Rihanna - A Global Icon Redefining Music, Fashion, And Philanthropy
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, known famously as Rihanna, is a Barbadian singer, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman who has become a global icon, transcending the boundaries of various industries. Rihanna's journey to stardom began when she was discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers, who invited her to the United States to record demo tapes.
Author:James PierceReviewer:Emily SanchezJan 14, 20242.3K Shares80.9K Views
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, known famously as Rihanna, is a Barbadian singer, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman who has become a global icon, transcending the boundaries of various industries. Rihanna's journey to stardom began when she was discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers, who invited her to the United States to record demo tapes.
After signing with Def Jam in 2005, she quickly rose to fame with her debut album "Music of the Sun" and its follow-up "A Girl Like Me". Since then, Rihanna has become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, fashion world, and business sector.
Quick Facts About Rihanna
| Date Of Birth | Feb 20, 1988 |
| Place Of Birth | Saint Michael Parish |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Singer, Fashion designer, Actor, Music artist, Songwriter |
| Nationality | Barbados |
Early Years Of Rihanna
On February 20, 1988, Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born in Saint Michael, Barbados. She is Irish, Afro-Guyanese, and Barbadian in origin. Because of her father's alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction, she had a difficult upbringing and turned to music for comfort. Following her discovery in Barbados, she was transported to the United States by American record producer Evan Rogers, who signed her to Syndicated Rhythm Productions, the production firm owned by Rogers and Carl Sturken.
Music Career
Rapper Sean Carter, now known as Jay-Z, who was the CEO of Def Jam Records at the time, heard her tape and encouraged Rihanna to try out for him. In 2004, she was signed right away to a six-album record contract. In August of 2005, she collaborated with a group of producers, including Jay-Z, on her first studio album, "Music of the Sun".
Shortly thereafter, in April 2006, Rihanna released "A Girl like Me," her first album to get a platinum certification from the RIAA. Her 2007 album "Good Girl Gone Bad" was well-received by critics, and its lead hit "Umbrella" went on to sell over 8 million copies globally. She and Jay-Z shared the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. "Rated R" (2009), "Loud" (2010), "Talk That Talk" (2011), "Unapologetic" (2012), and "Anti" (2016) are some of her later album releases.
Her collaborations on other noteworthy hits include "Love the Way You Lie" (2010) with Eminem, "Run This Town" (2009) with Jay-Z and Kanye West, "Princess of China" (2012) with Coldplay, "Take Care" (2012) with Drake, and "This Is What You Came For" (2016) with Calvin Harris. From the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" album, Rihanna released "Lift Me Up" in October 2022. This was her first solo release since 2016's "Anti." She was the star of the Super Bowl LVII halftime performance in February 2023, which went on to become the most-viewed halftime show ever.
Acting And Television Pursuits
In August 2006, Rihanna made her screen debut in the movie "Bring It On: All or Nothing," appearing in a brief role as herself. Her television show "Styled to Rock" debuted in the UK in 2012, while the US version debuted in 2013. She has appeared in many more movies, such as "Guava Island" (2019), "Ocean's 8" (2018), "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" (2017), and "Battleship" (2012). The animated film "Home" featured her as Tip, and in 2015, she also released a concept album with the music.
Rihanna's Net Worth
Rihanna has a $1.7 billion fortune. With that amount of money, Rihanna is the world's wealthiest female artist. One of the most well-liked and financially successful musicians working today is Rihanna. Her collaboration with luxury goods business LVMH, via the Fenty Beauty Line, accounts for a significant chunk of her net worth.
The brand brings in more than $100 million annually. The alliance is supposedly 50% owned by Rihanna, whose brand is valued between $2 and $3 billion. Additionally, she controls 30% of Savage X Fenty, a lingerie company with a $1 billion market cap.
Real Estate Properties
Rihanna spent $6.9 million on a Beverly Hills property in 2009. With its sleek, contemporary style, lofty ceilings, wood flooring, and an abundance of glass, the gorgeous home looked to be the ideal fit for the 21-year-old singing star. Ten baths and eight bedrooms graced the 10,000-square-foot mansion.
