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{{distinguish|Rhianna|Rayhana|Rianna}}
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{{Infobox musical artist
|Name = Rihanna
|Img = Rihanna-brisbane.jpg
|Img_capt = Rihanna performing at the [[Brisbane Entertainment Centre]] in 2008
|Background = solo_singer
|Birth_name = Robyn Rihanna Fenty
|Alias =
|Born = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1988|2|20}}
|Died =
|Origin = [[Saint Michael, Barbados|Saint Michael]], [[Barbados]]
|Genre = |Genre = [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[reggae]], [[pop music|pop]]<!--Do not change. See talk page and archives on genre. Changes without discussion will automatically be reverted.-->
|Occupation = Singer, songwriter, model
|Voice_type =
|Years_active = 2005–present
|Label = [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]
|Associated_acts =
|URL = [http://www.rihannanow.com www.rihannanow.com/]
}}

'''Robyn Rihanna Fenty''' (born February 20, 1988), better known as '''Rihanna''', is a [[Barbados|Barbadian]] recording artist and model. Born in [[Saint Michael, Barbados]], Rihanna moved to the [[United States]] at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer [[Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers|Evan Rogers]]. She subsequently signed a contract with [[Def Jam Recordings]] after auditioning for then-label head [[Jay-Z]].<ref name="Jay-Zpicks">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/jayz_picks/ |title=Jay-Z's Picks: Teairra Mari, Rihanna and Ne-Yo |last1=Reid |first1=Shaheem |last2=Paco |first2=Matt |date= |work=[[MTV News]] |accessdate=2009-06-06}}</ref>

In 2005, Rihanna released her debut studio album, ''[[Music of the Sun]]'', which peaked within the top ten of the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and features the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] hit single "[[Pon de Replay]]". Less than a year later, she released her second studio album, ''[[A Girl like Me (Rihanna album)|A Girl Like Me]]'' (2006), which peaked within the top five of the ''Billboard'' albums chart, and produced her first US number one hit single, "[[SOS (Rihanna song)|SOS]]", as well as [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] top ten entries "[[Unfaithful (song)|Unfaithful]]" and "[[Break It Off]]". Rihanna's third studio album, ''[[Good Girl Gone Bad]]'' (2007), peaking at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200, featured five top ten hits including three US number one hit singles—"[[Umbrella (song)|Umbrella]]", "[[Take a Bow (Rihanna song)|Take a Bow]]" and "[[Disturbia (song)|Disturbia]]"—and the worldwide hit "[[Don't Stop the Music (Rihanna song)|Don't Stop the Music]]". The album was nominated for nine [[Grammy Awards]], winning [[Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration|Best Rap/Sung Collaboration]] for "Umbrella," which features Jay-Z.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationnews.com/story/290977982429101.php|title=The Nation Newspaper GRAMMY GIRL|work=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|The Daily Nation]]|date=2008-02-11|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationnews.com/story/291115427507003.php|title=The Nation Newspaper Bajan stars welcome Grammy|work=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|The Daily Nation]]|date=2008-02-11|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref>

Rihanna has sold over 12 million records, worldwide in her four-year career span<ref name="New Rihanna music video leaks">{{citation|last= |first= |title=New Rihanna music video leaks |url=http://www.nationalpost.com/arts/story.html?id=1620501|publisher=[[National Post]]|date=May 22, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Rihanna recording achievement plaque at the Island Def Jam Spring Collection party |url=http://celeb.wohoo.co.uk/2009/05/rihanna-recording-achievement-plaque-at-the-island-def-jam-spring-collection-party/comment-page-1/ |work=CelebWohoo.co.uk|date=May 22, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> and has received several accolades, 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 [[American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist|Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist]] and [[American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist|Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist]].<ref>{{citation|title=World-beaters of pop music|newspaper=[[Birmingham Mail]]|date=2007-11-05|page=4}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Cohen|first=Sandy |title=Brown, West, Keys, Rihanna are big winners at AMAs|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=2008-11-24|page=A.21}}</ref> Rihanna has attained five Hot 100 number one singles, becoming the first of two female artists with the most number ones attained within the 2000s. She also serves as one of Barbados' honorary cultural [[ambassador]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.umusic.co.uk/news/index.php?ID=742|title=Rihanna Honoured|date=2008-02-25|accessdate=2008-02-06}}</ref>

==Life and career==
===1988&ndash;2004: Early life and career beginnings===
Rihanna was born in [[Saint Michael, Barbados]] to Ronald Fenty, a warehouse supervisor, and Monica Fenty, an accountant.<ref name="People">{{Cite web |title=Rihanna: Biography - Part 1 & 2 |url=http://www.people.com/people/rihanna/biography |work=People |accessdate=2008-12-16}}</ref> Her mother, a native of [[Guyana]], is [[Afro-Guyanese]] and her father is [[Barbadian people|Barbadian]] and [[Irish people|Irish]].<ref>{{citation|last= Spivey|first=Lisa|title=Rihanna, The New Cover Girl|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Sentinel]]|volume=72|issue=23|date=Jan 2007|page=B.5|issn=08904340}}</ref> She is the oldest of three siblings; two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad Fenty.<ref name="ew">{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20043393,00.html|title=Caribbean Queen: Rihanna|last=Watson|first=Margeaux|date=2007-06-22|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|accessdate=2008-11-27}}</ref> She began singing at around the age of seven.<ref name="ew"/> 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.<ref name="People"/> Rihanna attended Charles F. Broome Memorial School, a primary school in Barbados, and then the [[Combermere School (Barbados)|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.<ref name="PattersonRain">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/aug/26/popandrock|title=Singing in the rain|last=Patterson |first=Sylvia|date=2007-08-26|work=The Guardian|accessdate=2009-02-08}}</ref> She was an army cadet in a sub-military programme that trained with the military of Barbados and [[Shontelle]] was her drill sergeant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7880732.stm|title=Talking Shop: Shontelle|date=2009-03-05|work=BBC News|accessdate=2009-03-05}}</ref>

At the age of 15, she formed a [[girl group]] with two of her classmates.<ref name="ew"/> In 2003 friends introduced Rihanna and her two bandmates to record producer [[Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers|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 (song)#Destiny's Child version|Emotion]]".<ref name="ew"/> 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 in the United States and moved in with Rogers and his wife.<ref name="ew"/> [[Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers|Carl Sturken]] helped Rihanna record a four-song demo,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Steve |title=Rihanna has her day in the sun |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-08-01-otv-rihanna_x.htm |work=[[USA Today]] |date=August 1, 2005 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> which included the ballad "Last Time," a cover of [[Whitney Houston]]’s hit "For the Love of You"<ref name="ew"/> and what would become her first hit, "[[Pon de Replay]]" to send to various recording companies. It took a year to record the demos, because she was going to school and would only record during summer and Christmas school breaks.<ref name="ew"/> Rihanna's demo made its way to [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]], which invited her to audition for the label's then-president, [[Jay-Z]], who quickly signed her.<ref name="PattersonRain"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/jayz_picks/|title=Jay-Z's Picks: Teairra Mari, Rihanna, Ne-Yo|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|publisher=[[MTV]]|accessdate=2009-02-08}}</ref>

===2005–2006: ''Music of the Sun'' and ''A Girl Like Me''===
After signing with [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]], she spent the next three months recording and completing her [[debut album]].<ref name="Jay-Zpicks"/> The album featured production from [[Evan Rogers]], [[Carl Sturken]], [[Stargate (production team)|Stargate]] and [[Trackmasters|Poke & Tone]].<ref name="SlantMag1">{{cite news|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=630 |title=Rihanna: Music Of The Sun | Music Review | Slant Magazine |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=August 31, 2005 |work=[[Slant Magazine]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> She first collaborated with rapper [[Memphis Bleek]] on his fourth studio album ''[[534 (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|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="BillChartS">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.vnuArtistId=658897&model.vnuAlbumId=933955|title= Artist Chart History — Rihanna|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|accessdate=2009-02-06}}</ref> It also became a global hit where it peaked within the top ten across fifteen countries. Her debut album, ''[[Music of the Sun]]'', was released in August 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography/index.jsp?pid=658897&aid=723346 |title=Billboard.com&nbsp; – Discography&nbsp; – Rihanna&nbsp; – Music of the Sun |accessdate=2009-05-27 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] }}</ref> in the United States. The album reached number ten on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], selling 69,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="BillChartA">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=658897&model.vnuAlbumId=933955|title= Artist Chart History — Rihanna|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|accessdate=2009-02-06}}</ref> 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.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Rihanna&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|title=Gold and Platinum|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|accessdate=2009-02-06}}</ref>
{{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}}
{{listen|filename=Rihanna PonDeReplay.ogg|title="Pon de Replay" (2005)
|description="Pon de Replay" is Rihanna's debut single. The song encompasses the reggae genre using a mixture of dance-pop and R&B.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{Sample box end}}

Her music was marketed within the [[Soca music|soca]] and [[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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/rihanna/albums/album/7579447/review/7583534/music_of_the_sun|title=Rihanna: Music of the Sun|last=Barry|first=Walters|date=2005-09-08|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=2007-08-18}}</ref> Sal Cinquemani of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' described the album as a "glut of teen R&B chanteuses " and described her lead single "[[Pon de Replay]]" as "a dancehall-pop mixture that owes plenty of its sweat and shimmy to [[Beyoncé]]'s "[[Baby Boy (song)|Baby Boy]]"."<ref name="SlantMag1"/> A reviewer for ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' commented that the "dancehall/R&B debut is filled with chintzy production and maudlin arrangements that block out the ''Music of the Sun''."<ref>{{cite news|url= |title=Music Review Music of the Sun |last=Serpick |first=Evan |date=August 26, 2005 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> The albums second single, "[[If It's Lovin' that You Want]]"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508016/20050819/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Insists She's Got What You Need In 'Pon De Replay' Follow-Up |last=Tecson |first=Brandee |date=August 19 2005 |publisher=MTV News |accessdate=2009-06-02}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="BillChartS"/> In Australia, Ireland and New Zealand the single proved to be well-received reaching the top ten in those countries. However, the third single, "Let Me" was only released in Japan, peaking at number eight.

