Alright, Navy, it’s time to face the facts: Rihanna’s next album might just be a figment of our collective imagination. The 36-year-old “Diamonds” singer, makeup mogul, and all-around powerhouse hasn’t dropped a new album in almost a decade. Yep, we’re talking ten years of waiting, hoping, and squinting into the horizon, only to be met with her launching yet another fabulous lipstick instead.
Rihanna recently dropped by a Fenty Beauty event, probably expecting to charm us with her new products. But instead, she dropped something even bigger: a celestial excuse for her musical hiatus. “Music was the thing that got the attention,” she told the crowd, probably throwing a wink and a peace sign for good measure. “But God had other plans for me.” (Translation: the Almighty whispered, “Rihanna, honey, you’re about to change the game… in the makeup aisle.”)
She went on to say that she now gets to create “in ways that are organic, authentic, and totally my vibe.” You know, because absolutely nothing says “authentic” like making millions with eyeliner.
And as if that wasn’t enough to ruffle Navy feathers, she added, “So it doesn’t even feel like a job.” That’s right—while we’re out here refreshing Spotify and clinging to ANTI like it’s a rare artifact, she’s living her best life in the Fenty glow, music-free.
Cue fan reactions on X (formerly Twitter), which were as dramatic as you’d expect.
One brave soul just tweeted, “She is gone,” complete with a heartbreak emoji, no doubt. Another fan came to the grim realization: “She tryna tell y’all she’s not releasing any music, baby.” And another, after likely finishing their third box of tissues, concluded, “We need to accept that she’s a businesswoman who was a singer.” That one hurt, didn’t it?
Still, some fans took the high road, reminding us that Rihanna’s true magic goes beyond music. One tweet read, “Her music will live on forever but her impact reaches far beyond the stage.” Another said they were “proud of her.” Clearly, these people have the patience of saints.
Before you throw your headphones in despair, know this: Rihanna did mention this summer that she might, possibly, eventually start working on music again. So there’s a teeny tiny glimmer of hope for 2027, or maybe 2032 if we’re being optimistic.
In the meantime, Navy, let’s appreciate her contributions to the world of makeup, lingerie, and entrepreneurial zen. And remember, she may not be the pop diva we’re begging for right now, but she’s the billionaire CEO we’ll just have to deal with.
rihanna last night:
“music was the thing that got the attention, but god had other plans for me” she is gone 😭 pic.twitter.com/3fop9I25jz
— 𝖌𝖆𝖇 (@gabgonebad) November 8, 2024