In recent years Rihanna has continued to tease new music but keep her releases tied to movie franchises. There is no change on that front with the arrival of "Friend Of Mine." The song will appear on the soundtrack to Smurfs, the upcoming animated blockbuster. Rihanna plays Smurfette in the movie, which also includes voice roles for Sandra Oh, Natasha Lyonne, and James Corden among others. Listen to "Friend Of Mine" below.
The song is an upbeat and energetic Eurohouse bop produced by fallen and Jon Bellion, best known for his work on Justin Bieber's Justice. The Rihanna vocals are pretty sparse, drifting in and out of the propulsive beat. Honestly, if someone told you it was a sample of her voice you might believe it.
Still, the Navy has been fed for the first time in three years. "Friend of Mine" is Rihanna's first single since 2022's “Lift Me Up,” which appeared on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack and was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2023 Academy Awards.
“Friend Of Mine” is the second song to be taken from the Smurfs soundtrack following “Higher Love” by Desi Trill featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi. The soundtrack, due out on July 13, will also feature a new song by Tyla.
Rihanna has not released an album since 2016's Anti. At this year's Met Gala she confirmed she is pregnant with her third child with A$AP Rocky.