A month after the release of her debut album, she began working on her second studio album.<ref name="HerRockSide">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1524534/20060217/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Getting In Touch With Her Rock Side For Next LP |last=Tecson |first=Brandee J. |date=February 22, 2006 |work=[[MTV News]] |accessdate=2009-06-02}}</ref> The album contained production from [[record producers]] [[Evan Rogers]] and [[Carl Sturken]] who produced most of her debut album, [[Stargate (production team)|Stargate]], [[J. R. Rotem]] and label-mate [[singer-songwriter]] [[Ne-Yo]].<ref name="DoneCrying">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1527788/20060404/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Hooking Up With Ne-Yo When She's Done Crying 'S.O.S.' |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=April 5, 2006 |workpublisher=[[MTV News]] |accessdate=2009-06-02}}</ref> While recording the album, Rihanna served as an opening act for [[Gwen Stefani]] to promote her debut album.<ref name="AskMen.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.askmen.com/celebs/interview_200/206b_rihanna_interview.html|title=Rihanna - AskMen.com|date=|work=[[AskMen.com]]|accessdate=2009-09-10}}</ref> The lead single, "[[SOS (Rihanna song)|SOS]]", peaked at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100, becoming her first number-one in the United States.<ref name="BillChartS"/> ''[[A Girl like Me (Rihanna album)|A Girl Like Me]]'' was released in April 2006,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography/index.jsp?pid=658897&aid=768615 |title=Billboard.com&nbsp; – Discography&nbsp; – Rihanna&nbsp; – A Girl Like Me |accessdate=2009-05-27 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] }}</ref> less than eight months later of her debut. The album reached number five on the ''Billboard''&nbsp;200<ref name="BillChartA"/> selling 115,000 copies in its first week and has been certified platinum by the [[RIAA]], having shipped over one million units.<ref name="RIAA"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_news.php?artist_id=586&news_id=102315|title=Rihanna Takes RIAA Platinum for ''Girl Like Me,'' Her Second Album, Featuring Hits "Unfaithful" and "SOS"|date=2006-07-24|work=Def Jam Recordings|accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> Internationally, the album peaked at number one on the [[Billboard charts#Top Canadian Albums|Top Canadian Albums]], five on the [[UK Albums Chart]] and number five on the [[Irish Album Chart]]. The critical response to the album was mixed; ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine commented "Like her filler-packed debut album, this similar but superior follow-up doesn't deliver anything else as ingenious as its lead single."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/9941006/review/10396647?utm_source=Rhapsody&utm_medium=CDreview |title=A Girl Like Me : Rihanna : Review : Rolling Stone |last=Walters |first=Barry |date=May 26, 2006 |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=805 |title=Rihanna: A Girl Like Me : Music Review : Slant Magazine |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=April 24, 2006 |work=[[Slant Magazine]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> The second single, "[[Unfaithful (song)|Unfaithful]]", became a major worldwide hit, reaching the top ten in dozen countries around the world, including the United States where it reached number six on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, as well as topping the charts in Canada, France and Switzerland. The albums third single, "[[We Ride]]"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535606/20060705/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Lets Fans Be Her Guide, Selects Summer Jam 'We Ride' As Next Single |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=July 6, 2006 |work=[[MTV News]] |accessdate=2009-06-02}}</ref> failed to reprise the success of the lead single but the fourth single, "[[Break It Off]]" featuring [[Sean Paul]], jumped from number fifty-two to number ten eventually peaking at number nine.<ref>Katie Hasty, [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003552292 "Mims Puts The 'Hot' In The Hot 100 At No. 1"], Billboard.com, March 1, 2007</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://acharts.us/song/11544 |title=Rihanna and Sean Paul - Break It Off |last= |first= |date= |work=Accharts |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17706901&method=full&siteid=66633&headline=the-razz--scots-date-for-dolls--name_page.html |title=Scots Date For Dolls |last=Lyons |first=Beverley |date=September 8, 2006 |work=Dailyrecord.co.uk |accessdate=2009-05-26}}</ref>

===2007–2008: ''Good Girl Gone Bad''===
[[File:Rihannagidt.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Rihanna performing during the [[Glow in the Dark Tour]] in 2008.]]
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 [[49th Grammy Awards|Grammys]] writing songs for the album with Ne-Yo.<ref name="VoiceLessons"/> She adopted a more sexual image while recording the album, eventually dying her hair black and cutting it short. Rihanna worked with Timbaland and [[Christopher Stewart (music producer)|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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1558496/20070501/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Loses Good Girl Image, Thanks To Jay-Z, Justin, Timbaland, Ne-Yo |last1=Reid |first1=Shaheem |last2=Richard |first2=Yasmine |date=May 2, 2007 |work=MTV News |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref> Rihanna commented, "I want to keep people dancing but still be soulful at the same time [...] You feel different every album, and [at] this stage I feel like I want to do a lot of uptempo [songs]."<ref name="VoiceLessons"/> 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. The album received positive reviews by critics, becoming her most critically acclaimed album at that time compared to her previous efforts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20038840_20039671_20040683,00.html |title=Good Girl Gone Bad Rihanna |last=Drumming |first=Neil |date=May 30, 2007 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> It yielded eight hit singles — all singles reaching the top twenty on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100 — including the worldwide number-one hit "[[Umbrella (song)|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,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003611963|title=Rihanna's 'Umbrella' Nearing U.K. Chart History|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=2007-07-16|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|accessdate=2008-11-08}}</ref> making it the longest-running number-one single since [[Wet Wet Wet]]'s single "[[Love Is All Around (The Troggs song)|Love Is All Around]]" spent fifteen weeks at the top in 1994.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003615333|title=Rihanna Makes It 10 Weeks Atop U.K. Singles Chart|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=2007-07-23|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|accessdate=2009-02-08}}</ref> The song is listed number three on the 100 Best Songs of 2007 published by ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17601363/the_100_best_songs_of_2007|title=The 100 Best Songs of 2007 |last=|first=|date=December 27, 2007|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref> Her other singles, "[[Shut Up and Drive (Rihanna song)|Shut Up and Drive]]", "[[Don't Stop the Music (Rihanna song)|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&nbsp;100 while peaking at number one in various countries.<ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music|url=http://acharts.us/song/27547|publisher=aCharts.us|date= |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref>

With the re-issue of her third album, titled ''[[Good Girl Gone Bad#Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded|Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded]]'', which was released in June 2008. Rihanna released the first singles from the re-release "[[Take a Bow (Rihanna song)|Take a Bow]]"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1583481/20080314/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Chooses 'Take A Bow,' Penned By Ne-Yo, To Kick Off Good Girl Gone Bad Re-Release |last=Rodriguez |first=Jayson |date=March 14, 2008 |publisher=[[MTV News]] |accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> — which became a worldwide number-one hit — the duet with [[Maroon 5]], "[[If I Never See Your Face Again]],"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586264/20080424/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna, Maroon 5 Team Up For 'Magic' Collaboration, Complete With Ultra-Glam Video |last=Montgomery |first=James |date=April 24, 2008 |work=[[MTV News]] |accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> and the other US number-one hit "[[Disturbia (song)|Disturbia]]."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003841406&inp=true |title=Rihanna Fends Off Archuleta Atop Hot 100 |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |date=August 21, 2008 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2006-03-08}}</ref> "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. Meanwhile, Rihanna was featured on rapper [[T.I.]]'s "[[Live Your Life]]," which peaked at number-one on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100, giving Rihanna her fifth number-one single on the Hot&nbsp;100 thus far ("[[SOS (Rihanna song)|SOS]]," "Umbrella," "Take a Bow" and "Disturbia," as well as T.I.'s "Live Your Life").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/song/38021|title=T.I. and Rihanna - Live Your Life|publisher=''Accharts''|accessdate=May 28, 2009}}</ref> This made Rihanna one of the two female solo artist with the most number-one singles this decade, with the other being Beyoncé Knowles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/rihanna-mp3-hits-543207.html |title=Rihanna Mp3 Hits |last=Robaina |first=Lissette |date=August 31, 2008 |publisher=Articlesbase.com |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> ''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.<ref name="RIAA"/> She was nominated in four categories at the [[2007 MTV Video Music Awards]], winning Monster Single of the Year and Video of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1569254/20070909/spears_britney.jhtml|title=Britney Spears Kicks Off Show, But VMA Night Belongs To Rihanna And Justin Timberlake|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=2007-09-10|work=MTV News|accessdate=2009-04-23}}</ref> At the [[50th Grammy Awards|2008 Grammy Awards]], Rihanna earned her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1567466_20010832_20177185,00.html|title=The 2008 Grammy Winners Are...|date=2008-02-08|publisher=EW|accessdate=2009-04-23}}</ref> in addition to receiving five other nominations, including [[Record of the Year]], [[Best Dance Recording]], [[Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group]] and [[Best R&B Song]]. In support of the album, she embarked on her first headlining tour [[The Good Girl Gone Bad Tour]] on September 12, 2007, with several shows across the United States, Canada and Europe<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtvasia.com/Review/Event/E20081117001729.html |title=Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad Tour |last=Leong |first=Cheryl |date=November 13, 2008 |work=[[MTV Southeast Asia]] |accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> and then embarked on the [[Glow in the Dark Tour]] with [[Kanye West]], [[Lupe Fiasco]], and [[N.E.R.D]] on April 16, 2008.<ref name="mtv">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580653/20080130/west_kanye.jhtml|title=Kanye West's Glow In The Dark Tour Will Feature Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D.|last=Rodriguez |first=Jayson |publisher=MTV News|date=2008-01-30|accessdate=2008-11-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20175468,00.html|title=Rihanna to Join Kanye West on Tour|last=Tapper |first=Christina |work=[[People (magazine)]] |date=February 1, 2008 |accessdate=2009-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/01/30/kanye-recruits-nerd-lupe-fiasco-rihanna-for-new-tour/ |title=Kanye West Recruits N.E.R.D., Lupe Fiasco, Rihanna For New Tour |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=January 30, 2008 |accessdate=2009-05-27}}</ref> Rihanna also won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 2008 [[American Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/news/see-the-complete-list-of-ama-winners |title=See the Complete List of AMA Winners |last=Powers |first=Lindsay |date=November 23, 2008 |publisher=[[Us Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-05-16}}</ref>

