Rihanna Confirms New Album Work Amid 200-Million-Unit Milestone

Rihanna has confirmed she is recording a new studio project, the first since her 2016 album Anti, after her partner A$AP Rocky publicly announced the singer’s presence in a recording studio on August 5 2026. The announcement comes after Rihanna herself posted a short video on Instagram in February 2026, in which she said she would be heading to the studio after a personal commitment.

During an interview on The Jason Lee Show, A$AP Rocky said, “She in the studio right now,” adding, “Yeah, I said it. Sorry, babe. Like, bro, she working. She cooking, no funny s—t.” The rapper’s comment was made public on the podcast’s August 5 episode and was later reported by several entertainment outlets. Rihanna’s own Instagram clip, shared in February, showed her saying, “I have to go to the studio after this,” and noted she would also be preparing a Mardi Gras costume for her son.

Rihanna has not released a full‑length album in ten years. Her last studio effort, Anti, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and earned six‑times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The singer has continued to release singles and perform sporadically, but the decade‑long gap has drawn attention from fans and industry observers.

In a 2023 interview with British Vogue, Rihanna reflected on the critical reception of Anti, stating, “In hindsight, it really is my most brilliant album.” She later explained in a 2025 Harper’s Bazaar piece that the pressure to match or surpass that work has been a source of self‑criticism. “There’s this pressure that I put on myself. That if it’s not better than that then it is not even worth it,” she said, adding that music should simply feel good.

The artist’s comments suggest a shift in her creative mindset. She has said she wants to “play” again, indicating a more relaxed approach to the recording process. While no official release date or tracklist has been announced for the forthcoming project, the industry has dubbed it R9, following the numbering of her previous albums.

Beyond music, Rihanna has maintained a high public profile through her business ventures. She founded the lingerie brand Savage X Fenty and the cosmetics line Fenty Beauty, both of which have achieved significant commercial success. She also balances family life with her partner A$AP Rocky, who has three children: RZA (4), Riot (3) and Rocki (10 months). The singer’s focus on family and business has been cited as a reason for her extended hiatus from studio work.

In April 2026, Rihanna became the first woman to surpass 200 million RIAA‑certified singles, with 200.5 million units certified. The milestone underscores the lasting impact of her catalog, even as she steps back from the recording studio. The record also highlights the continued relevance of her earlier releases in the streaming era.

At this stage, the music industry has no confirmed timeline for the release of R9. The lack of a scheduled launch date means that fans and analysts must wait for further statements from Rihanna or her label, Roc Nation. Until then, the focus remains on her confirmed studio activity and the broader significance of her 200‑million‑unit achievement.

In summary, Rihanna is actively recording a new album, the first since Anti, while also celebrating a historic singles‑certification milestone. No release date has been announced, and the next public update will likely come from the artist herself or her management team.