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RIHANNA
Not to be confused with Rhianna or Rayhana.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty (born February 20, 1988), who performs under the mononym Rihanna, is a Barbadian singer, model, and beauty queen. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna relocated to the United States at the age of sixteen to pursue a recording career, under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers. She subsequently signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for then-label head Jay-Z.
In 2005, Rihanna released her debut studio album, Music of the Sun, which peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200 and features the Billboard Hot 100 hit single "Pon de Replay". Less than a year later, she released her second studio album, A Girl Like Me, peaking within the top five of the Billboard albums chart and produced her first number one single, "SOS". Rihanna's third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), peaking at number two on the Billboard 200, released three US number one hit singles—"Umbrella", "Take a Bow", and "Disturbia", and the worldwide hit "Don't Stop the Music". The album was nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella", which features Jay-Z.[1][2]a[›]
Rihanna had sold over twelve million albums worldwide[3][4] and has received several allocates, including the 2007 World Music Awards for World's Best-Selling Pop Female Artist and Female Entertainer of the Year, as well as the 2008 American Music Awards for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.[5][6] She also serves as one of Barbados' cultural ambassadors.[7]
Rihanna was born in Saint Michael, Barbados, to Ronald and Monica Fenty. She has two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad Fenty.[8] Her mother, a native of Guyana, is Afro-Guyanese and her father is Barbadian and Irish.[9] Rihanna's parents divorced when she was fourteen years old.[8]
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.[10] She was an army cadet in a sub-military programme that trained with the military of Barbados and Shontelle was her drill sergeant.[11]
At the age of fifteen she formed a girl group with two of her classmates.[8] 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".[8] Over the next year, Rihanna and her mom shuttled back and forth to Rogers home in Stamford, Connecticut. Then, shortly after turning 16, she relocated to the U.S. and moved in with Rogers and his wife.[8] Carl Sturken, helped Rihanna record a four-song demo[12], which included 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.
Rihanna released her debut album, Music of the Sun, on August 30, 2005 in the United States. The album reached number 10 on the Billboard 200.[15] As of 2009, the album is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, denoting shipments to US retailers of over 500,000 units.[16] 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".[17]
Music of the Sun yielded two singles, the first being "Pon de Replay", which was peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.[18] It also became a global hit where it peaked within the top 10 across 15 countries. The second single, "If It's Lovin' That You Want" was less successful than "Pon de Replay", having managed a peak position of number 36 in the United States.[18] In Australia, Ireland and New Zealand the single proved to be well-received reaching the top 10 in those countries.
Less than eight months after the release of Music of the Sun, Rihanna released her second album, A Girl Like Me, in April 2006. The album reached number five on the Billboard 200[15] and has been certified platinum by the RIAA, having shipped over one million units.[16][19] The lead single, "SOS," peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first number-one in the United States.[18] The second single, "Unfaithful," was a worldwide hit. In 2006, before the release, Rihanna served as an opening act for Gwen Stefani to promote the album. Rihanna then started touring with Pussycat Dolls from November to February 2007 in the United Kingdom.[20]
When Rihanna received an endorsement deal from Clinique, she recorded a song written by Ne-Yo entitled "Just Be Happy" as part of the deal to promote their Happy fragrance. Rihanna also recorded a song called "Winning Women" with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger for P&G's female deodorant Secret. During this time Rihanna made her acting debut in a cameo role to the film Bring It On: All or Nothing, released on August 8, 2006.
