The world has changed quite dramatically over the past six years - and so has the pop star it seems.
No, you're not living in a dream - Rihanna really does have a new song out today. 'Lift Me Up' is the lead single from the new Marvel film 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', and it's fair to say that this is a big departure for the singer.
Serving up emotionally-driven ballad vibes, the track lines up with the heavy weight being placed on the 'Black Panther' follow-up. The unfortunate death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020 has resulted in his Marvel character, T'Challa, being paid tribute to in the sequel film. The track was penned by Rihanna, director Ryan Coogler, Tems, Ludwig Göransson and is a tribute to the late star.
Here's Rihanna with her new song 'Lift Me Up', which you can listen to and download wherever you get your music from.
Judging from the online reaction to 'Lift Me Up', Riri fans are loving having the pop star back on the scene, even if it is just one solo track from an upcoming compilation album for the film. The full album, 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By', will be released on November 4 and also features tracks by Kendrick Lamar, Amaarae, Santa Fe Klan and more.
The last time Rihanna released solo music was all the way back in 2016 with her eighth studio album 'Anti'. Fans have been really impatiently waiting for new music from her for a few years now, so maybe this will keep them at bay until the end of the year at least? Yeah, maybe not.
Here's what the internet has been saying about Rihanna and her new song.
So so true.
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' releases in cinemas on November 11.