===2009–present: Domestic violence case and ''Rated R''===

On February 8, 2009, Rihanna's scheduled performance at the [[51st Grammy Awards|2009 Grammy Awards]] was cancelled.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/feb/09/grammy-awards-rihanna-chris-brown |title=Grammys 2009: Rihanna cancels appearance after boyfriend Chris Brown arrested |last=Swash |first=Rosie |date=February 9, 2009 |publisher=[[guardian.co.uk]] |accessdate=2009-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/4565594/Grammy-Awards-2009-Rihanna-pulls-out-after-Chris-Brown-arrest.html |title=Grammy Awards 2009: Rihanna pulls out after Chris Brown arrest |last=Hedley |first=Caroline |date=February 9, 2009 |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |accessdate=2009-05-26}}</ref> Reports later surfaced regarding an alleged altercation with then-boyfriend, singer [[Chris Brown (entertainer)|Chris Brown]], who was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,490368,00.html|title=Chaos in Chris Brown-Rihanna Mess|last=Friedman|first=Roger |date=February 10, 2009 |work=[[Fox News]]|accessdate=2009-05-13}}</ref> On March 5, 2009, Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20263113,00.html |title=Chris Brown Charged with Two Felonies in Rihanna Beating |last=Lee |first=Ken |date=March 5, 2009 |work=[[People (magazine)]] |accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7925460.stm |title=Singer Brown charged with assault |last= |first= |date=March 6, 2009 |work=[[BBC News Online]] |accessdate=2009-05-26}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{citation|title=Gossip Site Defends Posting Of Rihanna Photo|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605588/20090223/rihanna.jhtml|publisher=''[[MTV News]]''|work=Gil Kaufman|date=February 23, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=McGevna |first=Allison |title=LAPD Launches Investigation Into Release of Alleged Rihanna Abuse Photo |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,497107,00.html|work=[[Fox News]]|date=February 20, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{citation|last=Kaufman|first=Gil |title='Rihanna's Law,' Spurred By Photo Leak, Aims To Prevent Victim Exploitation |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1607684/20090325/rihanna.jhtml|work=[[VH1]]|date=2009-03-25|accessdate=2009-05-02}}</ref> Rihanna was subpoenaed to testify during a preliminary hearing in L.A. on June 22, 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/05/rihanna-may-tes.html |title=Rihanna may testify in Chris Brown hearing June 22 |last=Greenblatt |first=Leah |date=May 28, 2009 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20281588,00.html |title=Rihanna to Be Ordered to Testify at Chris Brown Hearing |last=Lee |first=Ken |date=May 28, 2009 |work=[[People (magazine)]] |accessdate=2009-05-28}}</ref> "The DA told me Rihanna will be subpoenaed. I will accept on her behalf," Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra told ''[[Us Weekly]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/news/attorney-rihanna-to-appear-at-chris-browns-next-hearing-2009285 |title=Attorney: Rihanna to Appear at Chris Brown's Next Hearing |last=Illuzzi |first=Mandi |date=May 28, 2009 |work=[[Us Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-05-28}}</ref> "She will appear in court, and if asked to testify, she will do so".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/05/28/2009-05-28_rihanna_will_appear_in_court_may_be_called_as_a_witness_to_testify_against_chris.html |title=Rihanna will appear in court in June, may be called to testify against Chris Brown, says her lawyer |last=Dillon |first=Nancy |date=May 28, 2009 |work=[[Daily News (New York)]] |accessdate=2009-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/entertainment/NATL-Rihanna-to-Testify-at-Chris-Brown-Hearing.html |title=Rihanna to Testify at Chris Brown Hearing |last=Millat |first=Caitlin |date=May 28, 2009 |work=[[NBC Washington]] |accessdate=2009-05-28}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/22/chris-brown-cops-plea-rihanna-assault/ |title=Chris Brown Cops Plea - No Jail Time |last=Staff |first=TMZ |date=June 22, 2009 |work=[[TMZ]] |accessdate=2009-06-22}}</ref>

Rihanna collaborated with [[Jay-Z]] and [[Kanye West]] on "[[Run This Town]]."<ref>{{cite news|title=Rihanna Returns and Kanye West Shines on Jay-Z’s “Run This Town”|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/07/24/rihanna-returns-and-kanye-west-shines-on-jay-zs-new-single-run-this-town/|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Jann Wenner]]|date=2009-07-24|accessdate=2009-09-03|last=Kreps|first=Daniel}}</ref> The song peaked at number two on [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and also reached the top ten in ten other countries. She appeared on the cover of [[Vogue Italia]] for the September 2009 Issue.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.com/x-15228-Young-and-Famous-Examiners~y2009m9d3-Rihanna-racy-photoshoot-for-Italian-Vogue-Mamma-mia |title=Rihanna's racy photoshoot for Vogue Italia: Mamma mia! |last1=Johansen |first1=Michele |last2=Tigre |first2=Lexie |date=September 3, 2009 |work=[[Examiner.com]] |accessdate=2009-08-03}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ContactMusic">{{cite news|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/rihanna-bares-her-breasts-in-sizzling-italian-vogue-shoot_1114811|title=RIHANNA - RIHANNA BARES HER BREASTS IN SIZZLING ITALIAN VOGUE SHOOT|last=Baker |first=Paul|date=September 3, 2009 |work=ContactMusic|accessdate=2009-03-09}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/09/12/jay-z-answer-call-fuse/|title=Jay-Z 'Answers the Call' in NYC with help from Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, John Mayer and the rest of his Rolodex|last=Vozick-Levinson |first=Simon |date=September 12, 2009 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref> The trio also performed "Run This Town," on the premiere of ''[[The Jay Leno Show]]'' on September 14, 2009.<ref name="RollingStone">{{cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/08/06/jay-z-kanye-rihanna-to-run-this-town-on-leno-show-premiere/|title=Jay-Z, Kanye, Rihanna to “Run This Town” On “Leno Show” Premiere|last=Baker |first=Paul|date=September 3, 2009 |work=[[RollingStone]]|accessdate=2009-09-03}}</ref>

Rihanna is currently recording in the studio with numerous different producers, including [[The-Dream]], [[Christopher Stewart (music producer)|Tricky Stewart]], [[Chase & Status]], [[Stargate (production team)|Stargate]], [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[Ne-Yo]] and [[Akon]], on her fourth studio album ''[[Rated R (Rihanna album)|Rated R]]''.<ref>http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/10/20/rihanna-teams-with-ne-yo-for-ominous-rated-r-single-russian-roulette/</ref><ref name="TheBoomBox">{{cite news|url=http://www.theboombox.com/2009/09/24/rihanna-teams-with-justin-timberlake-for-november-release/|title=RIHANNA TEAMS WITH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE FOR NOVEMBER RELEASE|last=Baker |first=Paul|date=September 27, 2009 |work=TheBoomBox|accessdate=2009-09-27}}</ref> On October 8 2009, Rihanna shot the cover for her fourth album with [[Ellen von Unwerth]] in [[Berlin]].<ref name="Boxxet">{{cite news|url=http://www.boxxet.com/Rihanna/post:rihanna-is-shooting-her-album-cover-shoot-now/|title=Rihanna is shooting her album cover shoot now!|last=Baker |first=Paul|date=October 8, 2009 |work=Boxxet|accessdate=2009-10-08}}</ref> The new album will be released November 23, 2009.<ref name=album2ew>{{cite web|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/category/rihanna/|title=Rihanna's new album: What can we expect?|last=Lynch|first=Joseph Brannigan|date=October 14, 2009|publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|accessdate=October 15, 2009}}</ref><ref name=album2cnn>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/14/rihanna.new.album/|title= Cryptic tweet signals date for new Rihanna release|last=Hare|first=Breeanna|date=October 14, 2009|publisher=[[CNN]]|accessdate=October 15, 2009}}</ref> The album's lead single, "[[Russian Roulette (song)|Russian Roulette]]", was released on October 20, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=1552303|title=New Rihanna Single Dropping Tuesday|date=October 19, 2009|publisher=[[FMQB]]|accessdate=October 20, 2009}}</ref> Rihanna has confirmed that she will perform the song on, [[The X Factor (UK series 6)|The X Factor]] on [[November 29]], [[2009]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/091106/340/it3sz.html&e=l_news_dm |title=Rihanna has 'X Factor' |publisher=Yahoo Music |date=2009-11-6 |accessdate=2009-11-6}}</ref> The official video was released on [[November 13]], [[2009]]. On November 10, 2009 the second official single. "[[Hard (song)|Hard]]" featuring [[Young Jeezy]] was released. A promo single, "[[Wait Your Turn]]" was released on November 3rd, but it has since been announced as the official third single set for release in early 2010. On [[November 16]], [[2009]], Rihanna performed her first concert in [[London]] for [[Nokia]] customers. She performed 4 songs from her new album, ''[[Rated R (Rihanna album)|Rated R]]'', 4 songs from ''[[Good Girl Gone Bad]]'', 2 songs from ''[[A Girl like Me (Rihanna album)|A Girl Like Me]]'' and the 2 recent duets, "[[Live Your Life]]" and "[[Run This Town]]".