Rihanna went into the studio in early 2007 with Ne-Yo, Stargate, and Timbaland among others to record her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad. The album was released on June 5, 2007. The album so far has yielded eight hit singles, 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 10 consecutive weeks,[22] making it the longest-running UK number-one single since Wet Wet Wet's single "Love Is All Around" spent 15 weeks at the top in 1994.[23] The song is listed number three on the 100 Best Songs of 2007 published by Rolling Stone magazine.[24] Her other singles, "Shut Up and Drive", "Don't Stop The Music" and Hate That I Love You were able to mirror the success of "Umbrella," with "Don't Stop the Music" reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 while peaking at number one in various countries.[25]
With the re-issue of her third album, titled Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, which was released on June 17, 2008,[26] Rihanna released the singles "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 #1 hit "Disturbia" which debuted at number 18, it gave Rihanna her 4 #1 on the Hot 100. The single "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. Rihanna has five Billboard Hot 100 number ones hits both as a lead artist thus far ("SOS," "Umbrella," "Take a Bow" and "Disturbia"), as well as T.I.'s "Live Your Life", on which she is featured. This makes her one of the two female solo artist with the most number ones this decade, with the other being Beyoncé Knowles.[27] 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.[16] Rihanna was nominated in four categories at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, winning Monster Single of the Year and Video of the Year.[28] At the 2008 Grammy Awards Rihanna received six nominations, which included Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella," Best Dance Recording for "Don't Stop The Music" and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group and Best R&B Song for "Hate That I Love You". "Umbrella" earned Rihanna her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.[29]
Starting September 12, 2007, Rihanna toured Canada and the United States in support of the album with several shows and then crossed to Europe. The tour was called the The Good Girl Gone Bad Tour, and was the first tour headlined by her alone. A documented performance at Manchester Evening News Arena on December 6, 2007 was released as a DVD on June 17, 2008. Rihanna won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 2008 American Music Awards.[30] On April 16, 2008, she embarked on the Glow in the Dark Tour with Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and N.E.R.D.[31] Rihanna is set to appear in Kanye West music video "Paranoid".[32]
On February 8, 2009, Rihanna's scheduled performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards was canceled.[33] Reports later surfaced regarding an alleged altercation with her boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, who was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats.[34][35][36] On March 5, 2009, Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats.[37] Due to a leaked photograph from the Los Angeles Police Department obtained by TMZ.com—which revealed Rihanna had sustained visible injuries—an organization known as STOParazzi has proposed a law called "Rihanna's Law", which, if enacted, would "deter employees of law enforcement agencies from releasing photos or information that exploits crime victims."[38][39][40] Gil Kaufman of VH1 reported "[t]he nonstop coverage of the Rihanna/Brown case has brought up a number of issues regarding the privacy of alleged victims of domestic violence, including the decision by almost all major news outlets to divulge the identity of the victim—which is not typically done in domestic-violence cases" and the controversial distribution of the leaked photograph.[41]
In May 2009, nude photographs allegedly featuring Rihanna were leaked to the internet.[42][43][44] Island Def Jam sent a letter to the website hosting the pictures demanding that they be taken down. It is not clear that Rihanna is the person featured in the nude photographs, although the artist is visible in accompanying clothed pictures.[45][46]
Rihanna's musical style has changed during the release of her last three albums. Her music includes various styles of musical genres, including contemporary R&B, dance-pop, pop rock and the Caribbean music styles of reggae and dancehall. Her music was first described as a Reggae/Dancehall vibe. With the release of her debut album Music of the Sun and its lead single "Pon de Replay", Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic described Rihanna's musical style as "synthesize Caribbean rhythms and beats with standard-issue urban dance-pop: Caribbean-inflected urban, if you will."[47] Rihanna is also described as utilizing "dancehall-lite beats and a reggae vocal cadence."[47] NME describes the singer as a "heady mix of dancehall, reggae and contemporary R&B."[48] During the release of her sophmore album A Girl Like Me, many critics felt that Rihanna's sound and substance was too heavily similiar to that of Beyonce's.[49][50][51] The media even made negative reviews comparing her music,[52] music videos, performances[53][54] and even her image to Beyonce, which garnered Rihanna much criticism.[55] Some media even unfairly claimed that Jay-Z fashioned her to be a replica of Beyonce's[54][56]
Her music then became more R&B and dance-pop follow-up album A Girl Like Me. With songs like "Kisses Don't Lie" and "Shut Up and Drive", her music style became more pop rock oriented. Barry Walters of Rolling Stone considers Rihanna's A Girl Like Me to be "lightweight dancehall and R&B jams."[57] After the release of Good Girl Gone Bad, Allmusic's Andy Kellman credits Rihanna to be "as pop as pop gets."[58] Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times described her hit "Umbrella" as a lightweight pop confection with a heavy hip-hop backbeat, a breezy love song enriched by those unexpectedly goth-sounding keyboards and by the incongruous hint of anguish in Rihanna’s girlish voice.
