Rihanna Returns With Club Banger ‘Friend of Mine'
Rihanna has dropped a new single, 'Friend of Mine.' The upbeat, Afrobeats-inspired dance track was written for forthcoming animated movie Smurfs, in which the singer voices Smurfette.
A video for the song sees Rihanna approaching the Smurfs' village with a giant flower as an umbrella. As she goes inside, it transitions to animation and the small blue creatures dance along to the lively track—with some pretty impressive moves. The club-ready single marks Rihanna's first new music since 2022's 'Lift Me Up,' recorded for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
More from Rolling Stone
Rihanna Is Dropping Her First Song in 3 Years for 'Smurfs' Soundtrack
A$AP Rocky Gets Criminal Case Record Sealed After Acquittal
Rihanna Reveals She's Pregnant With Third Child at Met Gala
'Friend of Mine' will appear on the Smurfs soundtrack, along with DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and Desi Trill's 'Higher Love,' which dropped in February. The soundtrack is set for release on June 13 via Roc Nation Distribution and will also feature a new song from Tyla.
Smurfs hits theaters on July 18. The official synopsis notes, 'When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.' Other voice actors include James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Marshmello, and Kurt Russell.
Rihanna notably hasn't dropped an album since 2016's Anti. The singer last provided a real update on her potential next album in February, saying she was 'feeling really optimistic' about the music she had been working on.
'This feels right,' she said. 'It feels like it digs right into where I need to be, and I want this. This body needs to come out, and I'm ready to go there. This is becoming my new freedom, because when I'm in the studio, I know that my time away from my kids is to blossom something that hasn't been watered in eight years. I've been in the studio the whole eight years. But it didn't hit me. I was searching for it.'
She continued, 'I went through phases of what I wanted to do. 'This kind of album, not that album.' I know it's not going to be anything that anybody expects. And it's not going to be commercial or radio digestible. It's going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now. I feel like I've finally cracked it, girl!'
Best of Rolling Stone
The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs
All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
President Donald Trump Pardons NBA YoungBoy On Gun Charges
NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, was pardoned by President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 25). According to ABC News, this means the 25-year-old will not have to follow the terms of his probation, including drug testing, since he finished his home confinement sentence last month. 'From Louisiana to Utah, the battles have been endless, and now he can concentrate on first and foremost his family, and then, of course, his amazing career,' expressed the rapper's lawyer, Drew Findling, in a statement to the news outlet. Rolling Stone reported that Findling 'did not do the pardon application, but can confirm he was pardoned.' 'I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist,' explained the Baton Rouge native in a statement shared to Instagram stories. 'This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I've worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.' In August 2024, the 'Outside Today' performer, legal name Kentrell Gaulden, pleaded guilty to possession of firearms by a convicted felon, hoping to have the courts transfer the litigation from his hometown to Utah. In Utah, he faced charges in a prescription pill drug fraud ring. He was sentenced to 23 months behind bars in December 2024 with five years of supervised probation after his release. According to HipHopDX, the rapper was released from a federal correctional facility in Talladega, Alabama, in March 2025, earlier than his projected summer release date, and transferred to Utah to complete his house arrest. Ahead of his presidential pardon, NBA YoungBoy announced his first headlining trek. The Masa Tour is set to kick off this September and run through October with stops in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, Detroit, Atlanta, and more. View the tour schedule below: Sept 2 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines CenterSept 5 – Austin, TX @ Moody CenterSept 6 – Houston, TX @ Toyota CenterSept 9 – Los Angeles, CA @ ArenaSept 12 – Oakland, CA @ Oakland ArenaSept 13 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 CenterSept 15 – Phoenix, AZ @ PHX ArenaSept 17 – Denver, CO @ Ball ArenaSept 20 – St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise CenterSept 21 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile CenterSept 24 – Chicago, IL @ United CenterSept 25 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide ArenaSept 27 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays CenterSept 28 – Boston, MA @ TD GardenSept 29 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential CenterOct 1 – Washington, DC @ Capital One ArenaOct 3 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo CenterOct 4 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank ArenaOct 6 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars ArenaOct 8 – Columbia, SC @ Colonial Life ArenaOct 10 – Jacksonville, FL @ VyStar Veterans Memorial ArenaOct 11 – Orlando, FL @ Kia CenterOct 13 – Miami, FL @ Kaseya CenterOct 15 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm ArenaOct 16 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone ArenaOct 18 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCCOct 19 – New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center More from Ye And YoungBoy Never Broke Again Link Up For New Single "Alive" YoungBoy Never Broke Again To Be Released From Prison This Summer NBA YoungBoy Receives Federal Prison Sentence On Weapons Charges
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin Named BET Ultimate Icon Award Recipients
Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg will take the stage at the 2025 BET Awards for a special performance as recipients of the Ultimate Icon Award. The honor will also be presented to Jamie Foxx, who will accept the award without performing. The show will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, at 8 p.m. EST. 'Thank you @BET this is an honor,' Franklin wrote on social platform X. The award is meant to celebrate groundbreaking contributions across entertainment, music, advocacy, and community impact, according to BET. More from Rolling Stone An Embattled Snoop Dogg Bites Back a Little But Mostly Keeps It Cool Lil Wayne, Playboi Carti, Teyana Taylor Among Performers at 2025 BET Awards Snoop Dogg's New Album 'Iz It A Crime?' Is Here Last month, Carey was notably shut out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite her tangible and lasting cross-genre influence on music. Foxx recently released the stand-up special What Had Happened Was, which detailed the harrowing medical scare he experienced in April 2023 while hospitalized following a debilitating stroke. 'I was fighting for my life, but I'm here right in front of you,' he said tearfully during his set. 'If I dance all night, don't mind me. I'm happy to be alive.' This year's slate of honorees marks the first time the Ultimate Icon Award has been presented since 2019, when it was awarded to Tyler Perry. Past recipients also include Janet Jackson and Deborah L. Lee. In addition to Carey, Franklin, and Snoop Dogg, the 2025 BET Awards will also feature performances from Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas. The night will also pay tribute to 106 & Park in honor of the show's 25th anniversary, which will bring together former hosts AJ Calloway, Free Marie Wright, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J. Performers for the tribute include Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, and T.I. 'We're setting the tone for a night that celebrates 25 years of impact, creativity, and Black culture,' Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, said in a statement. 'With electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in music and an iconic comedic host, 'BET Awards' 2025 will be a can't-miss celebration of everything the culture represents.' Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Holland America Line Builds on Northern Europe Expertise with Third Dedicated Ship Exploring the Region in 2027
Dutch-inspired onboard traditions and more popular destinations for guests looking to explore Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, the Baltics and British Isles SEATTLE, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line will expand its presence in Northern Europe with a third dedicated ship in 2027, providing guests with more chances to discover the region with a cruise line known for its deep-rooted expertise in the area. Guests embarking on one of the cruises can expect to discover the sparkling cities and otherworldly beauty of Scandinavia, Greenland, the Baltics and the British Isles — while also enjoying an authentic onboard experience. Starting in 2027, Zuiderdam will join Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam in taking guests throughout Northern Europe, while Oosterdam will continue as the cruise line's primary ship to sail Mediterranean cruises. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will continue to homeport in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, while Zuiderdam will cruise from Amsterdam. Both Zuiderdam and Rotterdam will also offer departures from Reykjavik, Iceland; and Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover, England, in 2027, with alternate itineraries for those wishing to sail roundtrip from the U.K. "Northern Europe is extremely popular with our guests — for the ports of call and stunning scenery. As a cruise line rooted in European heritage, we're uniquely positioned to offer them one-of-a-kind explorations with an onboard experience that matches the region," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. "The destinations in the region are some of our highest-rated — from standout ports in Norway like Eidfjord and Bergen and scenic cruising in Eyjafjörður, Iceland, to the UK's Liverpool and Ireland's Killybegs — this season provides guests more chances to experience everything Northern Europe has to offer." Holland America Line surveys of both current and prospective guests show that nearly half of respondents rank Northern Europe (including Iceland and Greenland) as one of the most appealing cruise destinations. Further, a majority of guests rank fjord cruising as something of particular interest. A "fjord authority," Holland America Line has crafted a 2027 season featuring copious opportunities for scenic cruising in Norwegian and Icelandic fjords — including through Europe's longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord. Northern Europe — Home of Holland America Line As one of the world's longest-sailing cruise lines, founded in Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America Line keeps its European heritage at the forefront of the experience on board. The "Dutch Touch" can be found on board every ship and on every itinerary, from classic design to "Dutch Day," which integrates numerous Holland America Line traditions into a celebration of the culture, cuisine and country of the Netherlands. Throughout each cruise, the "Northern European" experience continues on board and on shore through locally sourced regional delights. And — when sailing on European cruises, guests can taste some of Europe's best cocktails exclusively curated for Holland America guests by award-winning Dutch bartender Tess Posthumus. And guests can learn more about each destination through a series of onboard "Up Close" presentations and port talks, as well as see live, local entertainment in locations like Warnemunde, where they can take in the sounds of a German oom-pah band. Exploring the Mediterranean with Holland America Line Also available for booking as part of the 2027 Europe season is a series of Mediterranean cruises. Guests can choose from 14 itineraries ranging from seven to 11 days aboard Oosterdam, or from one of three itineraries aboard Nieuw Statendam, either 14 or 15 days. Each cruise will sail from one of four homeports — Barcelona, Spain; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Trieste (Venice), Italy; or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy — and will explore a total of 54 ports throughout the season. Travelers can also combine itineraries for an even more in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, sailing up to 21 days with no repeat ports. Guests seeking to sail aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam can book today; bookings for Zuiderdam and Volendam's Voyage of the Vikings will go on sale later in June. Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights at Sea Guests seeking to sail in the shadow of the sun during a total solar eclipse or catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights can now book a number of cruises departing in the 2027 season. Travelers sailing on one of two eclipse cruises can expect lectures from and the opportunity to connect with scientific experts, themed activities and more. Proper equipment — like eclipse glasses — will be provided for the safety of guests. And those sailing on one of three Northern Lights cruises can sign up to get a wake-up call from the ship any time the aurora borealis is spotted. Highlights of the Northern Europe Season Sails from April to December aboard Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam. Itineraries range from seven to 21 days. Guests can choose from a broad range of "Viking Homelands" itineraries, curated with The HISTORY Channels ports like Bergen, Stavanger, Odda and more — while providing scenic cruising opportunities in iconic fjords. Guests can sail roundtrip from Those looking for longer explorations of the region can choose from a number of sailings, including a 14-Day Wild British Isles: Ireland + Cliffs of Moher with The HISTORY Channel — taking guests up close to the scenic cliffs of Moher, and to ports in both Northern Ireland and Ireland — as well as Scotland. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will sail a series of 14-Day Baltic and Scandinavian Capitals sailings throughout the summer and into the fall. Each cruise includes overnight or late-night calls, in destinations like Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; and Kiel, Germany. A special "Oktoberfest" rendition of the sailing gives guests a late night call in Warnemünde (Berlin) to take in Berlin's Oktoberfest celebrations. Guests sailing onboard Nieuw Statendam — including on the Oktoberfest cruise — can choose to sail roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover. The popular "Voyage of the Vikings" returns in 2027. The 35-day roundtrip from Boston will sail aboard Volendam and take guests to 20 ports across eight countries, with late night calls in Dublin, Halifax and an overnight in Reykjavik. Highlights of the Mediterranean Season Sails from April to November aboard Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Itineraries range from seven to 15 days. Guests can choose from a number of seven-day itineraries curated with The HISTORY Channel providing guests an immersive historic experience as well as a sample of the Mediterranean. Sample ports of call include culture-rich Ajaccio, France, and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey — and some itineraries feature overnight calls in destinations like Naples, Italy, or Alexandria, Egypt. Oosterdam will also sail longer itineraries, either 10 or 11 days, each providing a more specialized look at the region. All itineraries offer late and/or overnight calls in destinations including Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Istanbul, Turkey; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Nieuw Statendam will sail three itineraries that will take guests to explore the Canary Islands and Morocco or the Western Mediterranean. Each itinerary offers roundtrip departures from either Rotterdam or Dover. Transatlantic Voyages In March, Rotterdam crosses the Atlantic Ocean from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam on a 15-day cruise; Nieuw Statendam follows in April on a 13-day itinerary. Shortly after, Oosterdam crosses from Miami to Barcelona, and Zuiderdam crosses from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam. Rotterdam, Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam will sail to Fort Lauderdale via Rotterdam in October, Barcelona in November and Rotterdam in December, respectively. Further Highlights of 2027 Europe Season 11 Departure Cities: Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Dover, England; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. 12 Overnight Ports: Alexandria, Egypt; Alta and Oslo, Norway; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Haifa, Israel; Istanbul, Turkey; South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; and Valletta, Malta. 19 Late-Evening Departure Cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight): Ålesund and Trondheim, Norway; Alexandria, Egypt; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Civitavecchia (Rome); Greenock (Glasgow); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Istanbul; Kiel (Hamburg) and Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany; Liverpool, England; Mykonos and Rhodes, Greece; Reykjavik; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; South Queensferry (Edinburgh); St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada; and Tallinn, Estonia. Have It All Early Booking Bonus For a limited time, when guests book 2027 Europe Cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line's Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when these cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by Aug. 27, 2025, to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Find Holland America Line on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150+ years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea, and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served locally in regions around the world. CONTACT: Bill Zucker PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Holland America Line Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
