves into this next phase, it’s clear that she wants her album to be more than just a commercial success. She wants it to be a genuine expression of who she is as an artist now. This level of self-reflection and creative freedom is inspiring and signals a new chapter in her career.
From Music to Business: The Fenty Empire
While Rihanna is known for her undeniable talent in the music industry, over the past few years, she’s also become a powerhouse businesswoman. With her Fenty brand taking the fashion and beauty worlds by storm, it’s easy to understand why her music took a backseat. Her Fenty Beauty line became a game-changer, offering an inclusive range of products that revolutionized the beauty industry. Additionally, Fenty Skin and her Savage X Fenty lingerie brand have continued to build her global empire.
But the shift in focus to her business ventures didn’t mean that Rihanna wasn’t thinking about music. As she stated, she’s spent the last eight years in the studio. However, it wasn’t until recently that the spark for her next album reignited. Her time away allowed her to grow as a person and a businesswoman, which will undoubtedly influence the themes and sound of her upcoming work.
The evolution of Rihanna’s career from music to business is a testament to her adaptability and versatility. She’s managed to maintain a solid presence in both industries, showing that she can excel not just as a performer but as a mogul. However, now that she’s found her creative freedom, Rihanna is gearing up for a musical comeback that promises to be full of surprises.
Rihanna’s Personal Life: Balancing Family and Fame
Rihanna’s personal life also plays a significant role in her journey. She is in a loving relationship with rapper A$AP Rocky, and they are raising a family together. The couple’s journey has not been without challenges, as A$AP Rocky recently faced a legal battle, ultimately being found not guilty in an assault trial.
Despite A$AP Rocky’s wishes for her not to attend the trial, Rihanna showed her commitment and loyalty by being there for him. “I was sort of supporting his decision to keep her away. The trial’s not about Rihanna,” A$AP Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, shared. “She called me one day and she was like, ‘Joe, wild horses aren’t going to keep me away, so let him know, I’m coming.’” Rihanna’s unwavering support for A$AP Rocky during this difficult time only strengthens her image as someone who values family above all else.
It’s clear that Rihanna’s personal life and her role as a mother and partner have deeply influenced her artistry. Being a mother has brought her a new perspective, and it’s possible that her upcoming album will reflect her growth as both an artist and a parent.
What We Can Expect from Rihanna’s Next Album
So, what can fans expect from Rihanna’s long-awaited album? While details are still under wraps, one thing is certain: It’s going to be a bold and unpredictable project that reflects Rihanna’s evolution as an artist. Fans have been eagerly waiting for new music, and Rihanna seems ready to deliver something that will exceed expectations.
The eight-year gap between albums has allowed Rihanna to explore different aspects of herself and her creativity. Her time away from the limelight has been spent crafting something that is not just a product of the past, but a true reflection of who she is today. Rihanna’s promise to deliver music that is “where my artistry deserves to be right now” signals that this album will be a milestone in her career.
With Rihanna’s newfound sense of freedom, we can expect her music to take risks and explore new sonic landscapes. Whether she delves into genres she hasn’t explored before or collaborates with unexpected artists, her album is sure to be an exciting and refreshing experience for fans.
Rihanna’s Journey of Artistic Growth
Rihanna’s comments about her new album show that she’s in a place of artistic growth. She’s no longer constrained by expectations or the pressure to create radio hits. Instead, she’s focused on creating something that resonates with her as an artist, without trying to fit into the mold that people expect from her.
This process of creative discovery has taken time, but it’s clear that Rihanna has finally found her spark again. The journey of finding her sound may have been long, but it’s this kind of dedication and passion that has made Rihanna one of the most influential artists of her generation. Her upcoming album will undoubtedly be a reflection of everything she’s learned along the way, and her fans can’t wait to hear what she’s been working on.
Conclusion
Rihanna’s return to music is a highly anticipated event, and her new album promises to be a thrilling new chapter in her already impressive career. Her creative freedom and self-discovery are evident in her approach to making music, and fans can expect an album that is unpredictable, authentic, and deeply personal. As Rihanna navigates her life as a businesswoman, mother, and partner, it’s clear that her journey will continue to inspire her music in powerful ways.
With the weight of expectations on her shoulders, Rihanna seems poised to deliver something truly special. Whether she’s crafting an experimental sound or reflecting on her personal growth, her upcoming album is sure to make waves in the music industry. Fans can only hope that the album will showcase the strength, grace, and artistry that Rihanna has always embodied. The wait may have been long, but it looks like it will be worth it.