Rihanna, rightfully, is on the new cover of Vogue.
In the accompanying interview, Rihanna spoke about the influences behind her new album and gave an update on how she and Drake are getting along these days. Her next album, the first since her excellent 2016 release Anti, will be a full-on reggae album. Jamaican-born producer Supa Dups, who's previously worked on records with Sean Paul, is mentioned in the piece as a potential "early influence" on the new songs, though it's also noted that it's still "too soon" to concentrate on trying to figure out a full list of collaborators. Rihanna's personal favorite reggae artist, however, is Bob Marley. "Three Little Birds," "Redemption Song," and "No Woman, No Cry" are her preferred Marley cuts.
Later in the interview, conducted by Chioma Nnadi, Rihanna spoke briefly on that time Drake presented her with the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. For Rihanna, waiting through Drake's speech was "probably the most uncomfortable part" because she doesn't like "too many compliments." As for the current Drake situation, Rihanna added, there's no real friendship to speak of. "We don't have a friendship now, but we're not enemies either," she said. "It is what it is."
The full Vogue x Rihanna piece also includes photography by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Savage x Fenty insight, thoughts on turning 30, and much more. You'll find it all right here.
