Is Rihanna Really Closer Than Ever to Releasing New Music?

Rihanna hasn’t released a new album since 2016’s Anti, and just as fans might have been giving up hope that we would ever get a new project, the superstar is pulling back the curtain in a new interview.

On the latest episode of the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are breaking down Rihanna’s new interview with Harper’s Bazaar, in which she says she’s “been in the studio the whole eight years” since releasing Anti. “I know it’s not going to be anything that anybody expects,” she says. “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!’”

If she’s finally cracked it, when might we finally hear it? Listen to our full discussion below:

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake’s first collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — not only bumping Drake’s nemesis Kendrick Lamar from No. 1, but also marking the first leader for PARTY and the 14th for Drake. Where does that put Drake on the all-time most No. 1s list?

Plus, we’re previewing this weekend’s Oscars, which now includes performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo; LISA, Doja Cat and RAYE; and Queen Latifah. And Katie tells Keith all about watching Justin Bieber play hockey at this past weekend’s Skate for LA Strong benefit for wildfire relief.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)