Rihanna cites Beyonce as her idol[60][61] and the one that inspired her to start her career.[62][63] She also cites Bob Marley, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys[63], Fefe Dobson,[64][65][66] Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Celine Dion,[66] Brandy,[67] and Gwen Stefani [68] as musical influences. She also says Caribbean music has influenced her tremendously. In a interview, Rihanna stated, that while growing up in Barbados, she grew up listening to reggae music and when she came to the U.S. she was exposed many different types of music.[69] Rihanna also stated that Mariah Carey has been one of major influences, whose classic song, "Vision of Love" made an impact on her.
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."[71] 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."[72] 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.
During the beginning of her career, Rihanna's image spun much controversy because critics and spectators felt Rihanna's look was too much like her idol[50] [61] Beyonce's. Rihanna made it clear that she wanted to follow in her idol's footsteps. Rihanna also said that she didn't want to steal Beyonce's 'crown', that she wanted to get her own.[citation needed]This can be seen with her recent musical style and overall theme changes.[74]
In recent months, Rihanna has set herself apart from other R&B starlets, opting for designer couture over belly-baring crop tops.[75] Sonya Magett of Black Voices reported that Rihanna's style has become quite risqué since she burst on the scene 4 years ago.[76] 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.[77][78] Rihanna's fashion and style also landed her on the list of People's 10 Best Dressed Stars of 2008.[79] Also in 2009, Glamour Magazine awarded Rihanna with the seventeenth most glamorous woman of 2009 out of fifty. Glamour Magazine 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."[80][81] 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."[82]
Rihanna's image has also been identified as a sex symbol. Regal of the Associated Content stated that Rihanna quickly garnered a more mature and definitely sexier look. In 2007, she ranked #8 in Maxim's 2007 Hot 100 list;[83] she then ranked #15 on 2008 Hot 100 list the following year.[84] In June 2007, Rihanna was named 2007 Venus Breeze’s “Celebrity Legs Of A Goddess” by Gillette.[85] Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly wrote an article entitled "Rihanna: Diva of the year" which he refers to her breakout success of 2008.[86] In 2009, Maxim awarded Rihanna as the number 8th most sexiest woman on earth.[87] This made Rihanna the only female of African descent in the top ten or top twenty for that matter.
Rihanna's tattoos have drawn much media attention.[88] One of her first tattoos was music note on her ankle and a Pisces sign behind her right ear.[89] Her most visible and popular tattoo is her trail of stars going down her back.[90] Rihanna has a total of twelve known tattoos,[91][92] including music note tattoo on her ankle, a Pisces sign behind her right ear,[93] a Sanskrit prayer going down her hip, a star in her left ear,[94] the word ‘love’ on her left middle finger,[95] an Arabic phrase on her ribcage area, meaning ‘Freedom is God,’ a trail of stars going down the back of her neck,[96] a skull with a pink hair bow, the phrase ’shhh…’[97] on her right index finger,[98] the date ‘4.11.1986′ on top of her left shoulder[99] and a henna-style dragon claw,[100][101] complete with Hawaiian hibiscus flowers. Her most recent gun tattoo was planned to be just below her shoulders but changed it to her ribcage.[102][103] Although, she was likely to be criticised for her tattoo,[104][105][106] BangBang, the tattoo artist, was quick to explain that the image is simply “represents strength and power”.
In October 2005, Rihanna struck her first endorsement deal with Secret Body Spray[111] for them to sponsor her first tour.[112] In 2006, Rihanna participated in several endorsement deals, including Nike sportswear for the launch of her "S.O.S"[113] and J.C. Penney. In 2007, Rihanna signed with CoverGirl and became a celebrity spokesperson which included appearances on TV commercials[114][115] and in the Barbados Tourism Authority's tourism commercials. She also received an endorsement deal from Clinique in 2006 to promote their Happy fragrance.[116] In December 2008, Rihanna contracted with Gucci to appear in their ads for the Tattoo Heart Collection, a special-edition line.[117][118] 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.[119] The success of her single, Umbrella also inked an endorsement deal with Totes.[120][121] Her handlers pitched her hit "Umbrella" to Totes and the song became the soundtrack for commercials in which she starred.[122] On April 8, 2009 it was announced that Rihanna inked a fragrance deal with Jay-Z’s licensing company Iconic Fragrances.[123] Iconic Fragrance will launch the fragrance in the summer of 2010.
