Rihanna Releases First Song in Three Years for Smurfs Soundtrack

Rihanna is making a musical return with her new single "Friend of Mine," set to be released as part of the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack. This marks her first song release since 2022's "Lift Me Up" from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, but it is not the lead single from her anticipated ninth studio album, which fans have been eagerly awaiting since her last album, Anti, in 2016. The new track is described as an afrobeats-inspired dance song and will accompany her role as the voice of Smurfette in the film, which hits theaters in July 2025. Despite her pregnancy and busy personal life, Rihanna has assured that her album work continues and she remains optimistic about the music she has been creating over the past eight years. Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the song's connection to a children's movie rather than a full album comeback, but Rihanna's engagement in multiple creative projects, including producing the film, shows her continued artistic presence. The soundtrack also features artists like Tyla and DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and DESI TRILL, highlighting a diverse musical lineup.