Photo Credit:Christopher Polk/Getty Images for WESTBURY ROAD ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Rihanna marked a major milestone this week by celebrating a decade since the release of her album _ANTI_, her most recent studio project to date. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the global R&B and pop star commemorated the 10 year anniversary with a nostalgic Instagram post that leaned into the
viral 2016 throwback trend. The 37 year old singer shared a Reel featuring clips and moments from the _ANTI_ era, offering fans a glimpse back at a defining chapter of her career.
The video opens with the definition of the word “anti,” described as a person opposed to a particular policy, activity, or idea. As highlights from 2016 flash across the screen, Rihanna’s track “Needed Me” plays in the background alongside text noting that _ANTI_ is the longest charting album by a Black female artist. The montage also includes candid audio of Rihanna reacting to her own music, saying she loved one of the songs as “Kiss It Better” plays.
Additional footage shows Rihanna rehearsing for her tour and reflecting on the creative journey behind the album. In one clip, she expresses gratitude to the diverse group of collaborators who helped bring _ANTI_ to life, emphasizing how their different backgrounds and experiences shaped the project. She thanked the team for coming together to create an album the world would eventually embrace.
As the Reel continues, “Work” featuring Drake plays, reinforcing the era’s impact. Rihanna captioned the post with a playful nod to social media trends, writing, “my 2016 post wins,” alongside a celebratory message for the album’s anniversary.
The milestone also came with new accolades. According to a press release, _ANTI_ has officially become the longest charting album by a Black female artist in music history, while extending Rihanna’s record for the most Diamond certified singles by a female artist. Songs such as “Love on the Brain,” “Needed Me,” and “Work” have reached double digit Platinum status, joining other Diamond hits from her catalog including “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” and “We Found Love.”
Despite continued success, _ANTI_ remains Rihanna’s last album, released in January 2016. While she has appeared on select collaborations since then, fans have eagerly awaited her ninth studio album. In a 2025 interview with _Harper’s Bazaar_, Rihanna said she had finally found the right direction for her next project, stressing that the long wait must be worthwhile and that the music will reflect her growth as an artist rather than commercial expectations.
viral 2016 throwback trend. The 37 year old singer shared a Reel featuring clips and moments from the _ANTI_ era, offering fans a glimpse back at a defining chapter of her career.
The video opens with the definition of the word “anti,” described as a person opposed to a particular policy, activity, or idea. As highlights from 2016 flash across the screen, Rihanna’s track “Needed Me” plays in the background alongside text noting that _ANTI_ is the longest charting album by a Black female artist. The montage also includes candid audio of Rihanna reacting to her own music, saying she loved one of the songs as “Kiss It Better” plays.
Additional footage shows Rihanna rehearsing for her tour and reflecting on the creative journey behind the album. In one clip, she expresses gratitude to the diverse group of collaborators who helped bring _ANTI_ to life, emphasizing how their different backgrounds and experiences shaped the project. She thanked the team for coming together to create an album the world would eventually embrace.
As the Reel continues, “Work” featuring Drake plays, reinforcing the era’s impact. Rihanna captioned the post with a playful nod to social media trends, writing, “my 2016 post wins,” alongside a celebratory message for the album’s anniversary.
The milestone also came with new accolades. According to a press release, _ANTI_ has officially become the longest charting album by a Black female artist in music history, while extending Rihanna’s record for the most Diamond certified singles by a female artist. Songs such as “Love on the Brain,” “Needed Me,” and “Work” have reached double digit Platinum status, joining other Diamond hits from her catalog including “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” and “We Found Love.”
Despite continued success, _ANTI_ remains Rihanna’s last album, released in January 2016. While she has appeared on select collaborations since then, fans have eagerly awaited her ninth studio album. In a 2025 interview with _Harper’s Bazaar_, Rihanna said she had finally found the right direction for her next project, stressing that the long wait must be worthwhile and that the music will reflect her growth as an artist rather than commercial expectations.