AceShowbiz - Rihanna, the nine-time Grammy winner, was seen entering a recording studio in New York City on January 18. The singer was clad in a long tan coat, workout clothes, and a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Fans were thrilled at the potential that a new album, referred to as "R9," may be on the horizon. However, some remained skeptical, speculating that the studio visit could be for other projects, such as a voiceover for her Fenty ads or music for the upcoming "Smurfs" movie, in which Rihanna voices Smurfette.

Rihanna previously acknowledged that while she enjoys making music, she has slowed down the pace since becoming a mother. In a 2023 interview, she expressed her desire to approach her next album with a fresh perspective.

"I'm rediscovering things," she said. "I actually want to go back and listen to stuff with new ears - with my new perspective and then see what applies and what I'm still in love with."

Despite the studio visit, it's unclear when fans can expect new music from Rihanna. The singer has only released one song since her 2016 album "ANTI," the 2022 single "Lift Me Up."

Meanwhile, Rihanna's partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, is facing gun assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident. The couple's marital status remains unclear, with Rocky's attorney referring to RiRi as the rapper's "wife" in front a judge during a court hearing while others refer to them as "partners or significant others." Rocky's trial is scheduled to begin on January 21st.