Tyla joins star-studded 'Smurfs' movie soundtrack alongside Rihanna and Cardi B
- Rihanna released the new single "Friend of Mine" on May 16, 2025, tied to the upcoming Smurfs movie where she voices Smurfette.
- The song emerged from a 2024 writing camp involving Jon Bellion and producers like Fallen, created to capture a collaborative and fun energy.
- "Friend of Mine" precedes the Smurfs soundtrack scheduled for June 13, supporting the 3D-animated Smurfs film releasing July 18, 2025.
- Bellion described the session as "a bunch of people having a blast" aiming for a track that fits all life events, reflecting Rihanna's exploratory direction.
- This release ends Rihanna's three-year music pause since "Lift Me Up" and signals anticipation for her ninth studio album later in 2025.
25 Articles
25 Articles
‘Friend of Mine’ Co-Producer Jon Bellion: Rihanna’s New Single Resulted From ‘A Bunch of People Having a Blast’
At first blush, Rihanna’s “Friend of Mine” does not sound like a single from a kids movie. Unlike the superstar’s previous soundtrack work for films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Home, which tended to veer toward sweeping pop balladry, “Friend of Mine” is a thumping club track, with Rihanna’s voice positioned as an elliptical refrain over a house beat. Jon Bellion, who co-wrote and co-produced the track last year, was initially surpr…
Rihanna drops upcoming Smurfs soundtrack single 'Friend of Mine' ahead of summer movie release
Rihanna has unveiled a new single titled Friend of Mine, released on May 16, as part of the soundtrack for the upcoming Smurfs animated film, in which she also stars as the voice of Smurfette. This marks her first new release since 2022’s Lift Me Up, which was featured in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and earned her an Academy Award nomination. The upbeat track blends Afrobeats-inspired rhythms with warm synths and danceable percussion. A previ…
Rihanna’s deadly serious Smurfs anthem is a total banger
Rihanna’s new single “Friend of Mine” has song of the summer written all over it, if you are like me, and only value tracks written for Smurf cartoons that aspire to be the next Trolls. I am sad to report to the haters that “Friend of Mine” is, unquestionably, a bop. Since hearing the words “Rihanna is Smurfette” in 2023 I have been greatly anticipating Paramount Pictures’ new 3D-animated Smurfs movie, which is titled Smurfs (not to be confused …
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