Rihanna has just hit the refresh button on our playlists! In a move that sent shockwaves of surprise across the internet on May 16, the global icon and new mom dropped “Friend of Mine,” her first solo track in three long years.
But here’s the twist that has the Rihanna Navy collectively buzzing, laughing, and maybe even scratching their heads a bit: The vibrant new tune is for the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack.
The chart-dominating, fashion-forward superstar isn’t just lending her voice to the beloved character Smurfette in the animated film (slated for a July 18, 2025, release); she’s also serving as an executive producer and gifting us this upbeat, Afrobeats-inspired dance track.
“Friend of Mine” is RiRi’s first solo musical offering since her 2022 Oscar-nominated ballad “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and marks an even longer wait for a solo release since her game-changing 2016 album, “Anti.”
The Smurfs movie also stars James Corden, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, along with screen legends Kurt Russell and John Goodman.
The accompanying music video for “Friend of Mine” features Rihanna in a forest, holding a flower umbrella. As the beat plays, she approaches a door and enters—which leads viewers to a Smurf party. Smurfette dances along to the catchy lyrics, as Rihanna’s unmistakable voice belts out, “Oh I think the word here is déjà vu/ Just met you tonight but you feel like a friend of mine/ You feel like a friend of mine.”
This is where the fandom gets annoyed: the same lines repeat throughout the three-minute track, interspersed with fun snippets from the animated movie. After years of anticipation for her ninth studio album, affectionately dubbed “R9” by her devoted fanbase, this Smurf-tastic surprise has, quite understandably, sent social media into a delightful frenzy. The reactions? A glorious mix of pure joy, playful exasperation and ultimate acceptance.
The Instagram comment sections lit up like a Christmas tree. Many in the Navy are simply thrilled to hear new vocals from their queen, regardless of the context.
As the age-old fan wisdom goes, “a crumb is a crumb,” and many agree that even on a children’s movie track, “she still sounds like magic.” Some are already heralding the fun, “club-ready” vibe of “Friend of Mine,” perfect for the summer.
Supporters also quickly highlighted that the song’s family-friendly nature aligns perfectly with Rihanna’s role in the film and her new chapter as a mother to young children.
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One fan hilariously quipped, “Rihanna said one line, y’all getting, do whatever y’all want with it.” Another, acknowledging the long wait, posted, “Thanks . I accept your apology for making us wait so long ! Lmao I’ll take it,” while a third playfully warned, “You so lucky that we wouldn’t ever jump you.”
The excitement was palpable, with many ready to embrace the new track.
“This counts as new music babyyyyy will add to my summer playlist,” gushed one fan. Another creatively commented, “This song is definitely a Friend of my playlist.” Of course, the thirst for “R9” remains, as one user typed out, “Riri You left us wanting more.” But ultimately, a sentiment shared by many was, “U know what we will take it.”
So, while the world eagerly awaits the full album, Rihanna has given her Navy a fun, Smurfy bop to enjoy. It might not be the “R9” lead single everyone was bracing for, but it’s new Rihanna music, and for now, that’s a mission her fans will have to accept.