Hot, sexy, successful...that's Barbadian R&B recording artist and model Rihanna for you. Once dismissed as just another Beyonce clone, she has begun the year well with a brand new boyfriend and two Grammys - for 'Best Rap Song' and 'Best Rap/Sung Collaboration' - under her belt. As she gets ready to celebrate her 22nd birthday, say hello to the only female artist after Beyonce to attain five Hot 100 number one singles within the 2000s.
Hot, sexy, successful...that's Barbadian R&B recording artist and model Rihanna for you. Once dismissed as just another Beyonce clone, she has begun the year well with a brand new boyfriend and two Grammys - for 'Best Rap Song' and 'Best Rap/Sung Collaboration' - under her belt. As she gets ready to celebrate her 22nd birthday, say hello to the only female artist after Beyonce to attain five Hot 100 number one singles within the 2000s.
Rihanna was born in Saint Michael, Barbados on February 20, 1988, to Ronald Fenty, a warehouse supervisor, and Monica Fenty, an accountant. Her mother, a native of Guyana, is Afro-Guyanese, and her father is of Barbadian and Irish descent. She is the oldest of three siblings; two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad Fenty. She began singing at around the age of seven. (Wikipedia)
Her childhood was deeply affected by her father's addiction to crack cocaine and parent's rocky marriage, which ended when she was fourteen years old. Rihanna attended Charles F. Broome Memorial School, a primary school in Barbados, and then the Combermere School, where she formed a musical trio with two of her classmates at the age of fifteen. In 2004 she won the Miss Combermere Beauty Pageant. (Wikipedia)
At the age of 15, she formed a girl group with two of her classmates. In 2003 friends introduced Rihanna and her two bandmates to record producer Evan Rogers, who was vacationing in Barbados with his wife. The group auditioned for Rogers, who said that "the minute Rihanna walked into the room, it was like the other two girls didn't exist." While auditioning for Rogers, Rihanna sang Destiny's Child's cover of 'Emotion'. (Wikipedia) (Photo Courtesy: GQ Magazine)
Carl Sturken helped Rihanna record a four-song demo, which included the ballad 'Last Time', a cover of Whitney Houston's hit 'For the Love of You' and what would become her first hit, 'Pon de Replay' to send to various recording companies. Rihanna's demo made its way to Def Jam, which invited her to audition for the label's then-president, Jay-Z, who quickly signed her. (Wikipedia)
After signing with Def Jam, she spent the next three months recording and completing her debut album. The album featured production from Evan Rogers, Carl Sturken, Stargate and Poke & Tone. She first collaborated with rapper Memphis Bleek on his fourth studio album 534 before her debut. She released her debut single, 'Pon de Replay', on August 22, 2005, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. (Wikipedia)
Her debut album, Music of the Sun, was released in August 2005 in the United States. The album reached number ten on the Billboard 200, selling 69,000 copies in its first week. The album has sold over two millions copies worldwide and is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, denoting shipments to US retailers of over 500,000 units. (Wikipedia)
Her music was marketed within the reggae genres because of her Caribbean descent. The album received mixed reviews by music critics. Rolling Stone magazine rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars and described as lacking the replay value, ingenuity and rhythm of the single with "generic vocal hiccups and frills" of US R&B inflecting upon her "Caribbean charm". (Wikipedia)
The album's second single, 'If It's Lovin' that You Want' was less successful than 'Pon de Replay', having managed a peak position of number thirty-six in the US, and number eleven on the UK Singles Chart. (Wikipedia)
A month after the release of her debut album, she began working on her second studio album A Girl Like Me. While recording the album, Rihanna served as an opening act for Gwen Stefani to promote her debut album. The lead single, "SOS", peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first number-one in the United States. The album reached number five on the Billboard 200 selling 115,000 copies in its first week and has been certified platinum by the RIAA, having shipped over one million units. (Wikipedia)
Critics also described the album as a record that almost identically alternates between the sunny dancehall/dub-pop, hip-hop-infused club bangers and gushy, adult-oriented ballads. The second single, 'Unfaithful', became a major worldwide hit. After the release of the album, she embarked on the Rock Tha Block Tour and then toured with Pussycat Dolls from November 2006 to February 2007 in the United Kingdom. (Wikipedia)
Rihanna released her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, in June 2007. Prior to the release of the album, she spent the week of the Grammys writing songs for the album with Ne-Yo. She adopted a more sexual image while recording the album, eventually dying her hair black and cutting it short. (Wikipedia)
Rihanna worked with Timbaland and Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart, as well as previous musical collaborators such as Stargate, Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers to re-imagine her album compositions with uptempo dance tracks. The album topped the charts in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Russia and Ireland, and peaked at number two in the United States and Australia. Unlike previous work, the album featured a more dance-pop sound instead of the dancehall, reggae and ballad styles. (Wikipedia)
