Rihanna has sparked excitement among her fans after being spotted entering a recording studio in New York City, raising hopes that her long-awaited ninth studio album may finally be on the way.
Rihanna’s Rare Studio Visit
On January 18, 2025, People magazine reported that the nine-time Grammy-winning artist was seen at the studio in the early hours of the morning. This marks a rare appearance for Rihanna, who hasn’t released an album since her critically acclaimed Anti in 2016. Dressed in a floor-length tan coat with fur accents, workout attire, and carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag, Rihanna’s visit has reignited excitement among her fanbase, the Navy, who have been eagerly awaiting new music.
Are We Getting ‘R9’ Soon?
The much-discussed album, once rumored to be titled R9, is now a central topic of speculation. Fans took to social media platform X to express their excitement, with one user exclaiming, “R9 IS COMING! GET UP NAVYS, WE ARE GETTING A NEW ALBUM.” Others referenced Rihanna’s earlier comments, noting that she mentioned starting new music projects in July 2024, raising the question of whether R9 would drop this year.
Other Possible Projects
While many fans are hopeful that Rihanna’s studio visit is related to new music, some skeptics believe she could be working on other projects. These include her role as Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs movie from Paramount, or perhaps promotional content related to her beauty empire, Fenty Beauty. One fan even expressed doubts, asking, “We keep getting photos of her going to the studio and yet… am I trippin???”
Balancing Motherhood and Music
Rihanna has opened up about the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood since welcoming her two sons, RZA (2) and Riot (17 months), with her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky. In a 2023 press conference for her Super Bowl Halftime Show, she candidly discussed how work has taken a toll on her time with her children, calling it “almost impossible” to juggle both.
A New Musical Perspective
In a June 2024 interview, Rihanna assured fans that R9 is on the way, but also emphasized her desire to approach it from a fresh perspective. “Music, for me, is a new discovery,” she said. “I want to go back and listen to stuff with new ears—my new perspective—and see what applies and what I’m still in love with.”
As the anticipation builds, Rihanna’s fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of her next move—whether it’s the highly anticipated album or another creative venture.