Rihanna is heavily involved in the marketing of her hometown Barbados.[126] She began by including the flag and trident in many of her videos, also shooting her album packaging for A Girl Like Me there.[126] In September 2007, she became the official face of tourism for Barbados, being included in many of their ad campaigns. She is currently sitting as an Ambassador for Culture and Youth. She was then honored with a national holiday in her home country of Barbados called "Rihanna Day", on February 2008.[127][128] Regardless, In February 2008, Rihanna thanked her country and honoured them during the acceptance speech for her win of "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" at the Grammy Awards.[129]
Although, Rihanna is heavily involved in the promotion of her country and works with the guvernment in Barbados to do so, she is constantly criticized and ridiculed[130] for everything from her music, her successes and for wearing "skimpy clothes".[131][132] Rihanna speaking on the incident, ""I went to the beach and I had on a one-piece swimsuit with jeans, They took the picture and they made it look like a top that was really revealing. There were radio programmes about it. It was a big deal for, like, three weeks straight - talking about I'm not setting a good example."[133] They also mentioned that Rihanna was too young for Def Jam to push her as a "sex symbol", making a plea that she cover up.[134] The media and National Newspaper constantly make personal attacks and have shown lack of support and encouragement.[135] Rihanna spoke out against the scrutiny to Entertainment Weekly[136] stating, "They all hate me. I didn’t have to talk about them. I didn’t have to even mention that I’m from Barbados. But I do and people kind of take it for granted. They hate me. They talk s— about me all the time. But I’m like, ”Whatever. I’m still doing this cause I love to do it and you’re not going to stop me".[130] Media fought back with letters to Rihanna publicly via there national newspaper, "[what she said] sounds as if though she is doing us a favour. If God didn't give us a Rihanna, he would have given us someone else. So don't ever for a second get to thinking you are irreplaceable, Rihanna"[137] and "Her putting Barbados on the map is nonsense. Barbados was well on the map before she came along; and will be when she is gone".[138] Her mentor and music producer Evan Rogers spoke out to the media stating that Rihanna subsequently "formed her impression of any Bajan dislike from the reception she received at the recent Barbados Music Awards where," according to Rogers, "It was disappointing the way some people reacted as if they were almost rooting against her".
Rihanna created her Believe Foundation in 2006 to help terminally ill children.[140] Rihanna has performed a number of concerts to raise funds for both charities and the Foundation. She is also a 2008 Cartier LOVECHARITY Bracelet Ambassador, performed at Madonna’s Raising Malawi fundraiser, and helped a woman find a bone marrow donor. Also, Rihanna has been looking for bone marrow donor for a young girl named Jasmina.[141] Since her efforts to find a bone marrow donor for Jasmina, there has been two possible matches. Rihanna has also honored Jasmina's best friend, Isabella for her efforts for trying to save her best friend at a DKMS Gala on May 7, 2009.[142]
Rihanna has teamed up with H&M and other celebrities like Timbaland and Good Charlotte for "Fashion against AIDS."[143] The collection is designed to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. It was released at H&M in early February 2008.[144] In September 2008, Rihanna joined other female pop, rock, R&B & country singers such as Carrie Underwood, Ciara, Beyoncé Knowles, Leona Lewis, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Fergie to record "Just Stand Up!", the theme song to the anti-cancer campaign Stand Up to Cancer and its theme song.[145] Rihanna was also selected as the spokesmodel for Gucci’s first United Nations Children's Fund ad campaign.[146] She appeared in the fashion house’s Tattoo Heart campaign, which premiered in December 2008.[147] Rihanna will be photographed in series of special edition print ads with United Nations Children's Fund items, twenty-five percent of sales will benefit the children’s charity.[148] In New York, Rihanna was then enlisted by Gucci's Frida Giannini along with Madonna to light the United Nations Children's Fund Christmas snowflake.[149] Rihanna, is now the face of the fourth annual Gucci Campaign to Benefit United Nations Children's Fund, which aims to raise funds for children in Africa through the sale of its Tattoo Heart collection of bags.[150] Rihanna has also been apart of many benefit concerts to help raise money for various illnesses, such as cancer for Hope Rocks.
