Rihanna (kind of) returns to music

For those expecting a new album drop: LOL, better luck next time! Instead, Rihanna has decided to republish her old music, re-releasing her eight studio albums on limited edition vinyl.

Classified as the ‘Rih-issue’ series, the drop features unique vinyl colourways for each record – spanning her 2005 debut, Music of the Sun, and 2016’s Anti. Each LP is also paired with a matching piece of merch, ranging from bright tie dye tees corresponding with her earlier albums to custom comic-strip-print hoodies for 2009’s Rated R, and a few nostalgic album art tees. 

According to her website, each set will arrive wrapped up in packaging curated by Rihanna, herself – all of which are available for pre-order now, with prices ranging from $100 to $140.

This isn’t the first time Rihanna has rereleased music. Back in 2016 – just before the release of Anti – the musician released a 15-LP box set and hardcover book. Coincidence? Well, we hope not. 

In September, she teased fans with new information about the long-awaited ninth studio album, stating that it was “going to be completely different” from her previous records. “You’re not going to expect what you hear,” she told reporters with Associated Press. “I’m really experimenting. I’m having fun.”

In the meantime, besides gracing the autumn cover of Dazed (see: giant blunt dress), the pop star has stayed busy becoming a billionaire, presenting her diverse Savage x Fenty volume three show, and posing as rapper Gunna for halloween. 

Pre-order the ‘Rih-issue’ here.