The property seemed like the perfect rock star pad with its floor-to-ceiling windows, gorgeous open-plan kitchen with all new equipment, large backyard with pool, tiled patio, and media room, among many other luxurious features. Unfortunately, in addition to other problems, the house had a serious issue with water leaks.
The mansion that seemed to be possessed was listed by Rihanna in 2011 at a steep $4.5 million discount. She simultaneously filed a complaint, alleging that she was unaware of the structural issues and was informed when she bought the house that it was in outstanding shape. Among these issues is a balcony that slopes oddly and effectively lets rainwater inside the home.
She took $5.03 million for the house in 2012. After fixing the water problems, the home was sold in 2014 for $7.6 million by the new owner. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen spent $14.1 million on the property in January 2016. In 2021, they put the house up for $22 million, and a few months later, they accepted $16.8 million.
Rihanna reportedly spent $50,000 a month to rent a penthouse in Manhattan, New York, between 2013 and 2017. After that, she relocated to England, where she paid $20,000 a month to rent a house in West London. Rihanna spent $5.545 million for an apartment in Century City, Los Angeles, in October 2014.
She purchased a house in the Hollywood Hills in 2017. She had a terrifying break-in about a year after purchasing the house. She put the home up for sale for $7.5 million six months later. She later started advertising it as a rental for as much as $35,000 per month.
In August 2022, she sold this house for $6.6 million. According to reports, she also has a $22 million home in Barbados. Rihanna spent $13.8 million for a Beverly Hills house in March 2021. She paid $10 million for the house just next door a month later. It was disclosed in April 2023 that Rihanna paid $21 million for the "Mansion in the Sky," a 9,300-square-foot residence in Los Angeles.
Rihanna’s Car Collection
| Lamborghini Aventador | $750,000 |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | $190,000 |
| Mercedes SLR Mcleran | $96,000 |
| Maybach 575 | $417,402 |
| Porsche 997 Turbo | $160,000 |
| Chevrolet Suburban LTZ | $51,000 |
Rihanna Beauty Line & Fashion
Fenty Beauty
- Inclusivity and Diversity- Launched in September 2017, Fenty Beauty disrupted the beauty industry by emphasizing inclusivity. The brand's debut product, the Pro Filt'r Foundation, was released in an unprecedented 40 shades, catering to a wide range of skin tones. This commitment to diversity set a new standard for the beauty industry, prompting other brands to expand their shade ranges.
- Iconic Products- Fenty Beauty quickly became renowned for its high-quality products, sleek packaging, and innovative formulas. Beyond foundation, the brand introduced a diverse range of makeup products, including highlighters, lip glosses, eyeshadows, and more. The Trophy Wife highlighter, Gloss Bomb lip gloss, and Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters became iconic products embraced by makeup enthusiasts globally.
- Impact on the Beauty Industry- Rihanna's Fenty Beauty not only achieved commercial success but also forced the beauty industry to reevaluate its approach to inclusivity. The brand received widespread acclaim for celebrating diverse beauty and challenging traditional beauty standards.
Fenty Fashion
- Fenty Maison - In addition to conquering the beauty world, Rihanna ventured into fashion with the launch of Fenty Maison. The fashion brand, launched in 2019, was created in partnership with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, making Rihanna the first woman of color to lead an LVMH fashion house.
- Gender-Inclusive Luxury Fashion- Fenty Maison disrupted traditional gender norms in fashion by offering gender-inclusive designs. The brand's collections featured a range of sizes and styles, challenging the conventional approach to fashion and encouraging a more inclusive and diverse representation in the industry.
- Collaborations and Runway Shows- Rihanna collaborated with renowned fashion designers and artists, infusing her distinctive style into Fenty Maison. The brand's runway shows were celebrated for their diversity and innovative designs, pushing the boundaries of conventional luxury fashion.
- Savage x Fenty- In addition to Fenty Maison, Rihanna launched Savage x Fenty, an inclusive lingerie line, in 2018. This brand, known for its size-inclusive offerings and diverse representation in marketing campaigns, received praise for celebrating women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
Personal Life Of Rihanna
A few of Rihanna's high-profile relationships include her sporadic relationship with musician Drake from 2009 to 2016 and her relationship with Saudi billionaire Hassan Jameel from 2017 until January 2020. However, her relationship with rapper Chris Brown may have been the most well-known.
