Rihanna Teases Musical Comeback after 6 Years

Rihanna announced her musical comeback with a single for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which will be released this Friday.

Marvel Studios confirmed the news, sharing a short teaser on social media that saw the film’s name morph into a single ‘R,’ with the date “10.28.22” beneath it.

“Lift Me Up” was written as a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman by Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler. 

The song will be released this Friday through Rihanna’s own Westbury Road label in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records.

“After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them,” said Tems. “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”

The track marks the pop icon’s first solo release in six years, following her 2016 album Anti. 

Since that record, she has collaborated with the N.E.R.D. on “Lemon,” PartyNextDoor on “Believe It,” Future on “Selfish,” DJ Khaled on “Wild Thoughts,” and Kendrick Lamar on “Loyalty.”