"Asking the real questions": Internet reacts as BTS' j-hope questions Rihanna on the arrival of her next album

BTS’ j-hope is capturing the world’s attention once again, but this time it is not simply about his music or dance moves — it is asking a question that has struck deep into the hearts of millions of fans around the globe. j-hope was asked during a recent interview on Z100 New York Celsius Interview Lounge which artist he would like to pose a question to. He didn’t hesitate to mention that he would ask Rihanna:

"If she is thinking about releasing a new album anytime soon."

His question went viral almost immediately, with one particular fan commenting on X:

"He's asking the real questions."

j-hope’s question immediately struck a nerve with fans, reigniting speculation about the long-delayed arrival of Rihanna’s ninth studio album. The global pop star last released an album, Anti, in 2016, and fans have spent years waiting with bated breath for new music.

Despite staying in the public eye through her Fenty brand, high-profile performances and personal milestones, the release of R9 continues to be one of the music industry’s biggest mysteries.

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Social media frenzy

j-hope’s straightforward question soon went viral, provoking a flood of reactions across the Internet, especially on X (the platform once known as Twitter).

"j-hope's mention of Rihanna is so exciting. just to imagine the two artists together! I wonder if Rihanna plans a new album soon. Looking forward to seeing what the two music greats will be talking about! #JHOPE #Rihanna #TheLegend of Music" - Wrote one user on X.

"He’s so real for that." - Wrote Mili on X.

"He is such a huge RiRi fanboy It’s so cute." - Wrote another user on X.

"Rihanna we're all waiting for the answer." Wrote Nabatyanga on X.

"j-hope just asked the question we all want answered—Rihanna, where’s the album?" Asked Muhammad on X.

"We all want to know. Seems like every artist I love (2Pac, Cardi, Rihanna) is never going to release another project." Wrote another user on X.

"j-hope has been a Rihanna fan for ages now. He’s waiting for her album just like us what a cutie." - Wrote Milo on X.

Responses flooded the internet from both the BTS ARMY and Rihanna’s die-hard fanbase.

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Rihanna’s response so far

This isn’t the first time Rihanna has responded to the ongoing questions about R9. “I cannot put out anything mediocre,” she said in a previous interview, highlighting her dedication to quality. There is no official release date, though, despite her assurances.

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Will j-hope’s Question Make a Difference?

And whether j-hope’s question will lead to Rihanna dropping R9 once and for all it’s hard to say, but what’s certain is that he’s whipped up excitement and anticipation among fans once again.

Until then, music lovers can only hold out hope that j-hope’s brash supposition landed somewhere in the vicinity of Rihanna’s ears and maybe even hastened the long-awaited comeback of one of pop’s major heavyweights.