Discography
* 2005: Music of the Sun
* 2006: A Girl like Me
* 2007: Good Girl Gone Bad
Robyn Rihanna Fenty (born February 20, 1988), who performs under the mononym Rihanna, is a Barbadian singer, model, and beauty queen. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna relocated to the United States at the age of sixteen to pursue a recording career, under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers. She subsequently signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for then-label head Jay-Z.
In 2005, Rihanna released her debut studio album, Music of the Sun, which peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200 and features the Billboard Hot 100 hit single "Pon de Replay". Less than a year later, she released her second studio album, A Girl Like Me, peaking within the top five of the Billboard albums chart and produced her first number one single, "SOS". Rihanna's third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), peaking at number two on the Billboard 200, released three US number one hit singles—"Umbrella", "Take a Bow", and "Disturbia", and the worldwide hit "Don't Stop the Music". The album was nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella", which features Jay-Z.[1][2]a[›]
Rihanna had sold over twelve million albums worldwide[3][4] and has received several allocates, including the 2007 World Music Awards for World's Best-Selling Pop Female Artist and Female Entertainer of the Year, as well as the 2008 American Music Awards for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.[5][6] She also serves as one of Barbados' cultural ambassadors.[7]
Rihanna was born in Saint Michael, Barbados, to Ronald and Monica Fenty. She has two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad Fenty.[8] Her mother, a native of Guyana, is Afro-Guyanese and her father is Barbadian and Irish.[9] Rihanna's parents divorced when she was fourteen years old.[8]
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.[10] She was an army cadet in a sub-military programme that trained with the military of Barbados and Shontelle was her drill sergeant.[11]
At the age of fifteen she formed a girl group with two of her classmates.[8] 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".[8] Over the next year, Rihanna and her mom shuttled back and forth to Rogers home in Stamford, Connecticut. Then, shortly after turning 16, she relocated to the U.S. and moved in with Rogers and his wife.[8] Carl Sturken, helped Rihanna record a four-song demo[12], which included 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.
Rihanna released her debut album, Music of the Sun, on August 30, 2005 in the United States. The album reached number 10 on the Billboard 200.[15] As of 2009, the album is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, denoting shipments to US retailers of over 500,000 units.[16] 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".[17]
Music of the Sun yielded two singles, the first being "Pon de Replay", which was peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.[18] It also became a global hit where it peaked within the top 10 across 15 countries. The second single, "If It's Lovin' That You Want" was less successful than "Pon de Replay", having managed a peak position of number 36 in the United States.[18] In Australia, Ireland and New Zealand the single proved to be well-received reaching the top 10 in those countries.
Less than eight months after the release of Music of the Sun, Rihanna released her second album, A Girl Like Me, in April 2006. The album reached number five on the Billboard 200[15] and has been certified platinum by the RIAA, having shipped over one million units.[16][19] The lead single, "SOS," peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first number-one in the United States.[18] The second single, "Unfaithful," was a worldwide hit. In 2006, before the release, Rihanna served as an opening act for Gwen Stefani to promote the album. Rihanna then started touring with Pussycat Dolls from November to February 2007 in the United Kingdom.[20]
When Rihanna received an endorsement deal from Clinique, she recorded a song written by Ne-Yo entitled "Just Be Happy" as part of the deal to promote their Happy fragrance. Rihanna also recorded a song called "Winning Women" with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger for P&G's female deodorant Secret. During this time Rihanna made her acting debut in a cameo role to the film Bring It On: All or Nothing, released on August 8, 2006.
