It's been a full year since Rihanna shared her long-awaited eighth studio album ANTI, and the singer decided to celebrate the LP's anniversary (January 28) by revisiting her recording sessions in Malibu.
Rih posted a series of photos on Instagram, documenting the writing and recording that took place during the months in which Rih and her collaborators rented a house in "the 'Bu" and concentrated on music. Though she "actually hates long captions," Rih also shared some thoughts on the challenges and evolution that occurred in the process of working on the LP, as well as the moment she decided to trust her ear and gut.
In the year since its release, ANTI has received critical acclaim and has gone on to produce 5 platinum and multi-platinum songs, as well as going 2x platinum itself.
Read her full caption, as well as some of the photos she's shared, below.
Looking back to 1 year ago.... I released my most anticipated album to date #ANTi ....When I started making this album I never would have imagined how much of a challenge the process would be. I was evolving in the midst of making a body of art that was supposed to reflect who I was in that moment, yet it was the very answer I didn't have! I was numb for a while...numb to all the bullshit and numb to all the good shit. But I was determined not to settle for what everybody thought this should be, or when they thought it should come, or how! I stuck to it until I felt something again! And I remember like it was yesterday, the night it happened! We rented a house in Malibu for a couple months and did MUSIC! Every room, every couch, every corner, there were musicians everywhere, the whole Fenty Corp, the best times! 1 night we vibing, TyTy made a comment, and I got super sensitive, lolol! Then I thought "hold up, did I just feel a way?? Did I just FEEL???!!" It was in that moment that I trusted myself, trusted my ear, trusted my gut, trusted the way that my music made me FEEL!!! I had no idea how it would be received, neither was that something I considered. I just wanted to make a body of work that felt right! And to the most beautiful, loyal fans that anyone would kill to have on their team, you were right there by my side waiting (im)patiently the entire time! To have the support of so many, with the enthusiasm that we shared for Anti felt like such a reward! I cannot thank you enough for loving her the way you do! And to every single person that was a part of the process from sound to aesthetic, thank you and I cherish you! May the Glory be to God! I actually hate long captions, I know u can't tell but i don't care!