Since childhood, Rihanna had a good ear for music and a melodic voice. At school ages, the girl already knew who she wanted to become. Together with two classmates, she created a girl group that was successful at city holidays.
But Rihanna’s stellar career began with a sudden meeting with producer Evan Rogers, who came to rest with his family in Barbados. It was Evan who helped make RiRi the first demo tape and distribute it to the record companies. So, the record of the talented young singer got on the table of Jay-Z, who, in addition to his stage career, was managing a well-known recording company. After very first listening to Rihanna’s song, he offered a contract to a gifted girl.
Her first album was called Music of the Sun and was quite successful, but the critics did not scatter compliments. Then Rihanna worked tirelessly to achieve the desired popularity, so the second album “A Girl like Me” was released 7 months after the release of the first one.
Over the 14 years of her career, Rihanna has released 8 albums, received 8 Grammys, and 18 Billboard Music Awards, became one of the highest-paid singers of 2018 according to Forbes, Ambassador Extraordinary of Barbados to the United States, and released a huge number of hits.
Pon de Replay (2005)
The single was released even before the release of Rihanna’s first solo album and became a worldwide hit. In the video for the song “Pon de Replay” Rihanna and her friends visit a nightclub and make everyone dance, and the DJ makes the music louder. This is not exactly the Rihanna we are used to listening to now, but it is interesting to compare her work from different years.
SOS (2006)
The single from Rihanna’s second album “A Girl like Me” has been compared to her debut song “Pon de Replay” and for a reason, the similarity is really noticeable. The video is also practically no different, there are many dances on the screen, seductive Rihanna, and rather primitive lyrics.
Umbrella (2007)
For many, a certain year is associated with a particular song, and if we talk about 2007, then its soundtrack can be unconditionally called “Umbrella”. The track was recorded together with the rapper Jay-Z and for seven weeks topped the charts in many countries. If in 2019 the clip looks rare, then the track remains the same hit. Umbrella earned Rihanna a Grammy for Best Rap Collaboration.
Love the Way You Lie (2010)
Rihanna’s first joint track with Eminem became a real hit and took first place on the Billboard Hot 100. On the first day, the clip set a YouTube record for views, and in 2016 it surpassed the 1 billion views mark. In addition to the rapper and Rihanna, the model Megan Fox and actor Dominic Monaghan also starred in the video. The composition has received numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Rap / Song Collaboration.
Only Girl In the World (2010)
The lead single of the fifth studio album not only became the first in various world charts but also received a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. The powerful chorus and Rihanna in the red hair video are a recipe for success.
Diamonds (2012)
“Diamonds” is another of Rihanna’s unconditional hits. The lyrics to the song were written by the singer Sia. As a result, the track entered Rihanna’s seventh studio album and brought her eighth Grammy statuette. Many covers and remixes have been recorded on “Diamonds”, including by rappers Flo Rida and Kanye West.
The Monster (2013)
“The Monster” is Rihanna and Eminem’s fourth collaboration. It is not surprising that the artists decided to perform as a duet once again because their previous tracks were a great success. “The Monster” was no exception, reaching # 1 on the Billboard Pop Songs and Billboard Hot 100 charts. Leadership in the latter allowed Rihanna to catch up with Michael Jackson’s success. Both artists topped these charts 13 times.