Rihanna went into the studio in early 2007 with Ne-Yo, Stargate, and Timbaland among others to record her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad. The album was released on June 5, 2007. The album so far has yielded eight hit singles, 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 10 consecutive weeks,[22] making it the longest-running UK number-one single since Wet Wet Wet's single "Love Is All Around" spent 15 weeks at the top in 1994.[23] The song is listed number three on the 100 Best Songs of 2007 published by Rolling Stone magazine.[24] Her other singles, "Shut Up and Drive", "Don't Stop The Music" and Hate That I Love You were able to mirror the success of "Umbrella," with "Don't Stop the Music" reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 while peaking at number one in various countries.[25]
With the re-issue of her third album, titled Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, which was released on June 17, 2008,[26] Rihanna released the singles "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 #1 hit "Disturbia" which debuted at number 18, it gave Rihanna her 4 #1 on the Hot 100. The single "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. Rihanna has five Billboard Hot 100 number ones hits both as a lead artist thus far ("SOS," "Umbrella," "Take a Bow" and "Disturbia"), as well as T.I.'s "Live Your Life", on which she is featured. This makes her one of the two female solo artist with the most number ones this decade, with the other being Beyoncé Knowles.[27] 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.[16] Rihanna was nominated in four categories at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, winning Monster Single of the Year and Video of the Year.[28] At the 2008 Grammy Awards Rihanna received six nominations, which included Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella," Best Dance Recording for "Don't Stop The Music" and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group and Best R&B Song for "Hate That I Love You". "Umbrella" earned Rihanna her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.[29]
Starting September 12, 2007, Rihanna toured Canada and the United States in support of the album with several shows and then crossed to Europe. The tour was called the The Good Girl Gone Bad Tour, and was the first tour headlined by her alone. A documented performance at Manchester Evening News Arena on December 6, 2007 was released as a DVD on June 17, 2008. Rihanna won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 2008 American Music Awards.[30] On April 16, 2008, she embarked on the Glow in the Dark Tour with Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and N.E.R.D.[31] Rihanna is set to appear in Kanye West music video "Paranoid".[32]
On February 8, 2009, Rihanna's scheduled performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards was canceled.[33] Reports later surfaced regarding an alleged altercation with her boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, who was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats.[34][35][36] On March 5, 2009, Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats.[37] Due to a leaked photograph from the Los Angeles Police Department obtained by TMZ.com—which revealed Rihanna had sustained visible injuries—an organization known as STOParazzi has proposed a law called "Rihanna's Law", which, if enacted, would "deter employees of law enforcement agencies from releasing photos or information that exploits crime victims."[38][39][40] Gil Kaufman of VH1 reported "[t]he nonstop coverage of the Rihanna/Brown case has brought up a number of issues regarding the privacy of alleged victims of domestic violence, including the decision by almost all major news outlets to divulge the identity of the victim—which is not typically done in domestic-violence cases" and the controversial distribution of the leaked photograph.[41]
In May 2009, nude photographs allegedly featuring Rihanna were leaked to the internet.[42][43][44] Island Def Jam sent a letter to the website hosting the pictures demanding that they be taken down. It is not clear that Rihanna is the person featured in the nude photographs, although the artist is visible in accompanying clothed pictures.[45][46]
Rihanna's musical style has changed during the release of her last three albums. Her music includes various styles of musical genres, including contemporary R&B, dance-pop, pop rock and the Caribbean music styles of reggae and dancehall. Her music was first described as a Reggae/Dancehall vibe. With the release of her debut album Music of the Sun and its lead single "Pon de Replay", Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic described Rihanna's musical style as "synthesize Caribbean rhythms and beats with standard-issue urban dance-pop: Caribbean-inflected urban, if you will."[47] Rihanna is also described as utilizing "dancehall-lite beats and a reggae vocal cadence."[47] NME describes the singer as a "heady mix of dancehall, reggae and contemporary R&B."[48] During the release of her sophmore album A Girl Like Me, many critics felt that Rihanna's sound and substance was too heavily similiar to that of Beyonce's.[49][50][51] The media even made negative reviews comparing her music,[52] music videos, performances[53][54] and even her image to Beyonce, which garnered Rihanna much criticism.[55] Some media even unfairly claimed that Jay-Z fashioned her to be a replica of Beyonce's[54][56]
Her music then became more R&B and dance-pop follow-up album A Girl Like Me. With songs like "Kisses Don't Lie" and "Shut Up and Drive", her music style became more pop rock oriented. Barry Walters of Rolling Stone considers Rihanna's A Girl Like Me to be "lightweight dancehall and R&B jams."[57] After the release of Good Girl Gone Bad, Allmusic's Andy Kellman credits Rihanna to be "as pop as pop gets."[58] Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times described her hit "Umbrella" as a lightweight pop confection with a heavy hip-hop backbeat, a breezy love song enriched by those unexpectedly goth-sounding keyboards and by the incongruous hint of anguish in Rihanna’s girlish voice.
