In a recent interview, Rihanna delved into her life as a mother of two sons, discussing why moms often opt for comfortable attire and addressing the possibility of expanding their family further.
During her conversation with Interview Magazine in April, the "Umbrella" singer candidly shared her thoughts. Rihanna, who shares sons RZA (1) and Riot Rose (8 months) with rapper ASAP Rocky, expressed the challenges of balancing fashion and motherhood. "I spend my time getting the kids dressed to perfection, only to then consider, 'What's the most comfortable outfit to wear around them? What won't feel cumbersome on their faces or bodies, or hinder my ability to hold them properly?'" she revealed. "Moms tend to opt for comfortable dressing in real life."
Addressing the assumption that ASAP Rocky influences their sons' fashion choices, Rihanna clarified, "Everyone assumes Rocky dresses them because I often dress them in his style."
Rihanna famously announced her second pregnancy during her halftime performance at Super Bowl 2023 due to a wardrobe malfunction. Reflecting on the incident during an interview with "Access Hollywood" in December 2023, she remarked, "I had to think on my feet, right? My outfit couldn't zip up."
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky welcomed their first child, RZA, in May 2022, followed by Riot Rose in August 2023.
Praising ASAP Rocky as both a partner and father, Rihanna emphasized, "When someone truly sees you and believes in you, deeming you worthy of being their children's mother, it's an incredible feeling." She continued, "I felt the same way about him. I knew he'd be an exceptional father."
When asked about the possibility of a third child, Rihanna expressed uncertainty about what the future holds but admitted she's open to expanding her family. "I don't know what God has planned, but I would be open to having more than two," she disclosed to the outlet. "I would love to try for a daughter. However, if it's another boy, then so be it."
Currently, Rihanna is relishing her time with her sons. She even shared an endearing anecdote about her nearly 2-year-old son and his first word.
"I used to try to get his attention all the time, and I would say, 'Hey, hey, hey,'" Rihanna recounted to the magazine. "And one day he said it back to me in the same melody, and I kept singing it, and he kept following it over and over again."
When it comes to singing to her kids, Rihanna leans more towards classic tunes rather than her own hits. "Oh my gosh. There’s 'Penguins Salute.' There’s 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.' Oh my gosh, RZA gets really emotional about that," she shared with the outlet. "Yeah, and now he’s really into 'Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,' she added. "'The Wheels on the Bus' is a favorite from the beginning till now. That’s just a classic. It’s never going out of style. And oh, the new 'Incy-Wincy Spider,' because he gets like, 'Ahh,' like he thinks I’m going to tickle him when I sing that one. And he has a book about that, so he can put two and two together."
Here's a closer look at the couple and their family dynamic.
RZA Mayers
RZA made his debut in May 2022, leaving fans eagerly anticipating for an entire year before the couple finally disclosed the little boy's name.
Rocky, known by his real name Rakim Mayers, took to Instagram in May 2023 to celebrate his son's first birthday. "WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN. HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN. RZA," he captioned the post, accompanied by a series of family photos and a video featuring him cradling his son.
RZA's moniker drew inspiration from Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA, born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs.
Two months later, Diggs expressed his flattery during an interview with CNN upon learning about the couple's inspiration for the name. "(It's) a great honor to know that there's another generation, not even of my own household, that feels the strength and inspiration of that name," he remarked. Diggs went on to say, "I salute (Rihanna) and A$AP and their family. All the blessings in the world from me."
Baby RZA made his social media debut on Rihanna's account when she shared a TikTok video of him riding in a car seat in December 2022.
In March, she proudly shared photos and a video of her baby boy reacting to the music video of her song "Lift Me Up."
RZA made his debut alongside his parents when the entire family graced the cover of British Vogue.
The trio featured in a stunning beachside photograph for the March 2023 issue of the magazine. Rihanna, donning a sleek black dress with a daring high slit, strolled along the sand ahead of Rocky. He held their baby boy tenderly in his arms, planting a kiss on the top of his head.
During the accompanying interview with British Vogue, the self-made billionaire addressed the public's fascination with her relationship and their first child. However, she emphasized her commitment to safeguarding RZA from exploitation.
"Throw me to the wolves. Do what you want with me. But he doesn’t have a say in any of this," Rihanna asserted. "We’ve been protecting him thus far, and you don’t have any consent to be posting or selling photos of my child, a minor. Get the hell out of here with that."
"As parents, it just feels so icky, like a violation," she concluded.
During the same interview, Rihanna couldn't help but express her admiration for the profound bond between Rocky and their son.
"I'm just on the sidelines when they're together," she remarked. "I'm essentially the girl trying to join the boys' club, waiting for my turn. He's completely enamored with his father. And I'm like, 'Didn't I bring you into this world? What's going on?'"
"Their connection is undeniable," she continued. "The moment Rocky locks eyes with him, it's electric. All that talk about the bond between sons and mothers, it's a misconception. The bond between sons and fathers is incredible. I've come to realize that the validation a boy truly seeks is from his father."
Rocky's adoration for fatherhood was evident as he enthusiastically discussed his experience as a first-time dad during an interview with Complex in December 2022.
"It's beautiful. Honestly, fatherhood gives me a sense of purpose and direction. It prioritizes what truly matters," he expressed. "I cherish it. My focus now revolves around my newfound role as a dad and a family man. It's an amazing feeling. Words can't even describe it."
Riot Rose Mayers
The Grammy winner made a surprise announcement during her Super Bowl halftime show performance on February 12, 2023, revealing that she was expecting again.
While performing a medley of her hits, the singer tenderly placed her hands on her baby bump, signaling the joyful news. Following the show, Rihanna's representatives confirmed to NBC News that she and Rocky were indeed expecting another baby.
The couple welcomed their second child, Riot Rose, in August 2023, confirmed by a source close to them speaking to NBC News at the time.
"They are relishing this special time and overwhelmed with happiness," the source shared.
As reported by Access Hollywood in September 2023 and viewed by YEPPOST.com, the birth certificate revealed that the baby boy was born on August 1, 2023, at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Following the family tradition of "R" names, Riot Rose's name was chosen.
Rihanna expressed in an interview with British Vogue that she had no preference regarding the gender of their second child. "Listen, I’m open to anything. My desire is to have more children, but I'm accepting of whatever God has planned for me," she stated. "Girl, boy, whatever."