==Musical style and influences==
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."<ref>{{Citation | title = Contemporary Black biography | publisher = [[Gale (Cengage)|Gale]]/University of Michigan | volume=65| year = 2008 | pages = 136 | isbn = 9780787695422}}</ref> Becoming an international sensation, Rihanna is known for blending R&B with [[Caribbean music]], such as [[reggae]] and [[dancehall]].<ref>{{Citation |last=Kuss|first=Malena | title = Music in Latin America and the Caribbean: an encyclopedic history | publisher = University of Texas Press | volume=2| year = 2004 | pages = 352 | isbn = 9780292709515}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.antrimtimes.co.uk/entertainment/Concert-review-Rihanna.3884061.jp |title=Concert review: Rihanna |last=Coulter |first=Peter |date=March 18, 2008 |work=Antrim Times |accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref> At the time of her debut, reviewers referred to her as a "[[bubblegum pop|bubblegum]] queen"<ref name="JamCanoe"/> and her music to "[[teen pop]]."<ref name="TheSun"/> Larry Meyler of ''[[The Sun]]'' stated that Rihanna going bad is very good and that she had shook off any 'teen pop' image as she rocked the stage.<ref name="TheSun">{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/music/caught_live/article591881.ece |title=Rihanna going bad is very good |last=Meyler |first=Larry |date=December 17, 2007 |work=[[The Sun]] |accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref> 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."<ref name="JamCanoe">{{cite news|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/R/Rihanna/ConcertReviews/2006/07/15/1685868.html |title=CANOE - JAM! Music - Artists - ConcertReviews - Concert Review |last=Armstrong |first=Denis |date=July 14, 2006 |work=[[Canoe.ca]] |accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref> After revealing a new image while headlining her first tour, she was likely to be criticize for her tight leather outfit during each show.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2008/03/18/rihannas-outfits-are-a-bad-idea-gone-worse/ |title=Rihanna's outfits are a bad idea gone worse |last=Wu |first=Annie |date=March 18, 2008 |publisher=Style List |accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref> A review in the ''[[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."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/live_reviews/article3065539.ece |title=Rihanna Live Reviews |last=Sinclair |first=David |date=December 18, 2007 |work=[[The Times]] |accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=28b7d0fc-21fa-4c99-9a1c-7479c20fd69d |title=Concert review: Kanye West/Rihanna |last=Derdeyn |first=Stuart |date=June 3, 2008 |work=[[The Province]] |accessdate=2009-06-04}}</ref>

===Music and themes===
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 music|pop]], [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[dancehall]]. Her music also include various styles of [[musical genre]]s, including [[contemporary R&B]], [[dance-pop]], [[pop rock]] and the [[Caribbean music]] styles of reggae, [[soca music|soca]], and dancehall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article561412.ece|title=The Times/Universal new talent: Rihanna|last=Jelbert|first=Steve|date=September 2, 2005|publisher=[[The London Times]]|accessdate=September 3, 2009}}</ref> 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."<ref name="Music of the Sun review">{{Citation | title = Rihanna: Music of the Sun > Overview | work = [[Allmusic]] | year = 2005 | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gnfyxqwsldfe | accessdate = 2009-02-20}}</ref> Rihanna is also described as utilizing "dancehall-lite beats and a reggae vocal cadence."<ref name="Music of the Sun review"/> ''[[NME]]'' describes the singer as a "heady mix of dancehall, reggae and contemporary R&B."<ref>{{Citation | title = Rihanna: Biography | publisher = [[NME]] | year = 2006 | url = http://www.nme.com/artists/rihanna#biography | accessdate = 2009-02-20}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hippopress.com/music/rihanna05915.html |title=Rihanna, Music of the Sun |last=Diaz |first=Amy |date=September 15, 2005 |publisher= |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref><ref name="Washingtonpost">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/25/AR2006042501896.html |title=Quick Spin |last=Charnas |first=Dan |date=April 26, 2006 |publisher=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/2006/04/23/2006-04-23_secret_s_worth_keeping.html |title=SECRET'S WORTH KEEPING |last=Farber |first=Jim |date=April 23, 2006 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> The media even made negative reviews comparing her music,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hippopress.com/music/rihanna05915.html |title=CD Reviews |last=Diaz |first=Amy |date=September 15, 2005 |publisher=HippoPress.com |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> [[music videos]], performances<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530426/20060508/yankee_daddy.jhtml?headlines=true |title=Daddy Yankee, Kanye, Mary J. Keep Hits Coming At Wango Tango |last=Richard |first=Yasmine |date=May 8, 2006 |work=MTV News |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref><ref name="Dose.ca">{{cite news|url=http://www.dose.ca/toronto/music/story.html?s_id=oHr8IDZlMZN0vZsgH2akZnd0%2Bd71vz9Xaxu0bOe%2Fr986lwo3m8waKQ%3D%3D |title=MMVAs: Seeing Stars |last=Heather |first=Adler |date=June 19, 2006 |work=[[Dose (magazine)|Dose]] |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> and even her image to Beyoncé,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2005/nov/25/popandrock2 |title=Move over, Beyoncé |last=Taylor |first=Amina |date=November 25, 2005 |publisher=[[guardian.co.uk]] |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref> which garnered Rihanna much criticism.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/singlereviews/rihanna_sos.php |title=Rihanna - SOS review |last= |first= |date= |work=[[Virgin Media]] |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> Some media even unfairly claimed that Jay-Z fashioned her to be a replica of Beyoncé.<ref name="Dose.ca"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://moreresults.factiva.com/results/index/index.aspx?ref=SLMO000020060509e2590005n |title=Same old song, same old singer |last=Johnson |first=Kevin C. |date=May 9, 2006 |publisher=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> Barry Walters of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' considers Rihanna's ''A Girl Like Me'' to be "lightweight dancehall and R&B jams."<ref>{{Citation | title = Rihanna: A Girl Like Me: Music reviews: Rolling Stone | work = [[Rolling Stone]] | year = 2006 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/rihanna/albums/album/9941006/review/10396647/a_girl_like_me | accessdate = 2009-02-20}}</ref> After the release of ''Good Girl Gone Bad'', Allmusic's Andy Kellman credits Rihanna to be "as pop as pop gets."<ref>{{Citation | title = Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad > Overview | work = [[Allmusic]] | year = 2007 | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jcftxz85ld0e | accessdate = 2009-02-20}}</ref> Kelefa Sanneh of ''[[The New York Times]]'' described her hit "[[Umbrella (song)|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanneh |first=Kelefa |title=Seasonal Signature: Pop Goes the Summer |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/19/arts/music/19sann.html |work=The New York Times |date=2007-07-19 |accessdate=2009-04-19}}</ref>

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]]. Rihanna then enlisted into the pop and contemporary R&B working with [[music producer]] [[Stargate]] and [[singer-songwriter]] [[Ne-Yo]] on "[[Unfaithful (song)|Unfaithful]]"<ref name="VoiceLessons">{{citation |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1553347/20070226/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Gets Voice Lessons From Ne-Yo For 'Fresh, Uptempo' New Tracks |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=February 27, 2007 |work=[[MTV News]] |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref> and sampling the key section, bass line, and drum beat from [[Soft Cell]]'s 1981 single "[[Tainted Love]]" on "[[SOS (Rihanna song)|SOS]]".<ref name="SOSsampled">{{citation |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1193596,00.html |title=Rihanna is Having a Moment |last=Greenblatt |first=Leah |date=May 12, 2006 |publisher= [[Entertainment Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref> 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<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1558496/20070501/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Loses Good Girl Image, Thanks To Jay-Z, Justin, Timbaland, Ne-Yo |last1=Reid |first1=Shaheem |last2=Richard |first2=Yasmine |date=May 2, 2007 |work=MTV News |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref> with fresh, uptempo dance tracks.<ref name="VoiceLessons"/> While recording the album, Rihanna stated that she wants to keep people dancing but still be soulful at the same time.<ref name="VoiceLessons"/> She then commented "You feel different every album, and [at] this stage I feel like I want to do a lot of uptempo [songs]."<ref name="VoiceLessons"/> 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 (Rihanna song)|Shut Up and Drive]]", her music style became more pop rock oriented.<ref name="HerRockSide"/> Unlike ''Music of the Sun'' or ''A Girl Like Me'', her third album contained a more dance-pop sound<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6690000/newsid_6690400/6690467.stm |title=Album Review: Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad |last= |first= |date=May 25, 2007 |work=[[BBC Online]] |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref> and less of the dancehall, reggae and ballad styles of her previous albums.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/jun/01/popandrock.shopping3 |title=Rihanna, Good Girl Gone Bad |last=Macpherson |first=Alex |date=June 1, 2007 |work=[[guardian.co.uk]] |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> She has included various styles of music from uptempo pop-reggae with "Pon De Replay", to an [[1980s in music|80's]] new wave fueled club banger "SOS" to the whiff of gothic horror in a love song "[[Unfaithful (song)|Unfaithful]]". Most of her love subject [[ballad (music)|ballads]] contain a mid-tempo pop sound, with an R&B influences that uses of a gently strummed [[acoustic guitar]] with the production of Stargate and the songs written by Ne-Yo.<ref name="DoneCrying"/> Some of her up-tempo dance-pop songs include production from Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers, [[Christopher Stewart (music producer)|Christopher "Tricky" Stewart]] and J. R. Rotem.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/shutupanddrive.htm |title=Rihanna - Shut Up and Drive |last=Lamb |first=Bill |date= |work=[[About.com]] |accessdate=2009-06-02}}</ref> She has also taken to the [[music industry]] [[tradition]] of sampling songs from other artist like Soft Cell's "[[Tainted Love]]" on "SOS",<ref name="SOSsampled"/> [[New Order]]'s "[[Blue Monday (New Order song)|Blue Monday]]" on "Shut Up and Drive" and 70's original song "[[Soul Makossa]]" of [[Manu Dibango]] with a part of the chorus from [[Michael Jackson]]'s "[[Wanna Be Startin' Somethin']]" on "Don't Stop the Music".