Rihanna cites Beyonce as her idol[60][61] and the one that inspired her to start her career.[62][63] She also cites Bob Marley, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys[63], Fefe Dobson,[64][65][66] Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Celine Dion,[66] Brandy,[67] and Gwen Stefani [68] as musical influences. She also says Caribbean music has influenced her tremendously. In a interview, Rihanna stated, that while growing up in Barbados, she grew up listening to reggae music and when she came to the U.S. she was exposed many different types of music.[69] Rihanna also stated that Mariah Carey has been one of major influences, whose classic song, "Vision of Love" made an impact on her.
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."[71] 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."[72] 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.
During the beginning of her career, Rihanna's image spun much controversy because critics and spectators felt Rihanna's look was too much like her idol[50] [61] Beyonce's. Rihanna made it clear that she wanted to follow in her idol's footsteps. Rihanna also said that she didn't want to steal Beyonce's 'crown', that she wanted to get her own.[citation needed]This can be seen with her recent musical style and overall theme changes.[74]
In recent months, Rihanna has set herself apart from other R&B starlets, opting for designer couture over belly-baring crop tops.[75] Sonya Magett of Black Voices reported that Rihanna's style has become quite risqué since she burst on the scene 4 years ago.[76] 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.[77][78] Rihanna's fashion and style also landed her on the list of People's 10 Best Dressed Stars of 2008.[79] Also in 2009, Glamour Magazine awarded Rihanna with the seventeenth most glamorous woman of 2009 out of fifty. Glamour Magazine 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."[80][81] 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."[82]
Rihanna's image has also been identified as a sex symbol. Regal of the Associated Content stated that Rihanna quickly garnered a more mature and definitely sexier look. In 2007, she ranked #8 in Maxim's 2007 Hot 100 list;[83] she then ranked #15 on 2008 Hot 100 list the following year.[84] In June 2007, Rihanna was named 2007 Venus Breeze’s “Celebrity Legs Of A Goddess” by Gillette.[85] Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly wrote an article entitled "Rihanna: Diva of the year" which he refers to her breakout success of 2008.[86] In 2009, Maxim awarded Rihanna as the number 8th most sexiest woman on earth.[87] This made Rihanna the only female of African descent in the top ten or top twenty for that matter.
Rihanna's tattoos have drawn much media attention.[88] One of her first tattoos was music note on her ankle and a Pisces sign behind her right ear.[89] Her most visible and popular tattoo is her trail of stars going down her back.[90] Rihanna has a total of twelve known tattoos,[91][92] including music note tattoo on her ankle, a Pisces sign behind her right ear,[93] a Sanskrit prayer going down her hip, a star in her left ear,[94] the word ‘love’ on her left middle finger,[95] an Arabic phrase on her ribcage area, meaning ‘Freedom is God,’ a trail of stars going down the back of her neck,[96] a skull with a pink hair bow, the phrase ’shhh…’[97] on her right index finger,[98] the date ‘4.11.1986′ on top of her left shoulder[99] and a henna-style dragon claw,[100][101] complete with Hawaiian hibiscus flowers. Her most recent gun tattoo was planned to be just below her shoulders but changed it to her ribcage.[102][103] Although, she was likely to be criticised for her tattoo,[104][105][106] BangBang, the tattoo artist, was quick to explain that the image is simply “represents strength and power”.
In October 2005, Rihanna struck her first endorsement deal with Secret Body Spray[111] for them to sponsor her first tour.[112] In 2006, Rihanna participated in several endorsement deals, including Nike sportswear for the launch of her "S.O.S"[113] and J.C. Penney. In 2007, Rihanna signed with CoverGirl and became a celebrity spokesperson which included appearances on TV commercials[114][115] and in the Barbados Tourism Authority's tourism commercials. She also received an endorsement deal from Clinique in 2006 to promote their Happy fragrance.[116] In December 2008, Rihanna contracted with Gucci to appear in their ads for the Tattoo Heart Collection, a special-edition line.[117][118] 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.[119] The success of her single, Umbrella also inked an endorsement deal with Totes.[120][121] Her handlers pitched her hit "Umbrella" to Totes and the song became the soundtrack for commercials in which she starred.[122] On April 8, 2009 it was announced that Rihanna inked a fragrance deal with Jay-Z’s licensing company Iconic Fragrances.[123] Iconic Fragrance will launch the fragrance in the summer of 2010.
