Why did Rihanna only release two songs in 2022? It’s a question fans have continued to ask since the global superstar returned with Lift Me Up and Born Again from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. After years without new solo music, many expected her comeback to signal the arrival of the long-awaited R9 album. Instead, Rihanna ended the year with just two official song releases.

Although R9 didn’t arrive in 2022, it was still a landmark year for Rihanna. She returned to the recording studio, contributed to one of the year’s biggest movie soundtracks, embraced motherhood and continued expanding her successful business empire. While a new album remained on hold, her return to music reminded fans that she hadn’t closed the door on her recording career.

In this article, you’ll discover why Rihanna released only two songs in 2022, what happened to R9, and why those releases were still among the year’s biggest musical moments. If you’re looking for every official Rihanna release from 2022, be sure to check out our Rihanna Songs & Features (2022) compilation for the complete list.

Why Did Rihanna Only Release Two Songs in 2022?

There are several reasons why Rihanna released only two songs in 2022. The biggest reason is that her return to music was tied to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever rather than a new studio album. Instead of launching the long-awaited R9 era, she recorded Lift Me Up and Born Again exclusively for the film’s official soundtrack.

At the same time, Rihanna was entering a new chapter in her personal life. She welcomed her first child, continued leading her successful beauty and fashion brands, and later began preparing for her Super Bowl Halftime Show performance. With so many major commitments, it’s understandable that recording and promoting a full-length album wasn’t her main priority during the year.

Many fans hoped the soundtrack songs would lead directly to R9, but Rihanna never announced an album release date in 2022. Instead, she chose to make a meaningful comeback with two emotional records that paid tribute to the legacy of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman while reminding the world of her incredible vocal ability.

What Were Rihanna’s Two Songs in 2022?

Rihanna officially released two songs in 2022, and both were recorded for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. The releases marked her first solo music in more than six years, making them two of the year’s most anticipated songs.

• Lift Me Up – Released on October 28, 2022, this emotional ballad served as the lead single from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Written as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, the song received widespread acclaim and earned several major award nominations.
• Born Again – Released on November 11, 2022, alongside the official soundtrack album, Born Again showcased Rihanna’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The song became another standout moment from the film’s soundtrack.

Although Rihanna also appeared in A$AP Rocky’s D.M.B. music video during 2022, she wasn’t officially credited as a featured artist on the song. As a result, Lift Me Up and Born Again remain her only official music releases of the year.

Did Rihanna Release R9 in 2022?

No. Despite constant rumors and growing anticipation, Rihanna did not release R9 in 2022. Instead, she returned with two soundtrack songs for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, leaving fans to wait a little longer for her ninth studio album.

Speculation surrounding R9 had been building ever since Rihanna released ANTI in 2016. Over the years, every interview, public appearance and studio update sparked fresh rumors that a new album was on the way. However, Rihanna remained focused on creating a project that matched her artistic vision rather than rushing it to meet expectations.

Although R9 didn’t arrive in 2022, Rihanna’s return to music reassured fans that she hadn’t walked away from her recording career. Lift Me Up and Born Again served as a reminder of her unique artistry while keeping excitement for her next album stronger than ever.

Why Rihanna’s 2022 Comeback Still Mattered

While Rihanna released only two songs in 2022, her comeback carried far more significance than the number of releases suggests. Fans had waited more than six years for new solo music, making Lift Me Up and Born Again two of the year’s most anticipated songs.

Lift Me Up became the standout release, earning praise for its heartfelt tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. The song showcased Rihanna’s unmistakable vocals and proved that she could still command global attention with a single release after years away from the spotlight.

Beyond the music, 2022 marked a new chapter in Rihanna’s life and career. She welcomed her first child, continued expanding her successful businesses and reminded fans that music still plays an important role in her future. Even without a new studio album, her return generated excitement across the industry.

Although R9 didn’t arrive in 2022, Rihanna’s soundtrack releases renewed hope that her next studio album is only a matter of time. Until then, her two official songs from the year remain an important part of her catalog and a memorable moment in her musical journey.

Will Rihanna Release More Music?

Yes. Rihanna has made it clear on several occasions that she hasn’t retired from music. While the wait for her next studio album has been longer than many fans expected, she has continued to reassure listeners that new music is still on the way. Rather than rushing a release, Rihanna has chosen to take her time and create an album that truly reflects her artistic vision.

Since releasing Lift Me Up and Born Again in 2022, speculation surrounding R9 has remained strong. Although no official release date has been announced, fans continue to look forward to what could become one of the most anticipated comeback albums in recent music history.

Until Rihanna officially begins her next album rollout, her two soundtrack songs from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever remain her only official releases from 2022. They not only marked her return after a long hiatus but also reminded the world why she remains one of the most influential artists of her generation.

Final Thoughts

Although Rihanna released only two songs in 2022, her return was one of the biggest moments in music that year. Lift Me Up and Born Again gave fans their first new solo songs in more than six years while keeping excitement for her next studio album alive.

If you want a complete list of Rihanna’s official songs, soundtrack releases and notable music appearances from 2022, be sure to visit our Rihanna Songs & Features (2022) compilation. Aswehiphop updates the page whenever new verified information becomes available, making it a reliable resource for Rihanna fans.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is based on officially released music and verified artist credits from 2022. Artist names, song titles and trademarks belong to their respective owners. If additional verified information becomes available, this article will be updated accordingly.

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