===Influences===
One of Rihanna's major influence and idol is [[Mariah Carey]], whose song "[[Hero (Mariah Carey 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."<ref name="BringsOnActing"/> She then stated that her song, "[[Vision of Love]]" made an impact on her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.aol.com/video/qanda-whats-the-first-record-that-made-a/rihanna/1916591|title=Rihanna - "Q&A: What's the first record that made a big impact on you?"|work=AOL.com|date=2009-03-11|accessdate=2008-05-16}}</ref><ref name="Sixshot">{{Cite news |last= |first= |title=Jay-Z's Latest Def Jam Artist 'Rihanna' Ready To Take Over! |url=http://www.sixshot.com/articles/5228/ |work=SixShot.com |date=June 8, 2005 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> Rihanna has also named [[Beyoncé Knowles]] a major influence,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.teenhollywood.com/printerversion.asp?r=104971 |title=Rihanna Upstaged By Beyonce |date=August 20, 2005 |publisher=TeenHollywood.com |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref><ref name="BringsRiddims">{{Cite news |last=Hoard |first=Christian |title=Rihanna Brings Riddims |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/7567167/rihanna_brings_riddims |work=Rolling Stone |date=August 18, 2005 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> citing that she was inspired to start her career after watching Knowles on [[television]] as part of a [[Destiny's Child]] performance .<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rihanna advises Idols to work like they have a hit |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070717/CI5_rihanna/20070717/?s_name=idol2007 |work=[[CTV.ca]] |date= |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> Her other musical influences include [[Bob Marley]], [[Alicia Keys]]<ref name="Sixshot"/> [[Whitney Houston]], [[Destiny's Child]], [[Celine Dion]],<ref name=artistdirect>{{cite web|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,3655378,00.html|title=ARTISTdirect's Exclusive Interview With Rihanna! |publisher=[[Artistdirect]]|quote=those were the kinds of artists that always influenced me. Celine Dion, Mandy Moore, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child.|date=May 12, 2006|accessdate=2008-05-23}}</ref> [[Brandy Norwood|Brandy]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20043289_20043293_20043298,00.html|title=Caribbean Queen|work=Entertainment Weekly|date=2007-06-21|accessdate=2008-11-03}}</ref> and [[Gwen Stefani]].<ref>{{citation|title="Coming from Barbados, I really hadn't heard that much rock music," Rihanna confesses. "Touring with Gwen changed my perspective."|url=http://www.myspace.com/rihanna|work=[[MySpace]]|date=|accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> Her music also contains strong influences of [[caribbean music]] and says that it has influenced her tremendously. Her friend and former Island Def Jam record label artist [[Fefe Dobson]] was someone that she admired and looked up to, having a fellow artist writing, singing, and performing the music she truly loves.<ref name=kidzworld>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/5853-rihanna-interview|title=Rihanna Interview|publisher=kidzworld|quote=You mention that some of your musical influences are Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey.|accessdate=February 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Rihanna: A Dream Come True |url=http://soundslam.com/articles/interviews/interviews.php?interviews=in050802rihann |work=SoundSlam.com |date= |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> In a interview, Rihanna stated, that while growing up in [[Barbados]], she grew up listening to reggae music and when she came to the United States she was exposed to many different types of music.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://music.aol.com/video/qanda-whats-the-first-record-that-made-a/rihanna/1916591| title="Q&A: What's the first record that made a big impact on you?" | work=[[AOL]]|date=March 3, 2009 | accessdate=2009-05-16 }}</ref> Rihanna also considers [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] as one of her biggest influences. She mentioned that she respects her ability to reinvent herself and aspires to be just as successful.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.askmen.com/celebs/entertainment-news/rihanna/black-madonna-rihanna.html |title='Black Madonna' Rihanna |last=Showbiz |first=Bang |date=July 20, 2007 |work=[[AskMen.com]] |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref>

===Videography===
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&nbsp;... Rihanna has perfected the pout, the long-legged strut and trend-setting hairdos that keep women and men alike checking her out on [[YouTube]]."<ref name="star tribune">{{Citation |last=Bream |first=Jon| title = Hush Hush Rihanaa; The decade's hottest pop diva is all a-twitter about Monday's Jingle Ball. But don't ask about costar and boyfriend Chris Brown -- her lips are sealed. | newspaper = [[Star Tribune]] |page=E.1| year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-12-12|issn=08952825}}</ref> George Epaminondas of ''[[InStyle]]'' considers Rihanna's music videos to be "cinematic" due to her "blend of lush island rhythms and swinging pop and&nbsp;... mischievous sensuality."<ref>{{Citation |last= Epaminondas |first=George| title = Rihanna, Revealed | newspaper = [[InStyle]] |volume=15 |issue=8|page=196| date = August 2008 |issn=10760830}}</ref> Rihanna commented that [[Marilyn Monroe]] and [[vintage clothing]] served for visual inspiration for the [[music video]] "[[Hate That I Love You]]" and "[[Rehab (Rihanna song)|Rehab]]"; in contrast, the "dark, creepy" scenes of "Disturbia" have drawn comparison to Michael Jackson's ''[[Michael Jackson's Thriller|Thriller]]''.<ref name="star tribune"/><ref>{{Citation |last1= Wener |first1=Ben|last2= Fadroski |first2=Kelli Skye | title = Making mix discs for your creeptastic party? Pick from our Halloween 50 | newspaper = [[The Orange County Register]] |date = 2008-10-22}}</ref> The music video also ranked number five on the "Top Five Most Paranoid Music Videos" published by [[MTV]] Buzzworthy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2009/05/22/buzzworthys-top-5-most-paranoid-music-videos/ |title=Top Five Most Paranoid Music Videos |last=Anitai |first=Tamar |date=May 22, 2009 |work=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref>

==Style and image==
The ''[[New York (magazine)|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.<ref>{{ cite web |url=http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/06/rihannas_beauty_evolution.html |title=Rihanna: Beauty Chameleon |work=[[New York (magazine)]] |first=Aja |last=Mangum |date=June 3, 2009 |accessdate=2009-06-05}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{ cite web |url=http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20277846,00.html |title=Rihanna's Week of Fierce Fashion |work=[[People (magazine)]] |first=Melissa |last=Liebling-Goldberg |date=May 11, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> opting for designer couture over belly-baring crop tops.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1538150/20060808/rihanna.jhtml | title=Get Inside Rihanna's Fashion Evolution From Jean Skirts To Jean-Paul Gaultier | work=MTV News | first=Farrah |last=Weinstein | date=August 9, 2006 | accessdate=2009-05-07 }}</ref> Sonya Magett of Black Voices reported that Rihanna's style has become quite risqué since she burst on the scene 4 years ago.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/01/09/rihanna-dropping-sexy-image-for-malaysia/ | title=Rihanna Dropping Sexy Image For Malaysia | work=Black Voices | first=Sonya |last=Magett | date=January 9, 2009 | accessdate=2009-05-07 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20177299_3,00.html | title=Grammy Quick Changes: What's Her Best Look? | work=[[People (magazine)]] | first=Melissa |last=Liebling-Goldberg | date=February 10, 2008 | accessdate=2009-05-21 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20160408_20058574_9,00.html | title=Get Winter's Coolest Coats! | work=[[People (magazine)]] | first= |last= | date= | accessdate=2009-05-21 }}</ref> Rihanna's fashion and style also landed her on the list of ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'s'' 10 Best Dressed Stars of 2008.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20226392_2,00.html | title=PEOPLE'S 10 Best Dressed Stars of 2008 | work=[[People (magazine)]] | first=Melissa |last=Liebling-Goldberg | date=September 17, 2008 | accessdate=2009-05-26 }}</ref> ''[[Glamour (magazine)|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."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20226392_2,00.html | title=PEOPLE'S 10 Best Dressed Stars of 2008 | work=[[People (magazine)]] | first=Melissa |last=Liebling-Goldberg | date= | accessdate=2009-05-07 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20277846,00.html | title=Rihanna's Week of Fierce Fashion | work=[[People (magazine)]] | first=Melissa |last=Liebling-Goldberg | date= | accessdate=2009-05-13 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2009/05/rihannas-white-suit-and-leopar.html | title=Rihanna's White Suit And Leopard Top Combo: A Do Or A Don't? | work=[[Glamour (magazine)|Glamour]] | first=Tracey |last=Lomrantz | date=May 7, 2009 | accessdate=2009-05-26}}</ref>