It yielded eight hit singles — all singles reaching the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 — including the worldwide number-one hit 'Umbrella', featuring Jay-Z. In addition to reaching number one in various countries, 'Umbrella' was the number one single in the United Kingdom for ten consecutive weeks. (Wikipedia)
With the re-issue of her third album, titled Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, which was released in June 2008, Rihanna released the first singles from the re-release 'Take a Bow' — which became a worldwide number-one hit — the duet with Maroon 5, 'If I Never See Your Face Again', and the other US number-one hit 'Disturbia'. 'Disturbia' reached to number four before reaching number one, as her previous single, 'Take a Bow', was at number two, making Rihanna the seventh female singer to have two songs in the top five. (Wikipedia) (Photo Courtesy: Atlanta Peach magazine)
Meanwhile, Rihanna was featured on rapper T.I.'s 'Live Your Life', which peaked at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Rihanna her fifth number-one single on the Hot 100 thus far ('SOS', 'Umbrella', 'Take a Bow' and 'Disturbia', as well as T.I.'s 'Live Your Life'). This made Rihanna one of the two female solo artist with the most number-one singles this decade, with the other being Beyoncé Knowles. (Wikipedia)
Good Girl Gone Bad has shipped over two million units in the United States, receiving a two-time platinum certification from RIAA; this gave Rihanna her best-selling album, to date. She was nominated in four categories at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, winning Monster Single of the Year and Video of the Year. At the 2008 Grammy Awards, Rihanna earned her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. In support of the album, she kicked off her second headlining tour The Good Girl Gone Bad Tour on September 12, 2007. (Wikipedia)
On February 8, 2009, Rihanna's scheduled performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards was cancelled. Reports later surfaced regarding an alleged altercation with then-boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, who was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats. On March 5, 2009, Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats. On June 22, 2009, Brown pled guilty to the felony assault. In exchange for his plea Brown received five years probation and was ordered to stay fifty yards away from Rihanna, unless at public events, which then will be reduced to ten yards. (Wikipedia)
Rihanna collaborated with Jay-Z and Kanye West on 'Run This Town'. The song peaked at number two on Billboard Hot 100 and also reached the top ten in ten other countries. Rihanna performed 'Run This Town' along with Jay-Z and West for the 'Answer the Call' concert at Madison Square Garden in September 2009, making it her first musical performance since the altercation with Brown. The trio also performed 'Run This Town', on the premiere of The Jay Leno Show on September 14, 2009. (Wikipedia)
She appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia for the September 2009 Issue. The photo shoot was influenced by Rihanna's hair, which she had cut for the shoot into a mohawk-like style. The style of the shoot was Extreme Couture and very dark, and in one shot she appeared semi-nude. (Wikipedia) (Photo Courtesy: Vogue Italia)
Rihanna started recording in the studio with numerous different producers, including The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Chase & Status, Stargate, Slash, Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo and Akon, on her fourth studio album Rated R in March 2009. On October 8, 2009, Rihanna shot the cover for her fourth album with Ellen von Unwerth in Berlin. Rihanna worked closely with Simon Henwood for the album's brand and styling. (Wikipedia)
The new album was released November 23, 2009. The album's lead single, 'Russian Roulette', was released on October 20, 2009. Rihanna performed the song on The X Factor on November 29, 2009. The official video was released on November 13, 2009. The second single, 'Hard' which features Young Jeezy, was released on November 2, 2009. (Wikipedia)
On October 31, 2009, The National announced that Rihanna would be appearing at a New Year's Eve concert in Abu Dhabi. Rihanna was originally scheduled to perform in Dubai, on May 28 that same year but cancelled due to personal reasons. She performed in the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on the December 31, 2009. She, Jay-Z, and Kanye West won the 'Best Rap Song' and 'Best Rap/Sung Collaboration' awards for 'Run This Town' at the Grammy Awards on January 31, 2010. On December 9, 2009, Rihanna announced new dates for her 2010 tour, 'The Rated R Tour'. (Wikipedia)
Volume 65 of the Contemporary Black Biography book series notes that "Rihanna is the rare rhythm and blues (R&B) diva to emerge from the Caribbean world." Becoming an international sensation, Rihanna is known for blending R&B with Caribbean music, such as reggae and dancehall. Peter Coulter of the Antrim Times, commented that "[Rihanna] has an amazing voice which showed during her acoustic set, she just needs to work on her audience engagement during live shows." (Wikipedia)
