Rihanna Releases First Song Since 2022, “Friend of Mine”
Rihanna has unveiled her first musical offering in over two years with the single “Friend of Mine.” The track, crafted for the upcoming animated feature The Smurfs Movie, marks her return to the studio and sees her lending her voice to the iconic character of Smurfette.
It’s been nearly a decade since Rihanna released a full album, with her last record, Anti, dropping in 2016. In 2022, she made a brief return with two singles, “Lift Me Up” and “Born Again,” both featured on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Now, she’s back with another cinematic contribution, delivering a vibrant new song tied to a major film release.
“Friend of Mine” is a lively dance track infused with African rhythms, showcasing Rihanna’s knack for blending global sounds with pop appeal. She co-wrote the song alongside John Bellion and Pete Nappi, both seasoned collaborators with impressive resumes. Bellion has penned hits for the likes of Eminem, Justin Bieber, and Maroon 5, while Nappi has worked with BTS’s Jimin and Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda. The track also features contributions from Fallen, known for his work with Doja Cat, and Elkan, a frequent collaborator with Drake.
The Smurfs Movie is set to hit theaters on July 18. Beyond Rihanna’s involvement, the film’s soundtrack boasts star power, with Cardi B and DJ Khaled contributing their single “Higher Love,” released earlier in February. The movie features a stellar voice cast, including John Goodman, James Corden, Sandra Oh, and Kurt Russell. Directed by Chris Miller, who previously helmed Shrek the Third (2007), the film promises a fresh take on the beloved blue characters.
