BTS’ J-Hope is on a roll following the massive success of his “HOPE ON THE STAGE” tour, and now he’s teasing fans with something even bigger! In a May 21 interview with Billboard, the rapper opened up about his dream collaborators, and let’s just say, the list is iconic. Among them? None other than Rihanna, a pop queen turned entrepreneur and fashion guru.
The BTS gushed about his admiration for Rihanna, saying he’s loved her since childhood and still waits for her next album like every other fan. His fans went wild at the mention, flooding social media with hopes that the two might actually collaborate. Considering Rihanna hasn’t released a full album since “Anti” in 2016, a joint track with J-Hope could be the comeback moment pop culture needs. Interestingly, RiRi has broken her musical silence with a few soundtrack songs, including “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022 and “Friend of Mine” from “The Smurfs” this year.
J-Hope during his interview for Billboard when asked about an artist he would like to collaborate with:
"When will Rihanna drop the next album? She's an artist that I've always loved since I was a kid" pic.twitter.com/knYQqhymNc
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) May 20, 2025
But that’s not all—J-Hope is also eyeing collabs with fierce new-gen rappers like Doechii and Sexxy Red. Inspired by their commanding presence, he’s clearly thinking outside the box for his upcoming album, which insiders say could drop in the next two months. Given his track record with Miguel, J. Cole, and Becky G, expectations are sky-high, though nothing has been confirmed.
#JHOPE tells Billboard #Rihanna, #Doechii and #SexyyRed are 3 artists he'd love to work with in the future…👏🕺💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾👑👑👑👑❤️🔥#jhopexBillboard @BTS_twt @Rihanna @officialdoechii @SexyyRed314_ pic.twitter.com/tpeoWRkvtn
— World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) May 21, 2025
So will Hobi help end Rihanna’s music drought while adding another superstar to his collaborators? Fans are manifesting it hard! And with his bold musical taste and proven star power, this next album might just deliver the unexpected.
