I think with Def Jam Rih was forced to do regular check-ins about album progress, how they were going to promote the era, etc.
Now she doesn't have that. For the most part all of the other players are the same (Melissa, Jen, Kuk, her usual producers, etc) so the only difference is who's overlooking the project. This time it's her and she has no deadlines, no incentive to promote (notice she's only done her favorite types of promo aka Grammys and SNL. I feel like iHeart was simply a convenience thing and she really wanted to perform BBHMM), and no reason to use her usual formula. I also think that's a major thing holding up R8. From LOUD to UNA she did her typical 3 pop, 2 urban, 1 reggae-influenced, 2-3 ballads structure. Now she can do whatever she wants. She probably can't make up her mind
Like she's been legit recording since 2012
I feel confident in saying she had no specific plan for what the album would sound like and simply recorded songs she enjoyed
she thought she would be done by now but it's hard to make a good album with random ass tracks
Y'all complain about RocNation and regret dragging Def Jam all while ignoring the simple fact that IF RIHANNA WAS HAPPY WITH DEF JAM SHE WOULD HAVE STAYED THERE. 
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