Rihanna has made headlines once again with her recent revelation during a live session on TikTok, where she disclosed that approximately 170 unreleased songs are currently “in the vault.” The announcement, which took place on 7 October, has reignited excitement among her fans who have been eagerly anticipating her ninth studio album for nearly a decade since the release of her last album, “ANTI,” in 2016.
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During the session, Rihanna elaborated on her extensive collection of unreleased music, stating, “If there are 10 products in a vault, then I have at least 17 vaults.” This metaphor highlights not only the sheer volume of music she has amassed over the years but also suggests a potential wealth of material that fans may soon have the pleasure of experiencing.
Rihanna’s return to the music scene has been long-awaited, with her hiatus from releasing full-length albums turning into one of pop music’s most discussed waits. Her previous album, “ANTI,” was a commercial success, featuring hits like “Work,” “Needed Me,” and “Love on the Brain.” Since then, fans have been left in the dark regarding new music, though Rihanna has remained creatively active in other ventures.
In August 2023, A$AP Rocky, the singer’s partner, confirmed during an interview on “The Jason Lee Show” that Rihanna had returned to the studio to work on new material. He firmly denied suggestions that he was responsible for her absence from the music scene, cheekily stating, “She in the studio right now… Bro, she working. She cooking, no funny s—.”
Rihanna has previously expressed her dedication to creating an album that justifies her lengthy break, stating to Harper’s Bazaar in 2022, “This much time away from music needs to count for the next thing everyone hears. It has to count. It has to matter. I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put up anything mediocre.” This commitment indicates that her new work may diverge from her established musical style.
During the same conversation, she hinted that her forthcoming album would not fit traditional commercial expectations. “It’s not going to be anything that anybody expects,” she asserted, adding that it wouldn’t be “commercial or radio digestible.” This bold statement suggests that she is prepared to explore new artistic territories, ultimately focusing on what she believes her artistry deserves now.
Beyond her music career, Rihanna has also cultivated a successful empire through her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands. Her multi-faceted career includes a notable return to performance during the Super Bowl LVII halftime show in 2023, where she not only showcased her impressive catalogue of hits but also revealed that she was expecting her second child. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their first son, RZA, in 2022, followed by a second son, Riot, in 2023, and a daughter, Rocki, in 2025.
Despite her focus on fashion and beauty, Rihanna has released music during her break from full-length projects. Earlier in 2023, she contributed the song “Lift Me Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, followed by “Friend of Mine,” which appeared on The Smurfs soundtrack in 2025. Additionally, she made a surprise guest appearance at Jay-Z’s “Extra Innings” show at Yankee Stadium in July, performing fan-favourites like “Run This Town” and “Bitch Better Have My Money.”
As fans continue to speculate about the contents of Rihanna’s vault, the anticipation surrounding her upcoming album remains palpable. With the promise of an extensive catalogue of unreleased songs and hints at a new direction for her music, the coming months may finally see Rihanna taking centre stage once more in the music industry. While details are still scarce, one thing is certain: Rihanna’s return is highly anticipated, and her fans are ready for what’s next.