After nearly a decade of anticipation, fans of pop icon Rihanna can rejoice as she recently confirmed she is working on her long-awaited ninth album, commonly referred to as R9. The 37-year-old superstar has not released new music since her chart-topping 2016 record, Anti, leaving dedicated followers hungry for updates. Speaking at the launch for her Fenty Beauty haircare line last year, Rihanna hinted at her return to the studio and has now shared exciting details about the project.
"I just cracked the code on what I really want to do for my next body of work. I am actually feeling really good about this. I know I kept saying this over the years," Rihanna expressed to Harper’s Bazaar during her recent cover interview. She revealed, "I’ve been in the studio the whole eight years," indicating her commitment to creating something meaningful and impactful. The wait for new music may have been long, but she emphasized the importance of the upcoming album’s significance, stating, "After waiting eight years, you might as well just wait some more."
Despite rampant speculation over the potential styles and genres of the new album, Rihanna adamantly rejected defining it to any one sound. Reports had hinted at possible reggae influences, but she explained, "There’s no genre now. That’s why I waited.” Her evolution as both an artist and an individual has informed her creative process, leading her to new directions. She elaborated, saying, "Every time, I was just like, 'No, it's not me. It's not right. It's not matching my growth. It's not matching my evolution.'" Her self-reflection reveals the depth of thought she's put behind her music, as she aims to demonstrate worth and relevance after her long hiatus.
At this phase of her life, the Grammy-winning singer also discussed her perspective on aging. Reflecting on her experiences, she acknowledged, "Getting old is s***, but it’s also a blessing." Balancing her creative career with motherhood to her two sons, RZA and Riot, Rihanna highlighted the importance of living for the moment. "My legacy is right now. That’s all I have the most control over," she noted, indicating her desire to create lasting memories.
Meanwhile, the pop music scene is also seeing transformation with the emergence of social media sensation Addison Rae. Formerly known for her viral TikTok dances, Rae has transitioned to pop music with her latest single, "High Fashion," cementing her status as a rising musical powerhouse. Since her breakout on social media back in 2019, Rae has made strides to define her sound and artistic identity.
After releasing several singles throughout 2023 to mixed reactions, the 23-year-old artist appears to have found her niche with "High Fashion." This single continues her exploration of hyper-pop, following earlier tracks like "Diet Pepsi" and "Aquamarine.” With its catchy synth-pop and new-wave R&B elements, the song expresses her tongue-in-cheek desire for luxury fashion over substance, making for a compelling, relatable topic. The visuals accompanying the song, featuring Rae’s playful antics with silver powder, have drawn attention to her artistic vision and branding.
Critically, what stands out most about Rae’s new chapter is the cinematic quality of her music videos. Evocative of Sofia Coppola’s aesthetic, the low-light visuals and artistic flourishes showcase Rae's growth as both an artist and performer. "High Fashion" is part of a trilogy of singles leading up to her debut album, though details surrounding the album’s release remain under wraps. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if more singles will precede the official announcement of her impending album.
Rae’s emergence as “the next It Girl” reflects her determination to reshape her image from TikTok phenomenon to serious artist. The transformation has not been lost on her fans, who express their support and excitement for her future projects. The growth of both artists embodies the ever-changing landscapes of the music industry, where innovative creations respond to the cultural zeitgeist of today.
With Rihanna reconvening her creative efforts and Addison Rae establishing her foothold within the music world, the remainder of 2024 holds promise for fans and music enthusiasts alike. Whether through introspective ballads or catchy pop tunes, both women are shaping their legacies as they navigate their artistic journeys.