Rihanna has revealed that her highly anticipated new album will be anything but predictable. In a rare interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the singer shared that she feels “really optimistic” about the project and is determined to make it a true reflection of her artistry.

Defying Expectations

“I know it’s not going to be anything that anybody expects,” Rihanna stated. “And it’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible. It’s going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now.”

The 37-year-old artist has kept fans waiting for years since releasing her eighth studio album, Anti, in 2016. Speculation has run wild about the musical direction of her next record, with some rumors suggesting a reggae influence. However, Rihanna quickly dismissed these claims.

“Way off! There’s no genre now. That’s why I waited. Every time, I was just like, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s not right,'” she explained.

The Pressure to Deliver

🚨 Rihanna talks to Harper’s BAZAAR about her upcoming ninth album:

“I’ve been in the studio the whole eight years. I know it’s not going to be anything that anybody expects. And it’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible… I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl!” pic.twitter.com/lrnhHtbihR

— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 22, 2025

After nearly a decade away from music, Rihanna acknowledged the pressure to deliver something meaningful. “This much time away from music needs to count for the next thing everyone hears. It has to count,” she said. “I cannot put up anything mediocre. After waiting eight years, you might as well just wait some more.”

Despite remaining tight-lipped about further details, she expressed newfound confidence in her progress. “I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl!” she enthused.

A Legacy Beyond Music

Known for hits like “Umbrella,” “Shut Up and Drive,” and “What’s My Name?,” Rihanna has spent recent years building her beauty and fashion empire. In the interview, she spoke about focusing on the present and embracing aging, calling it both an “expletive” and a “blessing.”

“My legacy is right now. That’s all I have the most control over. My legacy is what I do with my time at this moment,” she reflected.

Rihanna shares with Harper’s Bazaar that ‘ANTI’ is the only album of hers she can listen to without feeling “shame”:

“I used to always have shame. I actually don’t like listening to my music, but Anti—I can listen to the album. It’s like it’s not me singing it, if I’m just… pic.twitter.com/6ZUreX74wO

— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) February 22, 2025

Rihanna is also a devoted mother to two young sons, RZA and Riot, whom she shares with longtime partner A$AP Rocky. The rapper recently made headlines after being acquitted in a Los Angeles court case involving allegations of gunfire at a former friend.

With Rihanna’s promise of something unexpected, fans will have to remain patient a little longer for her long-awaited return to music.