Rihanna at 20: A Look Back at Her Reign & The Still-awaited R9 Album
Twenty years ago today, on August 29, 2005, a young artist from Barbados burst onto the music scene with her debut album, Music of the Sun.That artist was Rihanna, and her impact on pop culture has been nothing short of monumental. To commemorate this milestone,Rihanna has released a special edition vinyl box set encompassing all eight of her studio albums to date. A limited-edition merchandise collection featuring her signature “rhenna” doodle – a playful self-portrait she’s used online as 2014 – accompanies the release. Even a collectible doll of the doodle, complete with adjustable limbs, is available.
But beyond the celebratory releases, a question lingers on the minds of millions of fans: Where is R9, rihanna’s long-awaited ninth studio album? Let’s dive into her incredible journey, the anticipation surrounding her next musical chapter, and what you need to know.
from Barbados to Global Superstar: A Retrospective
Rihanna’s ascent to superstardom wasn’t overnight,but it was remarkably swift. Music of the Sun laid the foundation, blending Caribbean rhythms with mainstream pop sensibilities. However, it was with subsequent albums like A Girl Like Me (2006) and Good Girl Gone Bad (2007) that she truly began to define her sound and image.
Early Success (2005-2007): Establishing a vibrant pop presence with dancehall influences.
Image Reinvention (2007-2010): Good Girl Gone Bad marked a turning point, showcasing a bolder, more rebellious persona.Hits like “Umbrella” and “Don’t Stop the Music” became global anthems.
Continued Evolution (2010-2016): Albums like Loud, Talk that Talk, and Unapologetic demonstrated her versatility, exploring R&B, electronic, and dance-pop.
Anti (2016): A critically acclaimed and commercially prosperous album, Anti was a purposeful departure from mainstream expectations. It showcased a more vulnerable and experimental side of Rihanna, solidifying her artistic credibility.Billboard details Anti‘s record-breaking chart performance.
Throughout her career, Rihanna has consistently pushed boundaries, not just musically, but also in fashion and business. Her ventures into cosmetics with Fenty Beauty and lingerie with Savage X Fenty have disrupted industries and championed inclusivity.
The R9 Saga: What’s the Hold-Up?
The wait for R9 has become legendary. The anticipation began almost immediately after the successful promotion of Anti in 2016. What started as speculation has evolved into a running joke between Rihanna and her devoted fanbase.
Several factors contribute to the delay. Rihanna has been busy expanding her business empire, focusing on Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. She’s also navigated personal milestones, including multiple pregnancies.
Business Ventures: Building and managing successful brands requires significant time and energy. Personal Life: Rihanna’s growing family understandably takes priority. She recently welcomed her third child with A$AP Rocky. People Magazine covered Rihanna’s third pregnancy announcement.
Artistic Vision: Rihanna is known for her perfectionism. She’s unlikely to release an album until she’s wholly satisfied with the result.
Rihanna has addressed the album’s status on several occasions. She’s assured fans that her third pregnancy won’t further delay the release, but a concrete release date remains elusive. She recently released “Friend of Mine” for the Smurfs* soundtrack, offering a small taste of new music. [Uproxx reviewed the “Friend of Mine” release](https://uproxx.com/music/rihanna-friend-
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