Rihanna's Anti album was released on January 28, 2016, and was made available for free download on various music streaming platforms, including Tidal and Apple Music. The move was seen as a bold experiment in music distribution, as it challenged traditional industry norms and offered fans a unique opportunity to access the album without having to purchase it through conventional channels.

In 2016, Rihanna released her eighth studio album, Anti, which marked a significant departure from her previous work. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and spawning several hit singles, including "Work" and "Kiss It Better." However, the album's success also raised questions about the music industry's approach to album distribution and the impact of free downloads on an artist's work.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the music industry continues to experiment with new distribution models and approaches to album releases. As streaming revenue continues to dominate the industry, artists and labels will need to find innovative ways to monetize their work and provide value to fans. Rihanna's Anti album and its free download model offer a valuable lesson in the importance of adaptability and innovation in the music industry.

The decision to make Anti available for free download had both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, the move helped to increase the album's visibility and reach a wider audience. According to various reports, Anti was streamed over 1.5 billion times in its first week of release, making it one of the most-streamed albums of all time. This exposure helped to boost Rihanna's profile and solidify her position as a music industry leader.