Latest news with #LiftMeUp
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ronald Fenty, Rihanna's Father, Dead At 70
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has confirmed that Rihanna's father, Ronald Fenty, has passed away in Los Angeles after battling an unspecified illness. He was 70. Mottley took to Instagram on Saturday (May 31) to honor Fenty's life and legacy, calling him a 'son of Barbadian soil, whose life story reflected the resilience and spirit of our nation.' In a heartfelt tribute, she praised not only the role he played in raising Rihanna, but also his deeper connection to the Bajan community. 'While he may be known for playing a significant role in shaping the woman our National Hero Rihanna has become, the truth is that his journey here on earth has touched many more lives.' According to TMZ, Rihanna's brother Rajad was seen entering Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this week, possibly accompanied by the 'Lift Me Up' singer. 'To Rihanna, her mother Monica, her brothers Rorrey, Rajad and Jamie, sisters Kandy and Samantha, and all members of the Fenty family, I offer my deepest sympathies. I equally extend my condolences to Ronald's friends and loved ones, both here in Barbados and abroad,' Mottley's post continued. 'In this time of mourning, we stand united with the Fenty family, offering our prayers and support. May his spirit rest in eternal peace, and may all who loved him find comfort in that love and the memories they were blessed to have shared.' Ronald Fenty's relationship with Rihanna wasn't always the smoothest. In 2019, she filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of using her trademarked name 'Fenty' to promote his own entertainment ventures. That legal battle was put to rest in 2021 when she filed to have the suit dismissed. The two, however, clearly smoothed over the rift as he shared with TMZ in 2023, that he was 'over the moon' about Rihanna becoming a mother for the second time. Fenty is survived by his three children with Rihanna's mother, Monica Braithwaite: Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey, and three other children from previous relationships. Rihanna has not spoken publicly on the passing of her father as of publication. VIBE sends condolences to Rihanna and her family at this time. More from Rihanna Returns With New Song "Friend Of Mine" For 'Smurfs' Film Rihanna Has Fans Thinking She Might Be Pregnant With Twins Ciara Claims Rihanna, A$AP Rocky Are Already Hinting At Baby No. 4 While Discussing Baby Fever
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rihanna Returns With Club Banger ‘Friend of Mine'
Rihanna has dropped a new single, 'Friend of Mine.' The upbeat, Afrobeats-inspired dance track was written for forthcoming animated movie Smurfs, in which the singer voices Smurfette. A video for the song sees Rihanna approaching the Smurfs' village with a giant flower as an umbrella. As she goes inside, it transitions to animation and the small blue creatures dance along to the lively track—with some pretty impressive moves. The club-ready single marks Rihanna's first new music since 2022's 'Lift Me Up,' recorded for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. More from Rolling Stone Rihanna Is Dropping Her First Song in 3 Years for 'Smurfs' Soundtrack A$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
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rihanna's New ‘SMURFS' Song 'Friend of Mine' Has Me Totally Confused
When we said we wanted Rihanna to go back to music, a new song from the Smurfs movie soundtrack isn't exactly what we meant, but we'll take it. The singer-turned beauty mogul-turned actor dropped her first single in years on Friday, and the fan reaction to Rihanna's new single 'Friend of Mine' is both ecstatic and confused. As a song, 'Friend of Mine' relies less on Rihanna's vocals and more on a dance beat. In fact, she barely sings more than a couple lines that simply repeat throughout the song. It's a far cry from her last musical release, 'Lift Me Up,' the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever track which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. But Rihanna fans know that beggars can't be choosers, and if this is what Rihanna is willing to give us, then we'll take it! Fans have been waiting for a new Rihanna album—affectionately known as R9—ever since she dropped her last full-length album, Anti, in 2016. Since then, she's taken over the beauty world with her brand Fenty Beauty, welcomed two kids, and headlined the Super Bowl Halftime show. New music, however, has been few and far between, which is why fans held high hopes for this new single—even if it is coming courtesy of this summer's animated SMURFS movie. Needless to say, the reaction to 'Friend of Mine' has been mixed. Some are just grateful for the crumbs while others are joking that maybe they're fine with Rihanna sticking to her makeup brand. 