Rihanna is working on new music, according to A$AP Rocky, who has confirmed the singer is back in the studio nearly a decade after releasing her last album, Anti. The rapper revealed the update during an appearance on The Jason Lee Show, telling fans that Rihanna is actively creating new material.
The news comes as fans continue to wait for the follow-up to Anti, released in January 2016. Rihanna has not released a studio album since then, although she has remained active through live performances, business ventures, and major cultural moments.
A$AP Rocky confirms Rihanna is working on new music
During his appearance on The Jason Lee Show, A$AP Rocky addressed speculation that Rihanna’s family commitments and her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty businesses had delayed her return to music.
The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, dismissed those rumours and said Rihanna is currently focused on creating new songs.
“Nah. She in the studio right now. Yeah, I said it. Sorry, babe.”
“Bro, she working. She cooking, no funny s***. Damn, I’mma get in trouble for this.”
The comments have reignited anticipation among Rihanna’s global fanbase, known as the Navy, who have been waiting since Anti for a new full-length project.
Rihanna’s last album was Anti in 2016
Released in 2016, Anti became one of Rihanna’s most successful albums and included singles such as “Work”, featuring Drake, “Needed Me”, and “Love On The Brain”.
The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and earned Rihanna critical acclaim for its experimental approach and departure from her earlier pop and R&B sound.
Since then, Rihanna has released occasional singles and collaborations but has not announced a release date for a new album.
Rihanna returns to the stage at Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium show
Rihanna made a surprise return to live performance on July 12, joining Jay-Z during his Yankee Stadium show.
The singer performed “Run This Town” and “B**** Better Have My Money”, marking her first major stage appearance since headlining the Super Bowl LVII halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in 2023.
The New York crowd welcomed the unexpected appearance during a performance that also featured A$AP Rocky, who joined Jay-Z for “Fkin’ Problems”.
During her set, Rihanna acknowledged that she was returning after a long break from performing.
“Y’all know I’m rusty, right? It’s been a while, Y’all with me right now?”
Rihanna celebrates 20 years since debut album Music Of The Sun
In August 2025, Rihanna marked two decades since the release of her debut album, Music of the Sun.
The singer reflected on her career journey in a social media post, thanking fans who have supported her since the beginning of her career.
“20 years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music!”
Rihanna shared a montage highlighting key moments from her career, including music achievements, fashion milestones, and the growth of her Fenty businesses.
She continued:
“So many of you were a part of my life and career since the very beginning, and some of you have joined the adventure along the way. I’m forever grateful to all of you.”
“Each of you played a very crucial role in where this journey has taken me thus far! I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you!”
Rihanna thanks the navy for two decades of support
Rihanna also paid tribute to her fanbase and the teams who helped shape her career.
“20 years of the most loyal, die-hard fans that don’t play about me whatsoever.”
“20 years of hard work and hardworking teams around me, 20 years of lessons, 20 years of unforgettable experiences and accomplishments, 20 years of my family being my number one support system.”
The singer also thanked industry figures who supported her early career and credited her faith for her success.
“20 years worth of thanks to you!! I thank God, He’s been very generous to me and the Glory belongs to Him!”
No release date or official details for Rihanna’s next album have been announced yet.