At the time of her debut, reviewers referred to her as a "bubblegum queen" and her music to "teen pop." Larry Meyler of The Sun stated that "Rihanna going bad is very good" and that she had "[shaken] off any "teen pop" image as she rocked the stage." While performing at the Ottawa Bluesfest in 2006, Denis Armstrong of Canadian Online Explorer commented on her performance saying "her show was a Disney-esque choreographed fantasy of non-stop hip-swivelling, sassy attitude and personal endearments and a string of funky, sugar-free hits." (Wikipedia)
After revealing a new image while headlining her first tour, she was likely to be criticised for her tight leather outfit during each show. A review in The Times compared Rihanna's stage wardrobe styling to that of Janet Jackson. He also described her outfit as "a vision of Ann Summers couture in thigh-high boots and a few scraps of black PVC." However, Stuart Derdeyn of The Province commented that "even with the whole haute couture B&D clearly firing on all points, she's still got a ways to go to become the new Janet Jackson." (Wikipedia)
Rihanna's musical style has changed during the release of her last three albums. She was originally marketed as a reggae singer since she burst on scene in 2005, with a styles of pop, R&B and dancehall. During the release of her sophomore album, many critics felt that Rihanna's sound and substance was too heavily similar to that of Beyoncé's. After the release of Good Girl Gone Bad, Allmusic's Andy Kellman credits Rihanna to be "as pop as pop gets." (Wikipedia)
Her debut album featured a refreshing touch from pop veterans Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken of Syndicated Rhythm productions, who first discovered her. Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers have collaborated with Rihanna many times, including with her debut single 'Pon de Replay', which helped launch her career with the tradition of reggae and dance pop and also collaborated on her sophomore album. (Wikipedia)
Rihanna then enlisted into the pop and contemporary R&B working with music producer Stargate and singer-songwriter Ne-Yo on 'Unfaithful' and sampling the key section, bass line, and drum beat from Soft Cell's 1981 single 'Tainted Love' on 'SOS'. (Wikipedia)
The concept of her third studio album was to head in a new direction with the help of music producers Timbaland, will.i.am and Sean Garrett, and also to re-imagine her album compositions with fresh, uptempo dance tracks. While recording the album, Rihanna stated that she wants to keep people dancing but still be soulful at the same time. She also began taking voice lessons from Ne-Yo for the third album. With songs like 'Kisses Don't Lie' and 'Shut Up and Drive', her music style became more pop rock oriented. (Wikipedia)
One of Rihanna's major influences and idols is Mariah Carey, whose song 'Hero' she covered while performing at a school talent show. She says, "I looked up to [Mariah] a lot and I still do. I admire her as an artist, and to [compete with her] was a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life. Rihanna also considers Madonna as one of her biggest influences and said that she wants to be the 'black Madonna'. She mentioned that she respects Madonna's ability to reinvent herself and aspires to be just as successful. (Wikipedia)
Beyoncé Knowles has also been named as her major influence, citing that she was inspired to start her career after watching Knowles on television as part of a Destiny's Child performance. Of Janet Jackson, Rihanna expressed: "She was one of the first female pop icons that I could relate to ... You have to love Janet." Her other musical influences include Bob Marley, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Celine Dion, Brandy, and Gwen Stefani. (Wikipedia)
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune commented "[i]n the tradition of Madonna and Janet Jackson, Rihanna has become the video vixen of the '00s ... Rihanna has perfected the pout, the long-legged strut and trend-setting hairdos that keep women and men alike checking her out on YouTube." George Epaminondas of InStyle considers Rihanna's music videos to be "cinematic" due to her "blend of lush island rhythms and swinging pop and ... mischievous sensuality." (Wikipedia)
Rihanna commented that Marilyn Monroe and vintage clothing served for visual inspiration for the music video 'Hate That I Love You' and 'Rehab'; in contrast, the "dark, creepy" scenes of 'Disturbia' have drawn comparison to Michael Jackson's Thriller. The music video also ranked number five on the 'Top Five Most Paranoid Music Videos' published by MTV Buzzworthy. (Wikipedia)
The New York magazine described Rihanna's early look as a cookie-cutter teen queen and that she has the ability to shift looks so dramatically and with such ease. Since the release of her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, [Rihanna's] has become a sex symbol and also set herself apart from other R&B starlets, opting for designer couture over belly-baring crop tops. (Wikipedia) (Photo Courtesy: MTV)
Sonya Magett of Black Voices reported that Rihanna's style has become quite risqué since she burst on the scene 4 years ago. In 2008, she constantly surprised, switching from pretty and sweet in pastels on the red carpet to dominatrix-leaning wear on stage and at awards shows. Rihanna's fashion and style also landed her on the list of People's 10 Best Dressed Stars of 2008. (Wikipedia)
