Rihanna has once again proven her unmatched influence, ranking number two on Billboard’s Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century.
Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna’s story is one of determination.
RIHANNA’S BEGINNING
Discovered by producer Evan Rogers at just 16, she signed with Def Jam Recordings and released her debut album Music of the Sun in 2005, according to Business Insider.
Songs like Pon de Replay showcased her Caribbean roots and hinted at her future as a pop powerhouse.
Her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), was a game-changer. Featuring hits like Umbrella, it catapulted her to international fame and earned her first Grammy Award.
“I wanted to take risks,” Rihanna said about this album. The risks paid off, transforming her into a global superstar.
RIHANNA’S CAREER AND BILLBOARD
Rihanna’s career boasts 14 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles—more than any other female artist, according to Sky News.
Tracks like We Found Love, Diamonds, and Work became anthems worldwide. She also holds seven U.S. Diamond-certified singles. This cemented her status as one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Her ability to experiment with genres—from reggae to dance-pop—has kept her music fresh and relevant.
RIHANNA AND FENTY BEAUTY
As music critic Jayson Greene noted, “Rihanna’s voice is an industry-wide idea.” This versatility has made her a favourite across diverse audiences, including South Africa’s vibrant music scene.
Rihanna isn’t just a musician, she’s also a business mogul. In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty, revolutionising the cosmetics industry with inclusive products for all skin tones.
The brand reportedly earned over R 1 billion in its first year alone, according to Hip Hop Vibe.
She also broke barriers in fashion by founding Fenty under luxury conglomerate LVMH. She was the first Black woman to lead an LVMH brand.
FOCUSING ON INCLUSIVITY
Her Savage x Fenty lingerie line continues to push boundaries with its focus on inclusivity.
Rihanna’s philanthropy is just as impressive as her music career. Through the Clara Lionel Foundation, she has funded education and disaster relief efforts globally. These include support for hurricane victims in the Caribbean.
She’s also been vocal about social justice issues like Black Lives Matter.
Her humanitarian work reflects her commitment to making the world a better place. “Helping people is what matters most,” she once said.
RIHANNA’S SUPERBOWL HALFTIME PERFORMANCE
In 2023, Rihanna delivered a historic Super Bowl halftime performance while pregnant. This was an empowering moment watched by over 121 million people.
Her return to music with Lift Me Up for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever earned nominations for both Golden Globe and Academy Awards.
RIHANNA AND BILLBOARD’S LIST
Rihanna’s ranking number two on Billboard’s list underscores her extraordinary contributions across industries.
Her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots makes her an icon for fans everywhere.
Whether through chart-topping hits or groundbreaking business ventures, Rihanna embodies excellence and resilience—qualities that inspire generations worldwide.
WHAT MAKES RIHANNA A CULTURAL ICON IN YOUR OPINION?
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