Rihanna fans have been hounding the 32-year-old singer for so long to release a follow-up to 2016’s ANTI, she’s been tired of it since at least 2019.
On Friday (January 1), the Barbadian artist shared a pair of photos poolside, sporting a green bikini top and long green wrap. She wrote in the caption, “new year’s resolution: apply the pressure.” One female fan immediately harped on RiRi, writing, “Resolution should be releasing the album,” to which Rihanna replied, “this comment is soooo 2019. grow up.”
When the fan attempted to repent for her sin with “drag me riri fuck an album,” Rihanna said, “2021 energy” with a strong arm and laughing emoji.
Rihanna via Instagram responding to a fan…gurl?! pic.twitter.com/3BcwJGB5Od
— ? (@fentxyy) January 1, 2021
Another fan who’s apparently anxious for the album also tried to get slick, writing, “Speaking of pressure, it’s the album for me.” To that, Rihanna issued a prompt, “Phuck you.”
oop. pic.twitter.com/W4NLW9e735
— ? (@fentxyy) January 1, 2021
Fans have been clamoring for another project from the Grammy Award-winning artist for years. Last April, she issued a stern warning to her 88.7 million followers via Instagram Live and reminded them there are more serious issues that need attention such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same time, she took a stab at outgoing president Donald Trump, saying, “If one of y’all muthafuckas ask me about the album one more time when I’m trying to save the world, unlike y’all president … on sight!”
In February 2020, she admitted to Entertainment Tonight she was having fun dangling her ninth studio album in front of her fans. When asked for an update on her R9 album, she replied “to be continued” and added, “I like to antagonize my fans a little bit. Well, they antagonize me, too! So, they get it right back.”
ANTI peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, moving over 166,000 total album-equivalent units in its first full tracking week. It was then certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) just two days after its release. The projected boasted production from Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy, Brian Kennedy, Timbaland and No I.D. as well as features from Drake and SZA.
As of June 2020, the album has charted every week for 224 weeks, making it the longest-charting album by a Black female artist in Billboard 200 history, according to a tweet from Chart Data. Even without a new album, Rihanna has stayed incredibly productive. These days, she appears more focused on her lucrative Fenty Beauty brand and blossoming relationship with A$AP Mob rapper A$AP Rocky.