Rihanna is heavily involved in the marketing of her hometown Barbados.[126] She began by including the flag and trident in many of her videos, also shooting her album packaging for A Girl Like Me there.[126] In September 2007, she became the official face of tourism for Barbados, being included in many of their ad campaigns. She is currently sitting as an Ambassador for Culture and Youth. She was then honored with a national holiday in her home country of Barbados called "Rihanna Day", on February 2008.[127][128] Regardless, In February 2008, Rihanna thanked her country and honoured them during the acceptance speech for her win of "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" at the Grammy Awards.[129]
Although, Rihanna is heavily involved in the promotion of her country and works with the guvernment in Barbados to do so, she is constantly criticized and ridiculed[130] for everything from her music, her successes and for wearing "skimpy clothes".[131][132] Rihanna speaking on the incident, ""I went to the beach and I had on a one-piece swimsuit with jeans, They took the picture and they made it look like a top that was really revealing. There were radio programmes about it. It was a big deal for, like, three weeks straight - talking about I'm not setting a good example."[133] They also mentioned that Rihanna was too young for Def Jam to push her as a "sex symbol", making a plea that she cover up.[134] The media and National Newspaper constantly make personal attacks and have shown lack of support and encouragement.[135] Rihanna spoke out against the scrutiny to Entertainment Weekly[136] stating, "They all hate me. I didn’t have to talk about them. I didn’t have to even mention that I’m from Barbados. But I do and people kind of take it for granted. They hate me. They talk s— about me all the time. But I’m like, ”Whatever. I’m still doing this cause I love to do it and you’re not going to stop me".[130] Media fought back with letters to Rihanna publicly via there national newspaper, "[what she said] sounds as if though she is doing us a favour. If God didn't give us a Rihanna, he would have given us someone else. So don't ever for a second get to thinking you are irreplaceable, Rihanna"[137] and "Her putting Barbados on the map is nonsense. Barbados was well on the map before she came along; and will be when she is gone".[138] Her mentor and music producer Evan Rogers spoke out to the media stating that Rihanna subsequently "formed her impression of any Bajan dislike from the reception she received at the recent Barbados Music Awards where," according to Rogers, "It was disappointing the way some people reacted as if they were almost rooting against her".
Rihanna created her Believe Foundation in 2006 to help terminally ill children.[140] Rihanna has performed a number of concerts to raise funds for both charities and the Foundation. She is also a 2008 Cartier LOVECHARITY Bracelet Ambassador, performed at Madonna’s Raising Malawi fundraiser, and helped a woman find a bone marrow donor. Also, Rihanna has been looking for bone marrow donor for a young girl named Jasmina.[141] Since her efforts to find a bone marrow donor for Jasmina, there has been two possible matches. Rihanna has also honored Jasmina's best friend, Isabella for her efforts for trying to save her best friend at a DKMS Gala on May 7, 2009.[142]
Rihanna has teamed up with H&M and other celebrities like Timbaland and Good Charlotte for "Fashion against AIDS."[143] The collection is designed to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. It was released at H&M in early February 2008.[144] In September 2008, Rihanna joined other female pop, rock, R&B & country singers such as Carrie Underwood, Ciara, Beyoncé Knowles, Leona Lewis, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Fergie to record "Just Stand Up!", the theme song to the anti-cancer campaign Stand Up to Cancer and its theme song.[145] Rihanna was also selected as the spokesmodel for Gucci’s first United Nations Children's Fund ad campaign.[146] She appeared in the fashion house’s Tattoo Heart campaign, which premiered in December 2008.[147] Rihanna will be photographed in series of special edition print ads with United Nations Children's Fund items, twenty-five percent of sales will benefit the children’s charity.[148] In New York, Rihanna was then enlisted by Gucci's Frida Giannini along with Madonna to light the United Nations Children's Fund Christmas snowflake.[149] Rihanna, is now the face of the fourth annual Gucci Campaign to Benefit United Nations Children's Fund, which aims to raise funds for children in Africa through the sale of its Tattoo Heart collection of bags.[150] Rihanna has also been apart of many benefit concerts to help raise money for various illnesses, such as cancer for Hope Rocks.
Discography
* 2005: Music of the Sun
* 2006: A Girl like Me
* 2007: Good Girl Gone Bad
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