Rihanna hasn’t released a single or albums since January 2016 as fans have been anxiously been waiting for new music since then. 2016 saw her release her eighth studio album, “ANTI.” That was another No. 1 project for Rih on the Billboard 200 chart as it was led by hit singles such as “Work” feat Drake, “Needed Me,” “Kiss It Better,” and “Love On The Brain.” This week, ANTI reached another Billboard 200 milestone which may result in new music coming soon.

This week marked Rihanna‘s “ANTI” album being on the Billboard 200 chart for five full years. This also became the first album by a Black female artist to reach this milestone. The album is also currently at 2x platinum status in the United States. Rih took to her Instagram feed to thank God and her supporters as well.

“Grateful to the most High for putting die hard supporters in my circle ?? #Anti #WomensHistoryMonth ??Congrats to everyone that contributed to this era, thank you team.”

A fan soon left a comment under that post suggesting how Rihanna should celebrate by releasing a song. Rih responded by saying “I think I should. Just 1 tho.” From that moment, the app and the rest of social media lit up with excitement as this would be one of the most highly anticipated releases in music lately. Rih has teased releases over the last few years, specifically with the rumored “R9” album, but that obviously never ended up happening.

The last time that fans heard Rihanna on a record at all was in the spring of 2020 on PartyNextDoor‘s “Believe It” single from his “PartyMobile” album. Believe It ended up peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is certified platinum by the RIAA in the US. The PartyMobile album itself debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rih‘s appearance on the Believe It single gave fans’ optimism that she would soon return with her own music. 

Rihanna hasn’t put out a single or an album in five years but she’s been making big moves outside of the industry. She’s ventured into other industries such as lingerie and makeup and that is evident with her Savage X Fenty lingerie line as well as Fenty Beauty cosmetics line. Last month, Fenty Beauty was estimated to be worth $1 billion by Forbes. This summer, a documentary about her is also expected to be released on Amazon Prime Video.