Overview
- A$AP Rocky told The Jason Lee Show on Wednesday that Rihanna is “in the studio right now,” saying she was “cooking” and suggesting his remark may have been an accidental reveal.
- News outlets treat Rocky’s comment as the strongest public indication to date that Rihanna’s ninth studio album, often called R9, is actively being worked on but not formally confirmed.
- Rihanna’s last full album was ANTI in 2016 and since then she has released only a few standalone tracks, including 2025’s “Friend of Mine,” while running her Fenty businesses and raising a family.
- Reporters point to recent signals of renewed music activity — a February studio hint in a vlog and a surprise July performance at Jay‑Z’s event — even as Rihanna has posted leisure photos from a Barbados cruise.
- What to watch next are an official announcement from Rihanna or her label, any single releases or label activity, and whether new music leads to touring or cross‑promotion with her Fenty brands.