Rihanna hints at surprise new album release as she shares sexy photo and cryptic messages

Rihanna is dropping heavy hints that she will follow in the footsteps of Beyonce and Drake and may release a surprise album on Thursday.

The singer posted a tantalising snap and cryptic message to her Instagram page on Wednesday, hinting at new music being released within 24 hours.

The image RiRi posted had the caption, 'rihannaNOW.com #R8 #BBHMM #March26.' 

Tease: Rihanna posted this picture to Instagram, which hinted of a surprise music release on Thursday

The braille on the left hand side of the image reads, 'B**** Better Have My Money', which also appears to referred to in the hashtag BBHMM.

The phrase is believed to be the title of her new single as well as possibly the title of the new album, and #R8 appears to reference the Barbados beauty's 8th studio album. 

The black and white photo shows a topless RiRi, which nothing more than a leather jacket covering her modesty. 

In what could be a homage to Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Riri is sporting some very strong eyebrows in the snap. 

The picture is taken by Italian fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, and last month Rihanna shared another sneak peek with fans from the shoot.  

Rihanna continued teasing fans on Wednesday with a video clip posted two hours after the black and white shot, which showed actor Antonio Fargas in the 1988 parody film, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. 

Clip: The singer also posted a fifteen-second video showing actor Antonio Fargas repeating the phrase which is believed to be the title of her new music

The 15 second clip designed to further tantalise fans, shows Fargas on stage in a pink suit as his character Fly Guy, repeating the phrase, 'B**** Better Have My Money'. 

If she does release a surprise album on Thursday, Rihanna will be following the trend of bucking the normal album promotion - which both Beyonce and Drake have done successfully - and using social media to promote her music.

The S&M singer made no secret that she has been working on her eighth album but, until now, fans had no idea when they might get their hands on it.