Rihanna is finally back with new music — and although it’s not R9, fans have something exciting to enjoy. The global superstar has released her latest single, “Friend of Mine,” as part of the soundtrack for the upcoming animated film The Smurfs Movie. The track dropped on Friday, May 16 and is now available on streaming platforms and YouTube.
This marks Rihanna’s first new song in nearly three years—following her 2022 ballad “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Fans have been eagerly waiting for more music ever since, and “Friend of Mine” is here to keep that excitement alive.
The new track was previewed earlier this week in a trailer for The Smurfs Movie, where fans got a glimpse of its upbeat sound. The song carries an Afrobeats-inspired dance rhythm with Rihanna singing the catchy line, “You’re looking like a friend of mine.” In the teaser clip, Rihanna is also seen dancing in a recording studio, capturing her signature fun energy while working on the song.
But Rihanna isn’t just contributing to the soundtrack — she’s also starring in the film. She lends her voice to Smurfette, one of the most iconic characters from the beloved Smurfs universe. She joins a star-studded cast that includes John Goodman, James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Sandra Oh. The movie is set to hit theaters on July 18.
The Smurfs Movie soundtrack promises more big names too. Fans can expect songs from artists like Tyla, and DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and DESI TRILL, whose track “Higher Love” was released in February. Together, the album blends genres and artists for a lively, family-friendly experience.
“Friend of Mine” is not a full comeback album, but it’s a clear sign that Rihanna is inching closer to her long-awaited return to music. During an interview earlier this year, she mentioned feeling “really optimistic” about her future music and hinted that she had been spending more time in the studio. Though there’s no confirmed date for R9, her ninth studio album, fans are hoping this release is just the beginning.
Rihanna’s last album, Anti, came out in 2016 and is still considered one of her best works. Since then, she has focused on her business empire and personal life, including her growing family. But with “Friend of Mine” now out, the music world has its eyes back on her.
Keep your ears open — and your playlists ready. Rihanna’s return may be small for now, but it definitely counts.
Come back to tvacute.com soon for more updates on The Smurfs Movie, Rihanna’s music, and other pop culture highlights.
