Rihanna Returns to Music with “Friend of Mine” for Upcoming Smurfs Film
- Matheus Hooks/ Editor-In-Chief
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
After a three-year hiatus from releasing new music, Rihanna has made a comeback with her latest single, “Friend of Mine,” featured on the soundtrack of the upcoming Smurfs movie. This marks her first original release since 2022’s “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
“Friend of Mine” is an upbeat track with a synth-heavy, Afrobeats-inspired sound, produced by Jon Bellion, f a l l e n, and Pete Nappi. The song’s lyrics are minimalistic, centering around the repeated phrase “Feel like a friend of mine,” aligning with the film’s child-friendly theme.
In addition to contributing to the soundtrack, Rihanna lends her voice to the character Smurfette in the film and serves as a producer. The movie is scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, and follows Smurfette leading a mission into the real world to rescue Papa Smurf from evil wizards.
The release of “Friend of Mine” has elicited mixed reactions from fans. Some have expressed disappointment over the song’s simplicity and lack of lyrical depth, while others appreciate its catchy tune and suitability for a younger audience.
Despite the varied responses, Rihanna’s return to music, even through a film soundtrack, has reignited anticipation for her long-awaited ninth studio album, often referred to as “R9.” In a recent interview, Rihanna hinted at progress on the album, stating, “I’ve just cracked the code on what I really want to do for my next body of work.”
As fans await more updates on “R9,” “Friend of Mine” offers a glimpse into Rihanna’s evolving artistic direction, blending her musical talents with her expanding roles in film and production.
You can watch the official trailer for the Smurfs movie, featuring “Friend of Mine,” here:
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