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 (magazine)|Maxim]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s 2007 Hot 100 list;<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://truckerswife.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/maxims-100-hot-list-top-hot-100-women-in-the-world-according-to-maxim/ | title=Maxim’s 100 hot list!! Top hot 100 women in the world according to Maxim! | work= | first= |last= | date= | accessdate=2009-05-08 }}</ref> she then ranked #15 on 2008 Hot 100 list the following year.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.maxim.com/girls/hot-100/77479/2008hot100.html | title=2008 Hot 100 | work=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] | first=Maxim Staff |last= | date=May 08, 2008 | accessdate=2009-05-08 }}</ref> In June 2007, Rihanna was named 2007 Venus Breeze’s “Celebrity Legs Of A Goddess” by [[Gillette (brand)|Gillette]].<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.music-juice.com/celebrity-news/rihanna-wins-celebrity-legs-of-a-goddess-award.html | title=Rihanna wins Celebrity Legs of a Goddess Award | work=MusicJuice | first= |last= | date=June 08, 2007 | accessdate=2009-05-08 }}</ref> Margeaux Watson of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote an article entitled "Rihanna: Diva of the year" which he refers to her breakout success of 2008.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://margeauxs-mix.ew.com/2008/12/rihanna-diva-of.html | title=Rihanna: Diva of the year | work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | first=Margeaux |last=Watson | date=December 29, 2008 | accessdate=2009-05-08 }}</ref> In 2009, [[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] awarded Rihanna as the number 8th most sexiest woman on earth.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/galleries/maxims_hot_100_list_for_2009/maxims_hot_100_list_for_2009.html#ph7| title=Maxim's Hot 100 list for 2009 | work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] | first=Soul |last=Brother | date=May 13, 2009 | accessdate=2009-05-15 }}</ref> This made Rihanna the only female of African descent in the top ten or top twenty for that matter.

Rihanna's [[tattoo]]s have drawn much media attention.<ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Tattoo-Loving Stars|url=http://www.celebritysnap.com/celebrities/tattoo-loving-stars/|publisher=|date=|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> She has a total of twelve known tattoos,<ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=How many tattoos does Rihanna have? — Twelve!|url=http://fashionista101.com/home/2008/06/21/how-many-tattoos-does-rihanna-have-twelve/|publisher=|date=|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> including a music note tattoo on her ankle, a Pisces sign behind her right ear<ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Rihanna’s Pisces Tattoo |url=http://www.tattoodesigns.org.uk/rihannas-pisces-tattoo/|publisher=TattooDesigns.org|date=|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Rihanna Gets Her First Tattoo |url=http://rihannalive.net/rihanna-gets-her-first-tattoo/2006/09/02/|publisher=|date=September 2, 2006|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref>, a Sanskrit prayer going down her hip, a star in her left ear,<ref>{{citation|last=Charlton |first=Janet |title=Rihanna Reveals Her Tiny Tattoo|url=http://janetcharltonshollywood.com/gossip/rihanna/rihanna_reveals_her_tiny_tattoo_20080209.php|publisher=JanetCharltonsHollywood.com|date=February 9, 2008 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> the word "love" on her left middle finger,<ref>{{citation|last=Singh |first=Geetanjali |title=Love is on Rihanna’s Finger|url=http://www.tattooblog.org/entry/love-is-on-rihanna-s-fingers/|publisher=TattooBlog.org|date=January 31, 2008|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> an Arabic phrase on her ribcage area, meaning "Freedom is God", a trail of stars going down the back of her neck<ref>{{citation|last=Gorgan |first=Elena |title=Rihanna and Chris Brown Get Tattooed Together |url=http://www.inoutstar.com/news/Rihanna-and-Chris-Brown-Get-Tattooed-Together-6352.html|publisher=InOutStar.com|date=October 4, 2008|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last= |first=|title=Star Fashion|url=http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20214895_20226051_20510083,00.html|publisher=[[InStyle]]|date=|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref>, a skull with a pink hair bow, the phrase ’shhh…’<ref>{{citation|last=Valdesolo |first=Fiorella |title=Celebrity (Tattoo) Twins|url=http://www.glamour.com/beauty/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2009/02/celebrity-tattoo-twins.html|publisher=[[Glamour (magazine)]]|date=February 24, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-26}}</ref> on her right index finger,<ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Lily Allen gets a 'shhh' finger tattoo like Rihanna|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/4701844/Lily-Allen-gets-a-shhh-finger-tattoo-like-Rihanna.html|publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=February 20, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> the date ‘11.4.86′ on top of her left shoulder<ref>{{citation|last=Alvarez |first=Alex |title=Rihanna’s Tattoos Show Our Birthday Girl Is A Painted Lady|url=http://guanabee.com/2009/02/rihanna-tattoos|publisher=Guanabee.com|date=February 20, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> and a henna-style dragon claw,<ref>{{citation|last=Haralson |first=Jessica Gold |title=Rihanna's New Tattoo Explained!|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20241583,00.html |publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=November 20, 2008|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Mimon |first=Diana |title=Check Out Rihanna's Sexy New Tattoo|url=http://gossip.about.com/b/2008/11/20/check-out-rihannas-sexy-new-tattoo.htm|publisher=[[About.com]]|date=November 20, 2008 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> complete with Hawaiian hibiscus flowers. Her most recent gun tattoo was planned to be just below her shoulders but changed it to her ribcage.<ref>{{citation|last=Pahwa |first=Kiran |title=Rihanna gets ‘gun’ tattooed on her ribs|url=http://www.topnews.in/rihanna-gets-gun-tattooed-her-ribs-2144359|publisher=[[Top News]]|date=March 27, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |title=Rihanna New Gun Tattoo|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/rihanna/news/107704-rihanna-new-gun-tattoo-chris-brown|publisher=[[MTV]] UK|date=March 27, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> Although, she was likely to be criticised for her tattoo,<ref>{{citation|last=Powers |first=Lindsay |title=Artist: Why Rihanna Got a Gun Tattoo
|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/news/tattoo-artist-why-rihanna-got-a-gun-2009263 |publisher=[[Us Weekly]] |date=March 26, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Peter Gicas & |first=Whitney English |title=Rihanna's Tattoo Artist Reveals Bangin' New Ink|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b106271_rihannas_tattoo_artist_reveals_bangin.html|publisher=[[E!]]|date=March 26, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |title=Rihanna Shows Off New Gun Tattoo|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607825/20090326/rihanna.jhtml|publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=March 26, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> BangBang, the tattoo artist, was quick to explain that the image simply “represents strength and power”.<ref>{{citation|last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |title=Rihanna's Tattoo Artist Explains Her New Ink|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607888/20090326/rihanna.jhtml|publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=March 26, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Herndon |first=Jessica |title=Rihanna Gets a Gun Tattoo|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20268182,00.html |publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=March 26, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Daily Mail |first=Reporter |title=Secret weapon: Rihanna unveils controversial new gun tattoo|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1164918/Secret-weapon-Rihanna-unveils-controversial-new-gun-tattoo.html|publisher=[[Mail Online]]|date=March 26, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Rihanna's tattoo a symbol of power|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/2298703/Rihannas-tattoo-a-symbol-of-power|publisher=[[Stuff.co.nz]]|date=March 28, 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref>

===Relations with Barbados===
Rihanna is heavily involved in the marketing of her native country of Barbados.<ref name="NationNews">{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2006/May/19/19909.xml&start=200&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=A piece of Barbados on album |last=Jordan |first=Ricky |date=May 19, 2006 |publisher=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|The Daily Nation]] |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> She began by including the flag and trident in many of her videos, also shooting her album packaging for ''A Girl Like Me'' there.<ref name="NationNews"/> 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.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nationnews.com/story/295723732175256.php |title=All hail Rihanna |accessdate=2008-02-22 |first=C |last=G |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2008-02-22 |year=2008 |month=02 |format= |work=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|Nation Newspaper]] |pages= |archiveurl=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2008/February/22/LocalNews/53698.xml&start=0&numPer=20&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |archivedate=2009-07-13 |quote= }}
</ref> She additionally was honored by the Prime Minister [[David Thompson (Barbadian politician)|David Thompson]], who presented her several gifts at a national concert on 20 February 2008 in [[Barbados]], called "Rihanna Day".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newstin.com/tag/us/42823288 |title=Barbados has Rihanna day |last= |first= |date=February 20, 2008 |publisher=Newstin.com |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1392105.php/Barbados_has_Rihanna_day |title=Barbados has Rihanna day |last= |first= |date=February 20, 2008 |publisher=[[Monsters and Critics]] |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2008/February/11/LocalNews/53144.xml&start=0&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna+grammy&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=Grammy Girl |last=Bradshaw |first=Maria |date=February 11, 2008 |publisher=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|The Daily Nation]] |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> Although Rihanna is heavily involved in the promotion of her country and works with the government in Barbados to do so, she is constantly criticized and ridiculed<ref name="NotesMargin">{{cite news|url=http://notesfromthemargin.wordpress.com/2007/06/27/rihanna-blasts-the-bajan-haters/ |title=Rihanna blasts the Bajan haters….. |last= |first= |date=June 27, 2007 |publisher=NotesFromTheMargin.com |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> for everything from her music, her successes and for wearing "skimpy clothes".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2006/August/16/Entertainment/24544.xml&start=20&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=Rihanna: No skimpy clothes |last= |first= |date=August 16, 2006 |publisher=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|The Daily Nation]] |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2006/December/19/Editorial/30440.xml&start=20&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=Constructive criticism of Rihanna's dress |last=Ifill |first=Patricia |date=December 19, 2006 |publisher=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|The Daily Nation]] |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp/news/news/2006/08/10/35553.shtml |title=If It's Nuddy That You Want |last=P |first=Steve |date=October 8, 2006 |publisher=BBC.co.uk |accessdate=2009-05-27}}</ref>.Rihanna also states she was bullied at school <ref>http://celebrities.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=156665&showcomments=true</ref> She states Having lighter skin wasn’t a problem in my household, but it was when I went to school - which really confused me at first, The harassment continued to my very last day of elementary school.

