Rihanna is busier than ever, but fans eagerly awaiting a new album might have to keep waiting.
The superstar singer, beauty mogul, and now voice actress hit the red carpet in Los Angeles for the premiere of Paramount Pictures’ new ‘Smurfs’ movie, in which she stars. While speaking with Variety, Rihanna was asked about her animated character and the ever-elusive follow-up to her 2016 album, ANTI.
Her response? Let’s just say it wasn’t music to the ears of the Navy.
Despite numerous teases and promises over the years, Rihanna hinted that new music is not currently a priority—a reality that fans have suspected as the years since ANTI stretch toward a decade.
Why the Delay?
The Fenty Beauty boss has her hands full. Between her growing billion-dollar business empire, two young children, and a third baby on the way, it’s no surprise that recording and touring may be taking a back seat.
While Rihanna has contributed songs to films in recent years—like Lift Me Up for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—a full studio album remains MIA.
Fans Still Hopeful
Even though the latest update wasn’t promising, fans are holding out hope that new Rihanna music will eventually drop.
Until then, the Navy can catch her in the animated world of ‘Smurfs’, where she lends her voice to one of the film’s lead characters.
Rihanna says A$AP Rocky would play Papa Smurf in the next #SmurfsMovie pic.twitter.com/aht1voou1t
— Variety (@Variety) July 14, 2025
