Rihanna x Alchemist & Knxwledge? A$AP Rocky Reveals Rihanna’s Dream Producer Wishlist

ASAP Rocky Reveals R9’s Bold New Underground Direction

The "Navy" has been patient—legendarily so. But just when we thought the trail for Rihanna’s ninth studio album (the mythical R9) had gone cold, ASAP Rocky just dropped a bombshell that has shifted the entire conversation from "if" she’s releasing music to "who" is behind the boards.

In a revealing January 2026 interview on The Joe Budden Podcast, Rocky slipped up and shared some insider tea that has the music world reeling: Rihanna wants to work with Alchemist and Knxwledge.

For a global pop icon who has dominated the Billboard charts with EDM bangers and Caribbean-infused pop, the pivot toward two of the most respected "lo-fi" and "gritty" underground producers in hip-hop history is a massive statement. As Rocky put it: "Her style is so crazy, 'cause you wouldn't expect her to like the people she f**ks with."

The Alchemist and Knxwledge Factor: A New Sonic Palette

To understand why this is a big deal, you have to look at the resumes of the men involved. This isn't your standard radio-ready production.

Who is The Alchemist?

The Alchemist is the architect of the modern "griselda-era" sound. Known for his eerie, atmospheric samples and neck-snapping drums, he has recently produced masterpieces for Earl Sweatshirt, Kendrick Lamar, and Freddie Gibbs. If Rihanna is tapping him, she isn't looking for another "Diamonds"—she’s looking for texture.

Who is Knxwledge?

Knxwledge, one half of the duo NxWorries (alongside Anderson .Paak), is a master of the soulful, warped, and beat-heavy underground. His production is often described as "collage-like," blending old-school soul chops with a modern, laid-back grit.

By seeking out these two, Rihanna is signaling a move toward alternative R&B and experimental hip-hop. It’s a move that mirrors the artistic risks taken on ANTI, but pushes them even further into the "cool" and "unconventional."

Why "Her Style is So Crazy": Decoding Rocky’s Comment

Rocky’s praise of Rihanna’s "crazy" style isn't just about her wardrobe—though her recent appearances at the 2026 Paris Couture Week prove she’s still the queen of fashion. He’s talking about her curatorial ear.

 "Yo, she be encouraging me," Rocky told the hosts. "She f**ks with Alchemist. That’s who she wanna work with... Wait 'til you—"

Rocky cut himself off before revealing too much, but the message was clear: Rihanna’s musical evolution is matching her personal growth. She isn't interested in "radio digestible" hits anymore. In her recent Harper’s Bazaar cover story, she confirmed this sentiment, stating that there is "no genre now" and that she has finally "cracked the code" on what her artistry deserves.

Is R9 Finally Coming in 2026?

The timing of these revelations is perfect. ASAP Rocky just debuted his long-awaited album Don't Be Dumb at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and the couple has been visible everywhere from the CFDA Awards (where Rocky won the 2025 Fashion Icon Award) to the front rows of Dior and Chanel.

While Rihanna has been busy expanding the Fenty empire and raising their three children—RZA, Riot, and their newborn daughter, Rocki Irish—the "music is my freedom" mantra seems to be her primary focus for the 2026 calendar.

What to Expect from the New Sound:

 * Experimental Soul: Mixing Knxwledge’s loops with Rihanna’s smoky mezzo-soprano.

 * Gritty Minimalism: The Alchemist’s signature "dark" beats providing a backdrop for more vulnerable, raw lyricism.

 * Genre-Bending: Moving away from traditional Pop/EDM toward a sound that feels more "underground" and authentic.

The Worth in the Wait

Rihanna hasn't released a full-length project since 2016's ANTI. In the decade since, she has become a billionaire, a mother, and a fashion mogul. For her to return to the studio with producers like Alchemist and Knxwledge suggests that when she finally does drop, it won't just be an album—it will be a cultural shift.

As Rocky nervously joked during his interview, "I shouldn't even be doing all this 'cause now her fans, they gonna be all over me." Sorry, Rocky—the Navy is officially on high alert.