Rihanna returns with “Friend Of Mine” – First New Song in 3 Years

Rihanna Returns with “Friend of Mine” for Smurfs Soundtrack—Her First Track in Nearly 3 Years

Rihanna is officially back—though not quite with R9 yet. The global pop icon is dropping her first new single in almost three years, “Friend of Mine,” this Friday, May 16. The song will appear on the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack, where Rihanna also voices Smurfette.

Teased earlier this year and recently previewed in the latest Smurfs trailer, “Friend of Mine” brings a fresh Afrobeats-inspired rhythm and features Rihanna’s signature vocals over a vibrant, dancey groove. The teaser shows her joyfully recording in-studio, building excitement for what promises to be a feel-good anthem for the summer.

The soundtrack also features global talents like Tyla and a star-packed collaboration by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and DESI TRILL titled “Higher Love,” released earlier this year. The film is set to premiere on July 18, adding cinematic flair to Rihanna’s musical comeback.

While this isn’t the long-awaited R9, it does offer fans a taste of what’s to come. Rihanna recently opened up about her evolving creative process, stating she’s “finally cracked” her new album. Her next project won’t be a commercial crowd-pleaser but a deeply artistic statement, shaped by nearly a decade of searching for the right sound.

Until then, “Friend of Mine” serves as both a nostalgic reunion and an exciting teaser for what’s ahead in Rihanna’s artistic journey.