At the 2025 Gotham Awards in New York City, A$AP Rocky confirmed that Rihanna is currently recording new music. The rapper dismissed claims that their family life hindered her career during a December 1 interview.
A$AP Rocky’s 'She’s Cooking' reveal at the Gotham Awards
During an interview with Jason Lee at Cipriani Wall Street on December 1, A$AP Rocky addressed the persistent rumors that his relationship with Rihanna and their three children had derailed her musical output. according to the report, the rapper firmly denied being the cause of her hiatus, stating emphatically, "Nah."
A$AP Rocky went further to reveal that Rihanna is actively working in the studio, telling Jason Lee, "She cooking, no funny s-t." While the rapper jokingly admitted he might "get in trouble" for leaking the information, his comments have provided the most concrete evidence in years that a new project is in development.
The eight-year silence since the 2016 release of 'Anti'
The excitement surrounding A$AP Rocky's comments stems from the massive gap in Rihanna's discography. As the report notes , the nine-time Grammy winner has not released a solo studio album since Anti debuted in 2016 . For nearly a decade, the artist has pivoted her primary focus toward the Fenty beauty and fashion empire and the demands of motherhood.
This transition reflects a broader trend among modern superstars who leverage their celebrity into multi-billion dollar business ventures, reducing their reliance on traditional album cycles. While Rihanna shared a social media clip in February showing her heading to a recording session—mentioning she had to make a Mardi Gras costume for her son afterward—that moment lacked the definitive confirmation provided by A$AP Rocky at the Gotham Awards.
A 4:30 a.m. Nerf gun fight at Walgreens
Beyond the professional revelations, the interview with Jason Lee highlighted the personal dynamic between the couple. Lee recounted a surreal encounter with Rihanna and A$AP Rocky at a Walgreens pharmacy around 4:30 a.m. ET, where he witnessed the pair engaging in a playful Nerf gun fight in the empty aisles.
Lee described the scene as "two kids acting a damn fool," a detail that serves to humanize the couple despite their global fame.. This anecdote suggests a supportive and lighthearted partnership, contrasting with the public narrative that their domestic life had stifled Rihanna's creative ambitions.
The silence from Rihanna’s official representatives
Despite the viral nature of A$AP Rocky's comments and the trending #R9 hashtag on social media, several critical details remain unverified.. Neither Rihanna nor her official representatives have issued a statement confirming the existence of a new album or a potential release date.
Historically, Rihanna has been known to operate on her own timeline, releasing music only when she feels the project is right. Because the source relies entirely on A$AP Rocky's candid remarks rather than a formal press release, it remains unclear if the "cooking" in the studio will result in a full-length album or a series of standalone singles.
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