'yk what we'll let u sell the makeup it's okay girl,' wrote one fan on Twitter. Another wrote, 'girl at this point we'll take what we can get i guess.' yk what we'll let u sell the makeup it's okay girl 😭 — ISLAND BOY 🏝🍒 (@ISLANDBOYY11) May 16, 2025 She's a comedian — Bolu Babalola (@BeeBabs) May 16, 2025 Writer Nicolas-Tyrell Scott theorized that Rihanna was trolling all of us with this new track, tweeting, 'Barely saying more than 'you feel like a friend of mine' across the song is k*lling me. She's such a troll and I find it so hilarious as someone who is content with her ending her music career here if she wishes.' And author Bolu Babalola added, 'She's a comedian.' She's a comedian — Bolu Babalola (@BeeBabs) May 16, 2025 At this point in her career, it's clear that Rihanna is just going to do what she wants, when she wants it. And if right now what she wants is to voice Smurfette and singe an original song for the film, then that's what she'll do. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Fans React to Rihanna's New Song 'Friend of Mine'
When we said we wanted Rihanna to go back to music, a new song from the Smurfs movie soundtrack isn't exactly what we meant, but we'll take it. The singer-turned beauty mogul-turned actor dropped her first single in years on Friday, and the fan reaction to Rihanna's new single 'Friend of Mine' is both ecstatic and confused. As a song, 'Friend of Mine' relies less on Rihanna's vocals and more on a dance beat. In fact, she barely sings more than a couple lines that simply repeat throughout the song. It's a far cry from her last musical release, 'Lift Me Up,' the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever track which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. But Rihanna fans know that beggars can't be choosers, and if this is what Rihanna is willing to give us, then we'll take it! Fans have been waiting for a new Rihanna album—affectionately known as R9—ever since she dropped her last full-length album, Anti, in 2016. Since then, she's taken over the beauty world with her brand Fenty Beauty, welcomed two kids, and headlined the Super Bowl Halftime show. New music, however, has been few and far between, which is why fans held high hopes for this new single—even if it is coming courtesy of this summer's animated SMURFS movie. Needless to say, the reaction to 'Friend of Mine' has been mixed. Some are just grateful for the crumbs while others are joking that maybe they're fine with Rihanna sticking to her makeup brand. 'yk what we'll let u sell the makeup it's okay girl,' wrote one fan on Twitter. Another wrote, 'girl at this point we'll take what we can get i guess.' Writer Nicolas-Tyrell Scott theorized that Rihanna was trolling all of us with this new track, tweeting, 'Barely saying more than 'you feel like a friend of mine' across the song is k*lling me. She's such a troll and I find it so hilarious as someone who is content with her ending her music career here if she wishes.' And author Bolu Babalola added, 'She's a comedian.' At this point in her career, it's clear that Rihanna is just going to do what she wants, when she wants it. And if right now what she wants is to voice Smurfette and singe an original song for the film, then that's what she'll do.
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Rihanna drops upcoming Smurfs soundtrack single 'Friend of Mine' ahead of summer movie release
Rihanna has unveiled a new single titled Friend of Mine, released on May 16, as part of the soundtrack for the upcoming Smurfs animated film, in which she also stars as the voice of Smurfette. This marks her first new release since 2022's Lift Me Up, which was featured in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and earned her an Academy Award nomination. The upbeat track blends Afrobeats-inspired rhythms with warm synths and danceable percussion. A preview of the song debuted in the film's trailer earlier this week, showing Rihanna's animated blue character singing and dancing through Smurf Village. The movie, which hits theaters on July 18, features an ensemble cast including John Goodman, James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Sandra Oh. The story follows the Smurfs as they unite to rescue Papa Smurf from an evil wizard. Friend of Mine joins Higher Love—a track by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, DESI TRILL, Natania, and Subhi—on the movie's soundtrack. South African singer Tyla is also expected to contribute music to the project. In addition to lending her voice to the film, Rihanna served as one of its producers. The singer first announced her involvement with the film during CinemaCon 2023, where she appeared while pregnant with her second child. Speaking at the event, she said, 'I get to show up in my PJs in my third trimester … I hope this gives me cool points with my kids one day.' Rihanna recently confirmed her third pregnancy, debuting her baby bump at the 2025 Met Gala. She and partner A$AP Rocky are already parents to sons RZA and Riot Rose. Fans can stream Friend of Mine now and watch the accompanying video featuring a whimsical cameo by the pop icon herself.
