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Rihanna Opens Up About Rediscovering “Fun” In Making Music

Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Rihanna’s highly anticipated ninth studio album, coined R9 by eager fans, was complete. Unfortunately, the months have come and gone without a trace of the upcoming project, leaving some wondering if it was doomed to linger in a purgatorial state. But rest assured, the album is coming — even if the pandemic has thrown a wrench in some of Rihanna’s best-laid plans, presenting new challenges in the process.

Rihanna

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In a new interview with the Associated Press, Rihanna opens up about rediscovering a joy in making music again. “We started with tons of writing camps,” she reveals, letting out an exasperated sigh. “Now it’s more what do I feel personally? What do I want to put out as an artist? How do I want to play it with my art? How do I want to interpret that, reimagine that? Because it’s been so structured before. You do pop, you do this genre, you do that, you do radio, you do who’s following you and your fans. But now, it’s just like — what makes me happy? I just want to have fun with music.”

“Everything is so heavy,” she continues. “The world that we live in, a lot is overwhelming every single day. And music, I’m using that as my outlet. I just want to have fun with that.” When asked about whether or not she would hit the road under ideal circumstances, Rihanna appears enthusiastic at the prospect. “I want to go on tour but I can’t, and now I’m stuck with music that I love, and now I’m trying to to figure out how I can even create visuals to that. That’s a challenge as well, but I love challenges so you know I’ma get it done.”

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Artist Spotlight

The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.

Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.

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Artist Spotlight

Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”

With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.

“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.

The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.

Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.

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