Glamour also awarded Rihanna with the seventeenth most glamorous woman of 2009 out of fifty. Glamour also commented on Rihanna's style saying "rockstar of leading ladies" and "She almost can't make a style mistake right now." They also said her "little-bit-punky, very-much-girly look still entrances readers." They also commented on Rihanna's fashion risks saying "If style risks could be measured in miles, Rihanna would have criss-crossed the globe a thousand times over already." (Wikipedia) (Photo Courtesy: MTV)
Rihanna's image has also been identified as a sex symbol. In 2007, she ranked #8 in Maxim's 2007 Hot 100 list; she then ranked #15 on 2008 Hot 100 list the following year. In June 2007, Rihanna was named 2007 Venus Breeze's 'Celebrity Legs Of A Goddess' by Gillette. Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly wrote an article entitled 'Rihanna: Diva of the year' which he refers to her breakout success of 2008. In 2009, Maxim awarded Rihanna as the number 8th most sexiest woman on earth. This made Rihanna the only female of African descent in the top ten or top twenty for that matter. (Wikipedia)
Rihanna's tattoos have drawn much media attention. She has a total of twelve known tattoos, including a music note tattoo on her ankle, a Pisces sign behind her right ear, a Sanskrit prayer going down her hip, a star in her left ear, the word 'love' on her left middle finger, an Arabic phrase on her ribcage area, meaning 'Freedom is God', a trail of stars going down the back of her neck, a skull with a pink hair bow, the phrase 'shhh...' on her right index finger, the date '11.4.86' on top of her left shoulder and a henna-style dragon claw, complete with Hawaiian hibiscus flowers. (Wikipedia)(Photo Courtesy: InStyle magazine)
Her most recent gun tattoo was planned to be just below her shoulders but changed it to her ribcage. Although, she was likely to be criticised for her tattoo, BangBang, the tattoo artist, was quick to explain that the image simply "represents strength and power". (Wikipedia)
Rihanna is heavily involved in the marketing of her native country of Barbados. She began by including the flag and broken trident in many of her videos, also shooting her album packaging for 'A Girl Like Me there'. In September 2007, she became the official face of tourism for Barbados, being included in many of their ad campaigns. She currently holds an honourary title of Ambassador for Culture and Youth in Barbados. (Wikipedia)
Although Rihanna is heavily involved in the promotion of her country and works with the government in Barbados to do so, she is constantly criticised and ridiculed for everything from her music, her successes and for wearing "skimpy clothes". (Wikipedia)
In 2006, Rihanna participated in several endorsement deals, including Nike sportswear for the launch of her 'SOS' and J. C. Penney. In 2007, Rihanna signed with CoverGirl and became a celebrity spokesperson which included appearances on TV commercials and in the Barbados Tourism Authority's tourism commercials. She also received an endorsement deal from Clinique in 2006 to promote their Happy fragrance. She recorded a song written by Ne-Yo entitled 'Just Be Happy' as part of the deal. Rihanna also recorded a song called 'Winning Women' with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger for P&G's female deodorant Secret. (Wikipedia)
In December 2008, Rihanna contracted with Gucci to appear in their ads for the Tattoo Heart Collection, a special-edition line. In the Gucci handbag ad, Rihanna is seen hanging from a giant hoop, scantily clad in a barely-there white bodysuit and wearing an oversized white Gucci purse. The success of her single, 'Umbrella' also inked an endorsement deal with Totes. On April 8, 2009, it was announced that Rihanna inked a fragrance deal with Jay-Z's licensing company Iconic Fragrances. (Wikipedia)
She made her acting debut in a cameo role to the film Bring It On: All or Nothing, released on August 8, 2006. During this time, she stated that singing was always the bigger picture, but she definitely wants to get into acting as well. Rihanna also made an appearance as the central character in Kanye West's music video 'Paranoid'. (Wikipedia) (Photo Courtesy: Elle)
According to the Daily News, Rihanna has been taking acting classes during her time in New York, and will make her acting debut in Personal Protection, due to start filming later this year. She is set to appear in a remake of the 1985 martial arts movie, The Last Dragon alongside Samuel L Jackson in 2010. Rihanna is set to star in About Face in which she will play a fashion designer who has to change her ways to win the man of her dreams. (Wikipedia)
Rihanna created her Believe Foundation in 2006 to help terminally ill children. Rihanna explained her reasons for starting the Foundation saying, "When I was young and I would watch television and I would see all the children suffering, I always said: when I grow up, I want to help." In January 2008, Rihanna contributed in the fight against AIDS when she visited the H&M in New York to support Fashion Against AIDS by presenting her t-shirt design and signing autographs for a limited time with slogans like 'Believe' and 'Stop and Think'. Rihanna has also been apart of many benefit concerts to help raise money for various illnesses, such as cancer for Hope Rocks. (Wikipedia)
Rihanna Speak: "Sometimes you just need your privacy. But it comes with the territory. There's no privacy when you are out in the public."
Rihanna Speak: "I love lingerie. I love buying it and making it."
Rihanna Speak: "People think, because we're young, we aren't complex, but that's not true. We deal with life and love and broken hearts in the same way a woman a few years older might."
