Rihanna Release New Single: "Friend of Mine"
May 16, 2025
Hey, music lovers! Big news is on the horizon as Rihanna is gearing up to release her highly anticipated new single, “Friend of Mine,” on May 16, 2025. This marks her first new music in over three years, and you can bet fans are buzzing with excitement! Let’s dive into all the juicy details about this upcoming track and what it means for Rihanna’s career.
Background and Significance
A Long-Awaited Comeback
“Friend of Mine” is particularly special because it’s Rihanna’s first single since “Lift Me Up,” which appeared on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack in 2022. Fans have been eagerly waiting for new solo material since her last studio album, Anti, dropped back in 2016. That’s nearly a decade of anticipation! With this new release, Rihanna is ready to remind us why she’s one of the biggest names in music.
Part of the Smurfs Movie Soundtrack
What makes this release even more exciting is that “Friend of Mine” is created specifically for the upcoming Smurfs animated film. Rihanna isn’t just lending her voice to the soundtrack; she’s also voicing Smurfette and serving as an executive producer for the film. Talk about multitasking! The movie is set to hit theaters on July 18, 2025, so fans will have plenty to look forward to this summer.
Song Details and Musical Style
Teaser and Sound
The excitement is already building, especially after the new Smurfs movie trailer, which dropped on May 14, 2025. The trailer features snippets of “Friend of Mine,” and from what we’ve heard, the track is a whimsical, Afrobeats-infused dance song. Rihanna’s catchy hook, “You looking like friend of,” is already stuck in our heads!
Studio Footage
If you caught the teaser, you probably noticed Rihanna in the studio, dressed in blue to match her Smurfette character. She’s dancing and recording her vocals, and it’s clear she’s having a blast! This playful energy is sure to translate into the song itself.
Soundtrack Collaborations
The Smurfs soundtrack will also feature contributions from other artists like Tyla and a track titled “Higher Love” by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and DESI TRILL, which was released earlier in February. With such a diverse lineup, the soundtrack is shaping up to be a must-listen!
Rihanna’s Role in the Smurfs Movie
Voice Acting
In addition to her musical contributions, Rihanna stars as Smurfette. She joins a fantastic cast that includes John Goodman, James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Sandra Oh. It’s a star-studded lineup that’s bound to make this movie a hit!
Executive Producer
Rihanna’s involvement goes beyond just voice acting; as an executive producer, she’s deeply involved in the film’s creative direction. This shows her commitment to the project and her ability to influence both music and film.
Announcement and Pregnancy News
Rihanna announced her involvement in the Smurfs project at CinemaCon 2023 while she was expecting her second child. At the 2025 Met Gala, she revealed that she’s pregnant with her third child with A$AP Rocky. Talk about balancing motherhood and a thriving career!
Fan and Media Reaction
High Anticipation
The buzz around “Friend of Mine” is palpable. Fans are ecstatic to finally get new music from Rihanna after such a long wait. Social media is flooded with excitement, and people can’t stop talking about how much they’ve missed her voice.
Social Media Buzz
Comments on Rihanna’s social media reflect a mix of enthusiasm for the new song and curiosity about her long-awaited ninth studio album, often referred to as “R9.” Fans are hoping this new release will pave the way for more music in the future.
Rihanna’s Response
At the Met Gala, when asked about her next album, Rihanna playfully assured fans that her pregnancy wouldn’t delay her music, saying, “Noooooo! Maybe a video! I can still!” It’s great to see her keeping a sense of humor while navigating her busy life.
Recent Career Highlights
Lift Me Up
Rihanna’s 2022 single “Lift Me Up” was a massive hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and going platinum in 2023. This success has only heightened expectations for “Friend of Mine.”
Ongoing Album Rumors
Rihanna has been open about working on new music and has expressed optimism about her next album, although no release date has been confirmed yet. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what she has in store!
In Conclusion
Rihanna’s “Friend of Mine” is set to be a major musical comeback and serves as the lead single for the Smurfs movie soundtrack. This release marks her first new music in over three years, and with her dual role as Smurfette and executive producer, she’s expanding her creative influence in both music and film. Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what’s next in Rihanna’s incredible journey. So, mark your calendars for May 16, 2025, because you won’t want to miss this release! 🎶💙
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