For Rihanna, music isn’t just about releasing songs—it’s about authenticity, growth, and delivering a body of work that truly represents her artistic and personal journey. After nearly a decade without a new album, the 37-year-old icon has made it clear that she won’t be rushed into dropping new music just to satisfy demand. Instead, she insists that her long-awaited ninth studio album must be a reflection of her evolution, both as an artist and as a person.

Quality Over Pressure

In an exclusive interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Rihanna opened up about the immense pressure to release new music and why she has continuously chosen to wait.

“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. I can’t do this. I can’t stand by this. I can’t perform this for a year on tour,’” she explained.

This commitment to staying true to herself means that fans will have to exercise patience. While her last album, Anti (2016), showcased a fearless creative shift, Rihanna refuses to follow up with something that doesn’t feel just as impactful.

“After a while, I looked at it, and I was like, this much time away from music needs to count for the next thing everyone hears. It has to count. It has to matter,” she emphasized.

A Long-Awaited Return to Music

For years, speculation surrounding Rihanna’s next album has dominated social media, with fans eagerly awaiting any hint of new music. She’s teased studio sessions and hinted at fresh material, but the Barbados-born star isn’t interested in rushing the process.

She understands that expectations are sky-high, especially after such a prolonged absence from the music scene. Rather than succumb to external pressure, Rihanna remains focused on ensuring that her next project isn’t just another album—it’s a statement.

Addressing the continued delay, she offered a straightforward response to impatient listeners: “After waiting eight years, you might as well just wait some more.”

While this may not be the news fans were hoping for, it reinforces her unwavering commitment to excellence.

Building an Empire Beyond Music

Though she hasn’t released an album in years, Rihanna has hardly been idle. She has successfully expanded her Fenty empire, revolutionizing the beauty and fashion industries with Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage X Fenty. Her ability to break barriers and set new standards in these industries speaks to the same dedication and vision she applies to her music.

Beyond business, Rihanna has also embraced motherhood, welcoming two sons with rapper A$AP Rocky. Balancing her role as a mother, entrepreneur, and global superstar has undoubtedly influenced her perspective on music and the creative process.

“When I come back, I want to come back strong,” she previously stated. “It has to be something I’m proud of.”

The Wait Will Be Worth It

For die-hard fans still holding out hope for an imminent album release, the message is clear: Rihanna will return to music when she feels the time is right, and not a moment sooner. If her past work is any indication, the wait will be justified with a project that is bold, transformative, and true to who she is today.

While the countdown to Rihanna’s ninth album remains indefinite, one thing is certain—whenever she does decide to drop, the world will be ready, and she’ll make sure it’s worth every second of anticipation.