Rihanna Gushes Over ‘R8,’ Music Exec Hints At Fall Release For ‘Diamonds’ Singer’s New Album

Rihanna may be keeping mum regarding the news of her eighth studio album, but the songstress is finally opening up about the highly anticipated project during a promotional event for her new fragrance, RiRi by Rihanna.

NY Daily News reports that during the event, Rihanna gushes over the tenth anniversary of her first album, Music of the Sun, while dishing on her plans to celebrate the milestone later this year.

“Definitely a very big deal for me. You know, I can’t believe it’s 10 years already, but we definitely have to celebrate this year,” Rihanna revealed during an interview on Monday.

“There are a few things I have in mind,” she continues, “so you’ll have to wait on that, but don’t think I’m forgetting because this means a lot to me that I made it to 10 years.”

Since Music of the Sun‘s release in 2005, Rihanna has released seven albums and won eight Grammy Awards.

When asked about the progress of her new album, tentatively titled R8, Rihanna admits that she’s focusing on putting the finishing touches on the project.

“New album is going really, really great. We have recorded a lot of songs and I can’t wait to finish and put it out. That’s my next step,” Rihanna admits.

Despite the songstress’ dedication to fashion, beauty, and movie ventures over the past two years, Rihanna insists that her upcoming album is her sole focus now that her new fragrance and Puma campaign have been released.

The news comes just days after iHeartMedia President Tom Poleman hinted in an interview that Rihanna’s new album is likely to drop later this fall.

Unreality TV reports that in an interview with Billboard, Poleman confesses, “Personally I’m anticipating new music from Rihanna and Kanye West, it’s just a matter of time until we get to hear it.”

The news echoes previous rumors that suggest Rihanna and West are set to embark on a joint tour next year in honor of their new album releases.

MTV reports that in June, Rihanna and West sent tour rumors into overdrive after a cryptic concert listing for a gig at Glasgow’s Hampden Park National Stadium appeared on Ticketmaster’s website.

While it’s evident that neither Rihanna nor West performed at the scheduled event, similar rumors suggested that Rihanna accidentally let the news of the joint tour slip during her charity auction last year after she attempted to auction off a “Kanye West Tour Experience” for his “upcoming North American tour.”

While Rihanna has yet to confirm a release date for her new album, it’s worth noting that the songstress has historically released her five previous albums in November.

When do you think Rihanna will drop her new album?

[Image Credit: Getty Images / Dimitrios Kambouris]