There were rumors in 2009 that Rihanna had been physically abused by her ex-boyfriend Brown. Leaked photos then surfaced that revealed Rihanna's obvious facial injuries, confirming those rumors. Brown took a plea agreement and was sentenced to community work and five years of treatment after being charged with felony assault and making criminal threats.
In 2013, Rihanna and Brown had a short reunion that lasted a few months. Rihanna dated Saudi billionaire Hassan Jameel from 2017 until January 2020. It was made public in May 2021 that rapper ASAP Rocky and singer Rihanna were dating. May 2022 saw the birth of a boy. Additionally, Rihanna announced that she is expecting their second child at the Super Bowl LVII halftime show.
Rihanna Philanthropy
- Global Education - CLF is committed to breaking down barriers to education. The foundation provides scholarships, grants, and educational programs to support access to quality education for children in need.
- Healthcare Initiatives - Rihanna's foundation contributes to healthcare advancements and provides support to communities lacking adequate medical resources. One notable project includes the establishment of the Clara Braithwaite Center for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados.
- Emergency Response - CLF plays a crucial role in emergency response efforts. The foundation has actively participated in disaster relief initiatives, providing assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and crises. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, CLF donated $5 million to various organizations offering relief to marginalized communities.
- Partnerships and Advocacy - Rihanna leverages her influence to form partnerships with governments, businesses, and other organizations to amplify the impact of CLF. She consistently advocates for increased awareness and action on issues related to education, health, and emergency response.
- Community Engagement - CLF engages directly with communities, collaborating with local organizations to understand and address specific needs. The foundation's approach emphasizes sustainable solutions and community empowerment.
Interesting Facts About Rihanna
- Before achieving global superstardom, Rihanna was discovered by music producer Evan Rogers, who was visiting Barbados on vacation with his wife.
- Rihanna's breakthrough single, "Pon de Replay," released in 2005, not only topped the charts but also marked the beginning of her chart-dominating career.
- Apart from her musical talents, Rihanna is a successful entrepreneur with her Fenty Beauty line, known for its inclusive range of makeup products that cater to diverse skin tones.
- Rihanna's role as Marion Crane in the final season of the TV series "Bates Motel" showcased her acting prowess and versatility beyond the music industry.
- In 2014, Rihanna was awarded the CFDA Fashion Icon Award, recognizing her impact on the fashion world and her fearless approach to style.
- The Barbadian singer has a deep connection to her roots, and in 2018, the Barbados government appointed her as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, with a focus on education, tourism, and investment.
- Rihanna holds the record for the artist with the most digital singles sold in the United States, with over 100 million song certifications.
- Known for her philanthropy, Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation, named after her grandparents, focuses on providing education, healthcare, and emergency response support globally.
- Rihanna's distinctive hand tattoo features the phrase "Never a failure, always a lesson" in reverse, making it readable when she looks at it. This quote reflects her resilient and positive outlook on life.
Rihanna - FAQs
How Did Rihanna Become Famous?
Rihanna rose to fame with the release of her debut single "Pon de Replay" in 2005, which marked the beginning of her successful music career.
What Is Rihanna's Most Successful Album?
Rihanna's most successful album is "Good Girl Gone Bad" (2007), featuring hits like "Umbrella" and "Don't Stop the Music."
What Is Fenty Beauty, And Who Owns It?
Fenty Beauty is a cosmetics brand founded by Rihanna in 2017. It gained widespread acclaim for its inclusive range of makeup products.
Conclusion
Rihanna's journey from a small Caribbean island to global superstardom is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. As a musical powerhouse, fashion icon, and philanthropist, she has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond.
Rihanna's influence extends far beyond her chart-topping hits and runway appearances; she has become a symbol of empowerment, inclusivity, and social responsibility in the 21st century. As the world eagerly awaits her next creative endeavors, one thing remains certain – Rihanna will continue to redefine and reshape the cultural landscape for years to come.
James Pierce
Author
Emily Sanchez
Reviewer
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