They also mentioned that Rihanna was too young for [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]] to push her as a "[[sex symbol]]", making a plea that she cover up.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2006/January/12/Editorial/13956.xml&start=60&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=Why portray Rihanna as a sex symbol? |last=Roett |first=Mavis |date=January 12, 2006 |publisher=Nation Newspaper |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> The media and ''[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|The Nation newspaper]]'' constantly make personal attacks and have shown lack of support and encouragement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2007/September/18/Editorial/45520.xml&start=0&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=Rihanna deserves more support |last=Dimmott |first=Rennette M. |date=September 18, 2007 |publisher=Nation Newspaper |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> Rihanna spoke out against the scrutiny to ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20043289_20043293_20043298,00.html |title=Caribbean Queen |last=Watson |first=Margeaux |date=June 21, 2007 |publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> 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 shit 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".<ref name="NotesMargin"/> Media fought back with letters to Rihanna publicly via a Barbadian 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"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2007/July/25/Editorial/42312.xml&start=80&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=A little humility goes a long way, Rihanna |last= |first= |date=July 25, 2007 |publisher=Nation Newspaper |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2007/November/25/Editorial/49210.xml&start=80&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=Give Rihanna stories a rest |last=Armstrong |first=Sonia |date=November 25, 2007 |publisher=Nation Newspaper |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.nationnews.com/archive_detail.php?archiveFile=2007/June/30/Editorial/40851.xml&start=140&numPer=20&keyword=rihanna&sectionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F1994&enddate=12%2F31%2F2009&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=&IncludeImages=&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=Daily+Nation%0A%09%09%09 |title=That's life, Rihanna! |last= |first= |date=June 30, 2007 |publisher=Nation Newspaper |accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref>

==Other ventures==
===Products and endorsements===
In October 2005, Rihanna struck her first endorsement deal with Secret Body Spray<ref>{{Cite news |last=Block |first=Valerie |title=Record biz's new threat: advertising; Brands use spots to promote artists, cut out middleman; licensing fees drop.(News) |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-11817766_ITM |work=AccessMyLibrary.com |date=October 24, 2005 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> for them to sponsor her first tour.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bosman |first=Julie |title=How to Sell Body Sprays to Teenagers? Hint: It's Not Just Cleanliness |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/28/business/28adco.html?_r=2 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 28, 2005 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> In 2006, Rihanna participated in several endorsement deals, including [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] sportswear for the launch of her "SOS"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tecson |first=Brandee J. |title=Rihanna Getting In Touch With Her Rock Side For Next LP |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1524534/20060217/rihanna.jhtml |work=[[MTV News]] |date=February 22, 2006 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> and [[J. C. Penney]]. In 2007, Rihanna signed with [[CoverGirl]] and became a celebrity spokesperson which included appearances on TV commercials<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2007/06/01/behind-the-scen/ | title=Behind the Scenes at Rihanna’s CoverGirl Shoot | work=People | first= |last= | date=June 1, 2007 | accessdate=2009-05-13 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/22/business/media/22celeb.html?ref=business&pagewanted=all | title=Nothing Sells Like Celebrity | work=[[The New York Times]] | first=Julie |last=Creswell | date=June 22, 2008 | accessdate=2009-05-13 }}</ref> and in the Barbados Tourism Authority's tourism commercials. She also received an endorsement deal from [[Clinique]] in 2006 to promote their Happy fragrance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nstperfume.com/2006/08/30/rihanna-for-the-clinique-happy-fragrance/|title=Rihanna for the Clinique Happy fragrance|first=Robin|date=August 30, 2006|work=|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref> 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 [[Procter & Gamble|Secret]]. In December 2008, Rihanna contracted with [[Gucci]] to appear in their ads for the Tattoo Heart Collection, a special-edition line.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://gucci-review.com/Designer-Fashion/choose-by-styles/handbags-and-backpack/rihanna-becomes-the-new-face-of-gucci-390.html | title=Rihanna Becomes the New Face of Gucci | work= | first= |last= | date=April 2, 2009 | accessdate=2009-05-13 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url=http://gucci-review.com/Designer-Fashion/choose-by-styles/handbags-and-backpack/gucci-lands-a-hot-celebrity-endorsement-413.html | title=Gucci Lands a Hot Celebrity Endorsement | work= | first= |last= | date=April 3, 2009 | accessdate=2009-05-13 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2008/11/06/first-look-rihannas-gucci-ad-campaign-for-unicef/ | title=FIRST LOOK: Rihanna’s Gucci Ad Campaign for UNICEF | work=People | first= |last= | date=November 6, 2008 | accessdate=2009-05-13 }}</ref> The success of her single, "[[Umbrella (song)|Umbrella]]" also inked an endorsement deal with [[Totes]].<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/genre/e3i99a1b964273f3dad0d06163ab77f2b15| title=Rihanna, Totes Team For 'Umbrella' | work=[[Billboard (magazine)]] | first=Michael |last=Paoletta | date=July 24, 2007 | accessdate=2009-05-14 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url=http://jezebel.com/5018803/rihanna-has-totes-sold-her-soul-for-success| title=Rihanna Has "Totes" Sold Her Soul For Success | work=[[Jezebel (website)]] | first=Jessica |last= | date=June 23, 2008 | accessdate=2009-05-14 }}</ref> Her handlers pitched her hit "Umbrella" to Totes and the song became the soundtrack for commercials in which she starred.<ref>{{ cite web | url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/weather/2007/07/stand-under-rih.html | title=Stand under Rihanna's umbrella | work=[[USA Today]] | first=Bob |last=Swanson | date=July 30, 2007 | accessdate=2009-05-13 }}</ref> On April 8, 2009 it was announced that Rihanna inked a fragrance deal with [[Jay-Z]]’s licensing company Iconic Fragrances.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2009/04/08/rihanna-kanye-west-jay-z-ink-celeb-fragrance-deal/|title=Rihanna, Kanye West, Jay-Z Ink Celeb Fragrance Deal|last=Mazur|first=Kevin|date=April 8, 2009 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref> Iconic Fragrance will launch the fragrance in the summer of 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1608803/20090408/west_kanye.jhtml|title=Kanye West, Rihanna Releasing Fragrances Via Jay-Z Deal|last=Alwill|first=Cara|date=April 8, 2009|work=[[MTV News]]|accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bet.com/Music/News/musicnews_jayzsnatchesfragrances_4.10.09.htm|title=Jay-Z, Kanye West & Rihanna To Get Fragrances|last=Springer Jr.|first=Anthony|date=April 10, 2009|work=[[BET]]|accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref>

===Film projects===
In 2007, Rihanna began showing interest in making film appearances.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Rihanna-taking-acting-lessons-for-debut/articleshow/4587705.cms |title=Rihanna taking acting lessons for debut |last= |first= |date=May 28, 2009 |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |accessdate=2009-06-05}}</ref> She made her acting debut in a [[Cameo appearance|cameo]] role to the film ''[[Bring It On: All or Nothing]]'', released on August 8, 2006.<ref name="BringsOnActing">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1512953/20051103/story.jhtml |title=Rihanna Brings On Acting Career With New 'Bring It On' Flick |last=Tecson |first=Brandee J. |date=November 3, 2005 |publisher=MTV News |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> During this time, she stated that singing was always the bigger picture, but she definitely wants to get into acting as well.<ref name="BringsOnActing"/> Rihanna also made an appearance as the central character in [[Kanye West]]'s music video "[[Paranoid (Kanye West song)|Paranoid]]".<ref name="New Rihanna music video leaks"/><ref>{{citation|last= |first= |title=Rihanna Vamps It Up In New Video |url=http://www.okmagazine.com/news/view/14495 |publisher=[[OK!]]|date=May 27, 2009|accessdate=2009-05-27}}</ref> According to the ''[[Daily News (New York)|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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/05/27/2009-05-27_rihanna_and_chris_brown_both_set_for_upcoming_film_projects.html |title=Rihanna and Chris Brown both set for upcoming film projects |last= |first= |date=May 27, 2009 |publisher=[[Daily News (New York)]] |accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Rihanna-to-act-in---Personal-Protection--/468071 |title=Rihanna to act in 'Personal Protection' |last= |first= |date=May 29, 2009 |publisher=[[The Indian Express]] |accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref>

