Barbadian singer Rihanna arrives for the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on Oct, 26, 2022. Credit - Valerie Macon—AFP/Getty Images

It’s been exactly 2,465 days since the global pop icon Rihanna released her last album, ANTI, and after years of teasing music but not releasing it, the musical drought is finally over. The “Diamonds” singer released her first solo single in six years, titled “Lift Me Up,” for the new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever movie soundtrack. The song comes after years of dashed hopes for fans. Rumors of a double album never came to fruition, and the singer was spotted at the studio multiple times over the past couple of years.

Her new song, released today, showcases the maturity in her voice—and it’s enchanting. It’s unclear where the song will be placed in the movie, but either way it’s sure to pack an emotional punch in a movie whose emotional stakes are already high, following the death of star Chadwick Boseman. Director Ryan Coogler told The Hollywood Reporter at the film’s world premiere on Wednesday that they were taking the second film in a “different direction,” and his team was “looking for artists who could embody [the film] thematically… and Rihanna was at the top of that list.”

As we prepare for a Rihanna comeback, let’s discuss the new song, what’s on tap for her next, and refresh our memories with all that she’s done over the nearly seven years since ANTI.