Rihanna has released a new song titled “Friend of Mine,” her first solo track since 2022’s “Lift Me Up”. The single is part of the upcoming animated film, *The Smurfs Movie*, scheduled for release on July 18, 2025.
The track will debut on Friday, marking a major milestone for Rihanna’s music career. She also serves as a producer and voice actor in the film.
Rihanna voices the role of Smurfette in the movie. This new animated film is being produced by Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies. It is directed by Chris Miller, known for his work on *Shrek the Third* and *Puss in Boots*.
Apart from voicing a character, Rihanna is also writing and recording original music for the project. The soundtrack is set to feature multiple new songs composed and sung by the artist.
“Friend of Mine” offers a blend of pop and emotional storytelling, aligned with the film’s themes of belonging and friendship. It serves as the lead single for the project’s soundtrack.
The last time Rihanna released solo music was with her album *Anti* in 2016. Since then, she featured in a few collaborations and contributed to soundtracks such as *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*.
The Smurfs franchise has seen several reboots over the years. This upcoming film marks a fresh take with new music and animation.
The movie targets a family audience and aims to connect with a new generation of viewers. Rihanna’s involvement both musically and vocally is expected to draw broad interest.
The full soundtrack release date has not yet been confirmed. More details will follow as the film approaches its release.
