Is this a drill or are we finally getting the R9 album? Fans speculate

As Rihanna shares snippets of her life in a captivating montage, fans are abuzz with hopes for new music. Will the R9 album finally be on its way, or are we reaching?

Rihanna has once again ignited intense fan speculation about the long-awaited release of her album, R9, following a tantalising 81-second montage shared late last night. The Barbados superstar, who expertly balances motherhood, billion-dollar businesses, and cultural dominance, offered a captivating glimpse into her fast-paced world.

fashion

Celebrating Rihanna's Birthday: A look back at some of her iconic red carpet styles with A$AP Rocky"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri)

The clip seamlessly transitions between business meetings for her Savage X Fenty brand, intimate moments with her son RZA, and what appears to be a late-night recording session. The rumour mill went into overdrive after her close friend Jennifer Rosales reposted the video with the attention-grabbing caption, “This is not a drill!”

Screenshot of Jennifer Rosales' comment, Image: Instagram screenshot

The enthusiasm from her inner circle has sent her dedicated fanbase, The Navy, into a frenzy, hoping this signals the imminent arrival of her first full album since the critically acclaimed Anti in 2016. The brief appearance of vocal producer Kuk Harrell in the studio only intensified speculation, as longtime fans know he played a key role in shaping some of her biggest hits.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some eagle-eyed viewers pointed to seemingly blank notebook pages in the montage, suggesting the teaser could relate to Fenty Beauty, a new campaign rollout, or even a soundtrack project rather than a full-length body of work.

when its for a 30 second song for a fenty beauty commercial or a kids movie
— ໊ (@buffys) February 27, 2026

I love Rihanna down but I’m not believing she’s releasing music till I hear it with my own ears

— Pop Tingz (@PopTingz) February 27, 2026

whole time it’s just another soundtrack for Smurfs https://t.co/dbIHLz2NOn
— Eren (@erenfromtargets) February 27, 2026

the empty pages 😭😭😭 she ain’t writing shit 😭😭😭 https://t.co/KPnzSjZpGk pic.twitter.com/rUSrLdx8xt
— dylan (@opheliascomet) February 27, 2026

mind u they probably recording for fenty talk lingerie: the lingerie that talks to you https://t.co/kmGqJbOlXB

— ethical hater (@DijahSB) February 27, 2026

Someone said Rihanna saw Taylor tie her record and decided to act fast 😭 https://t.co/8aWJpHKrdz
— ۟ (@headnavy) February 27, 2026

Still, Rihanna understands timing better than most. Whether it’s R9 finally on its way or another strategic move from her ever-expanding empire, she has once again proven that a single post is all it takes to command global attention.