===Philanthropy===
Rihanna created her Believe Foundation in 2006 to help terminally ill children.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20186594,00.html |title=Rihanna Touring for Kids in Need |last=Silverman |first=Stephen M. |date=March 27, 2008 |publisher=[[People (magazine)]] |accessdate=2009-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.believerihanna.com|title=The Believe Foundation - founded by Rihanna<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref> 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."<ref> [http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/593-rihanna "Rihanna's Charity Work"] ''Looktothestars.org'' Retrieved on 2009-06-27.</ref> Rihanna has also performed a number of concerts to raise funds for both charities and the Foundation and is also a 2008 [[Cartier SA|Cartier]] Love Charity Bracelet Ambassador. She performed at [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]’s [[Raising Malawi]] fundraiser on February 6, 2008 in New York City .<ref>''Associated Press'', [http://www.unicefusa.org/news/releases/a-night-to-benefit-raising.html ""A NIGHT TO BENEFIT RAISING MALAWI AND UNICEF" hosted by Gucci and Madonna with special performances by Alicia Keys, Timbaland and Rihanna"] ''unicefusa.org'' Retrieved on 2009-06-27.</ref> After becoming an honorary cultural ambassador for [[Barbados]], Rihanna became involed with DKMS, an international donor network based in [[Tübingen]], [[Germany]], to try to find a donor for Lisa Gershowitz Flynn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,332127,00.html|title=Rihanna Tries to Find Bone Marrow Donor for Mom With Leukemia|date=February 24, 2008|work=[[Fox News]]|accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref> She was diagnosed in November with acute myelogenous leukemia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20180059,00.html|title=Rihanna Helps N.Y.C Mom Find Bone Marrow Donor|date=February 23, 2008|work=[[People (magazine)]]|accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref>

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."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2007/12/20/rihanna-good-charlotte-timbaland-team-up-with-hm-to-fight-aids/ |title=Rihanna, Good Charlotte & Timbaland Team Up With H&M To Fight AIDS |last=Tamar |first=Anitai |date=December 20, 2007 |work=MTV |accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref> The collection features t-shirts and hoodies designed by Rihanna, Timbaland and other well-known designers, musicians and artists.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2008/01/15/hm-x-rihanna-fight-against-aids-january-31/ |title=H&M x Rihanna “Fight Against AIDS" |last= |first= |date=2008-01-15 |work=Nitrolicious.com |accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref>
The line, called Fashion Against AIDS, was launched in February 2008 to raise awareness of the disease among teens and spread awareness about [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/01/56917/index.html |title=Rihanna Hooks Up With H&M For New Line |last= |first= |date=January 1, 2008 |work=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref> In August 2008, Rihanna and other pop, rock, R&B and country singers such as [[Carrie Underwood]], [[Ciara]], [[Beyoncé Knowles]], [[Leona Lewis]], [[Mary J. Blige]], [[Mariah Carey]], and [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]] recorded the charity single, "[[Just Stand Up!]]", the theme song to the anti-cancer campaign ''[[Stand Up to Cancer]]'' and its theme song.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593043/20080819/carey_mariah.jhtml |title=Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, More Collaborate On Cancer Benefit Single |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=August 19, 2008 |work=MTV |accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref> The singers performed the song live on September 5, 2008.<ref>[http://www.standup2cancer.org/node/1674 "Just Stand Up” Star-Studded Charitable Single Sets Pace For Stand Up to Cancer Fundraising Campaign] ''[[Stand Up to Cancer]]'' Retrieved on 2009-06-06.</ref> In 2008, Rihanna was selected as the spokesmodel for Gucci’s first [[United Nations Children's Fund]] ad campaign.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/080714-rihanna-stars-in-guccis-unicef-ads.aspx |title=Under The Gucci Umbrella |last=Pyle |first=Ally |date=July 14, 2008 |work=Vogue |accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref> She appeared in the fashion house’s Tattoo Heart campaign, which premiered in December 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://stylefrizz.com/200811/rihannas-white-tatoo-heart-campaign-for-gucci-and-unicef/ |title=Rihanna’s White Tatoo Heart Campaign For Gucci And Unicef |first=Kpriss |date=November 19, 2008 |publisher= |accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref> Rihanna was 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://offtherack.peoplestylewatch.com/2008/11/06/first-look-rihannas-gucci-ad-campaign-for-unicef/|title=Rihanna’s Gucci Ad Campaign for UNICEF |work=People (magazine) |date=November 6, 2008 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref>

On November 19, 2008, Rihanna was enlisted by [[Gucci]]'s Frida [[Giannini]] along with [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] to light the United Nations Children's Fund Christmas snowflake in [[New York City]] at the [[Grand Army Plaza]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/081119-frida-giannini-and-rihanna-launch-g.aspx|title=Let There Be Light |last=Bumpus |first=Jessica |date=November 19, 2008 |work=[[Vogue (magazine)]] |accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref> In 2008, she became the global representative and the face of the 4th annual Gucci Campaign to Benefit United Nations Children's Fund. The campaign aimed to raise funds for children in Africa through the sale of its Tattoo Heart collection of bags, which launched worldwide on November 19, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/celebrity-photos/081120-gucci-unicef-benefit.aspx |title=Gucci Benefits UNICEF - 21/11/2008 |last=Neel |first=Julia |date=November 21, 2008 |work=[[Vogue (magazine)]] |accessdate=2009-05-16}}</ref> Rihanna has also been apart of many benefit concerts to help raise money for various illnesses, such as cancer for Hope Rocks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tecson |first=Brandee J. |title=Jesse McCartney Seeks Help From 'Insanely Brilliant' Neptunes |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507779/20050817/mccartney__jesse.jhtml |work=MTV News |date=August 18, 2005 |accessdate=2009-05-23}}</ref> Rihanna performed on January 20, 2009 at the Recording Industry Association of America's Presidential Inauguration Charity Ball to raise money for the world largest anti-hunger organization.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/12/22/2008-12-22_rihanna_signs_up_for_recording_industry_-1.html |title=Rihanna signs up for Recording Industry Association of America's Presidential Inauguration ball |last=Lester |first=Shallon |date=December 22, 2008 |work=[[Daily News (New York)]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/news/rihanna-to-perform-at-charity-inaugural-ball |title=Rihanna to Perform at Charity Inaugural Ball |last=Corneau |first=Allison |date=December 21, 2008 |work=[[Us Weekly]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.teenvogue.com/style/blogs/fashion/2009/01/rihanna-lets-the-sunshine-in-at-the-presidential-inauguration.html |title=Rihanna Lets The Sunshine In At The Presidential Inauguration |last=Nevitt |first=Naomi |date=January 21, 2009 |work=[[Teen Vogue]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> On April 2, 2009, Rihanna visited the [[NYU Medical Center]] to help look for another bone marrow donor for a young girl named Jasmina Amena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/rihanna%20fights%20to%20save%20cancer-stricken%20mum_1060479|title=Rihanna - Rihanna Fights To Save Cancer-Stricken Mum|date=February 24, 2008|work=ContactMusic.com|accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20271324,00.html |title=Rihanna Pays Special Visit to Sick Fan |last=Baker |first=K.C. |date=April 9, 2009 |work=[[People (magazine)]] |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> Rihanna first learned about Jasmina's plight in February 2009, when she saw the moving video Jasmina's best friend, Isabelle Huurman, and her mother, Karen Detrick, made appealing for donors to save Jasmina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20256800,00.html |title=Rihanna Helps 5-Year-Old Fan Look for Bone Marrow Donor |last=Baker |first=K.C. |date=February 07, 2009 |work=[[People (magazine)]] |accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref> Rihanna honored Jasmina's best friend, Isabella for her efforts for trying to save her best friend at a DKMS Gala on May 7, 2009. Jasmina eventually received her transplant on June 11, 2009, and is in recovery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/12/2009-06-12_rihanna_on_jasmina_anemas_bone_marrow_transplant_miracles_do_happen.html |title=Rihanna on Jasmina Anema's bone marrow transplant: 'Miracles do happen' |last=Schapiro |first=Rich |date=June 12, 2009 |work=[[Daily News (New York)]] |accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610939/20090508/rihanna.jhtml |title=Rihanna Attends Charity Event For 6-Year-Old Cancer Patient |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=May 8 2009 |publisher=MTV News |accessdate=2009-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20284847,00.html |title=Rihanna on Jasmina's Transplant: 'Miracles Do Happen' |last=Baker |first=KC |date=June 12, 2009 |work=People (magazine) |accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref> In September 2009, Rihanna performed at [[Jay-Z]]'s "Answer to Call" concert, which paid tribute to the police officers and firefighters who died on the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090912/jayz_concert_090912/20090912?hub=Entertainment |title=Jay-Z rocks New York City for 9-11 benefit concert |last=Press |first=The Associated |date=September 12, 2009 |work=[[CTV Television Network]] |accessdate=2009-09-13}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Rihanna discography}}
* ''[[Music of the Sun]]'' (2005)
* ''[[A Girl like Me (Rihanna album)|A Girl Like Me]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Good Girl Gone Bad]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Rated R (Rihanna album)|Rated R]]'' (2009)<ref name=album2ew/>

==Awards==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Rihanna}}

==See also==
*[[List of Rihanna songs]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)]]
*[[List of number-one hits (United States)]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Rihanna}}
{{wikiquote}} <!-- OPTIONAL -->
*{{official|http://www.rihannanow.co.nr/}}
*{{MySpace|rihanna}}
*{{Twitter|ms_rihanna}}
*{{Allmusicguide|11:3ifyxqesldae|Rihanna}}
*[http://www.islanddefjam.com/artist/home.aspx?artistID=7366 Rihanna] at [[Island Def Jam Music Group]]
*[http://www.believerihanna.com Rihanna's Believe Foundation]
*{{imdb name|id=1982597|name=Rihanna}}

{{Rihanna}}
{{Def Jam}}

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|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
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[[Category:Dancehall musicians]]
[[Category:Reggae fusion artists]]
[[Category:Def Jam Recordings artists]]
[[Category:English-language singers]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Juno Award winners]]
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[[Category:People from San Diego, California]]
[[Category:People of Irish descent]]
[[Category:Rhythm and blues singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:MTV Europe Music Awards winners]]
[[Category:World Music Awards winners]]

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Revision as of 14:17, 28 November 2009

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