Rihanna opens up to ET about new music and if she’s retiring.
Rihanna promises she hasn’t stopped singing — she’s just revisioning it!
On Monday, ET’s Kevin Frazier spoke to the GRAMMY-winning superstar during the launch of Fenty Hair at Nya Studios in Los Angeles, California. Rihanna gave an update on her highly anticipated album, called R9 by fans, and shut down the latest rumors about her music, which began when she was spotted in New York City with A$AP Rocky sporting a t-shirt that read: “I’m Retired.”
Rihanna, known for her groundbreaking and chart-topping music, humorously addressed the rumors and stated that despite her playful t-shirt, she is very much still in the music game. She expressed her excitement about her upcoming projects and assured fans that she is working hard to bring them new music. The singer emphasized how her creative process has evolved and how she is continually inspired to push boundaries within the industry. Fans eagerly await what promises to be another innovative and impressive addition to her illustrious career.
“People got triggered with that retired word,” Rihanna quipped. “They were like ‘We’re never getting an album now.’ No one read the other line, it was something about, ‘This is as dressed up as I get.'”Rihanna attends the Fenty Hair launch party in Los Angeles.
“I think that music, for me, is a new discovery,” she said. “I’m rediscovering things. I have been working on the album for so long that I kinda put all that stuff aside and now I’m prepared to go back in the studio. I’m gonna start — give me a second!”Rihanna wears an I’m Retired shirt while out with A$AP Rocky in New York City. – BACKGRID
Rihanna’s process includes revisiting the songs that she already has — but there are still new things to come. She often takes the time to reflect on her previous work, ensuring that each track meets her high standards. During this process, she listens for what can be improved or reimagined, adding fresh elements that make her music resonate on a deeper level. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that each piece of her discography evolves with her artistic vision. Despite this focus on refining her past work, fans can eagerly anticipate the release of entirely new tracks, showcasing Rihanna’s ever-growing creativity and innovation in the music industry.
“Yeah, I’m starting over,” the mother of two revealed. “But I don’t want to neglect the songs that I have, so I actually want to go back and listen to stuff with new ears, with my new perspective and then see what applies and what I’m still in love with.”
Although she has not released an album since 2016’s Anti, her older hits are still finding success. Last week, Rihanna’s 2012 single, “Diamonds,” was RIAA certified Diamond. The song still gives her the feels to this day.
Rihanna’s impact on the music industry remains significant, even years after her last full-length release. “Diamonds” became an anthem for many, showcasing her unique voice and emotive delivery. The track’s success speaks to both Rihanna’s enduring popularity and the timeless quality of her music. Despite the hiatus in releasing new albums, her work continues to resonate with fans around the world.
The certification of “Diamonds” as a Diamond record is a testament to its widespread appeal and Rihanna’s lasting influence on contemporary music. Whether it’s the poignant lyrics or the mesmerizing melody, the song continues to captivate audiences, proving that true artistry transcends time.
“Wow, I remember where we made it from the jump. It was in London, and I also remember performing ‘Diamond’ on tour,” she told ET. “Performing it with all the lights…everyone puts their phone out at that very moment. And it’s connected to my grandma. I literally think of her every single time I perform that.”Rihanna attends the Rihanna x Fenty Hair launch party at Nya Studios on June 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. – Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fenty Hair
“Inclusivity has always been a big big deal for us,” she said of her haircare line. “And we didn’t want to change that with with going into a new category, which is hair. We wanted to make sure that we applied that. We started off trying to make one product for all hair types and that’s just like one of those things, you you can’t. So we had to shift gears. We’ve been working on this for over four years.”
Rihanna added, “I just didn’t believe that we could continue like that, so I wanted to just make sure that we knew that everyone was included. All hair types, there’s not a race to hair. Hair is different for everyone.”
Fenty Hair launches June 13 at Fentyhair.com.
