Rihanna clarifies she’s not retiring and will be 'starting over' her 'R9' album

It’s no secret fans have been eagerly awaiting for Rihanna to drop some new music for YEARS now. With her last album, ANTI , arriving back in 2016, it’s nearly been a decade and, well, frankly, we’ve been patient long enough.

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Kidding, (only kinda). No but really, every time RiRi get’s on the red carpet, the topic of new music comes up. And while her usual go-to answers are vague — queue the Entertainment Tonight reel below -- her latest conversation with the media outlet shed the most light and information we’ve ever received from the billionaire mogul before.

After creating quite the frenzy last week by rocking a graphic T-shirt that read “I’m Retired” in big bold letters, above small writing that read “This is as dressed up as I can get,” the latter part of which apparently got lost in translation. Rihanna clarified to ET, while walking the red carpet at her FENTY HAIR launch party, that the top was simply a fashion choice, and that R9 is most definitely top of mind.

“Music, for me, is a new discovery,” Rihanna shared. “I’m rediscovering things. I have been working on the album for so long that I put all that stuff aside, and now I’m prepared to go back in the studio.”

She continued, “So, I’m now prepared. I’m gonna start. So, you know, give me a second. Yes, I’m starting over, but I don’t wanna neglect the songs that I have. I wanna listen to stuff with new ears, with my new perspective, and then see what still applies and what I’m still in love with.”

Check out the clip below.