Rihanna has sold more than 12 million albums, and has had four No. 1 songs, but now her fame revolves mostly around one fight.
The singer hopes that will change on Nov. 16, when her first live performance since her Feb. 8 assault is streamed worldwide by Nokia mobile music. And when her album “Rated R†drops a week later, she believes fans will have insight into what transpired between her and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown in the wee hours of that morning.
“I can tell you that making this album was my recovery. It’s the way I vented and expressed myself,†a confident Rihanna said in our interview. “The minute I decided to leave the house again, I called up (Roc Nation A&R executive) Jay Brown and said ‘I want to do music, I want to go back in the studio,’ and we just did that. We started collecting songs and sounds and putting producers together, figuring out who we want to work with to develop new sounds.â€
That decision to jump back into the music game was preceded by decisions beyond Rihanna’s control. Almost immediately after the assault, an unidentified person leaked a photograph of Rihanna’s bloodied face. Cue the paparazzi; cue the rabid public interest in Rihanna’s personal life.
“I felt like I went to sleep as Rihanna and woke up as Britney Spears,†Rihanna recently told Glamour. So how’d she make the call that it was finally time to leave the house again?
“I was getting cabin fever. I kind of hid in the house and didn’t want to be around people,†Rihanna said. “One night I just said, ‘I want to do the most ridiculous thing and go to a nightclub.’ I went to the most hopping nightclub for that night, and I felt what it was like. It was kind of weird being around people for the first time in like a month.â€
Making the album
Just about a month after the assault, Rihanna was at work on “Rated R,†which will be available in stores and via Nokia mobile music on Nov. 23. “I started working on it in the beginning of March and pretty much until now,†Rihanna said.
The songs are more than a recovery aid for the singer, they’re a reflection of what’s really been going on behind the images that have made their way into the press. “It’s a really fearless album,†she said. “A lot of people are saying things like, it’s dark, but it’s a very honest album and I made it in a very truthful way. I let my guard down and telling my story and being a little more vulnerable and expressing myself. I really vented in my music. I go through a lot of different music and moods in the album. You definitely will learn a lot about what’s going through my head.â€
Being a role model
“I never asked to be a role model†is a common cry heard from celebrities who’ve been through scandals, but it’s not one you’re likely to hear from Rihanna. Her take on the burden of having the world watching her every move is profoundly mature for a woman who’s just 21 years old, and incredibly modest for someone whose very first break in the business came by way of Jay-Z and a Def Jam contract.
“After being such an influential person in the music industry, or entertainment period, (being a role model) definitely comes with that,†Rihanna said. “People start to put you on a pedestal and you have to be perfect and they watch every second of what you do, including young girls who are looking to see what you’re doing … They need guidance. There are things they can’t talk to their mom about, so they’re looking at you like, ‘What should I do?’ It happens by default but it’s also a gift that you can do what you love and do it well and still help young girls.â€
Rihanna presents this realization the way many would announce that they picked up a gift for a co-worker’s birthday — glad to do it, but it ain’t headline news. But it’s obvious she’s thought deeply about what happened in February, and about the real scope of her influence.
“You don’t know the purpose of this,†she said, talking about her music, the assault, or maybe both. “People think it’s all about singing and having a successful career, but behind it all you’re also an idol to young women and young boys.â€
From Oprah Winfrey, who dedicated a show to the “Rihannas of the world,†to countless blogs and magazines, there’s been a tremendous amount support shown for Rihanna. She might have kept quiet publicly, but she’s heard what people are saying.
“I have to say in the past six months or so, I’ve been paying attention,†she said. “I just kind of see things differently now. I know how people think, what their perception is of me, and it’s weird that even the bad comments teach you all kinds of things.â€
Asking a recording artist to choose their favorite track off an album is like asking a parent to choose their favorite child, and “Rated R†is no exception. But for right now, Rihanna’s choice is a track that seems to say everything she hasn’t been able to in the last nine months.
“It’s called ‘Photographs,’†she says. “It’s about a breakup, and the only thing you have to show for the relationship is some pictures.â€
Thnx cj21 ;-)
FIRST
Comment by rumored — November 4, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
I AGAIN FIRST LOL
Comment by rumored — November 4, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
Wow!!! Beautiful and insightful!! Rihanna is growing into this very mature woman right before our eyes!! Love you Ri!!!! :)
Comment by Annie — November 4, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
Nice, but why is will.i.am on it, feels like a track she should be on solo
Comment by Hope — November 4, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
Watch with me ABC Online: http://www.allseries.com.br/ao-vivo/abc/
Thanks!
Comment by Eduardo Fernando — November 4, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
hey gang!!!! theres a vote on,,, black voices where they are asking the question ,,,,should rihanna be waman of the year???? yall need to be casting your vote because the hhhhhhhh are voting hard no because they are jealous, mad , pissed, and voting hard with no to try and cast a shodow over riri. i just saw it this morning. but its all good i know that they are as mad as hell that shes back and have got theis a__climbing the walls just as mas as they can get and i love it!!!!!
Comment by bodacious. — November 4, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
RIHANNA IS STILL #2 ON ITUNES SOOO KEEP BUY IT AND MAKE TODAY NUMBER ONE
Comment by rumored — November 4, 2009 @ 7:45 pm
LOL, Rihanna is smart and articulate…my kinda gal!
Comment by nomore — November 4, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
5 # 1ones!!! She wrote on T.Is "live your life"
Comment by MikeNMiami — November 4, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
RIHANNA IS /% ON BILLBOARD SO NEXT WEEK WE MAKE IN TOP 10 ….ARE YOU READY WE MAKE FOR RIHANNA
Comment by rumored — November 4, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
#75 on billboard
Comment by rumored — November 4, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
I can't wait 4 Photographs coz then our girl will be show her vulnerable side. She will show that she's not cold and she's learnt from her ordeal. She's loved and now she will move on
Comment by hunnygin — November 4, 2009 @ 8:04 pm
rihanna has had way more #1 than that
Comment by chrisstiaan88 — November 4, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
iam addicted to the song hard does any body know the lyrics please ?
Comment by SHAMS — November 4, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
HELLO Its 5 #1 Singles
Comment by Vaun — November 4, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
I am tuned in to GMA glad I can see it first hand and then off to class. Let's go rihanna. The haters are ready to criticize but no matter how I still love you
Comment by lawgirl — November 4, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
Have to DVR GMA got to go!!!
Comment by Annie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
did the interview started yet ??
Comment by T — November 4, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
@lawgirl, did the interview start yet? Just DVR'd it!
Comment by Annie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
SOURCE?
Comment by Avery — November 4, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
Rihanna has had 5 number 1 RD get it right.
buy buy buy russian roulette now on i tunes lets get it back to number 1 and let it say there.
Comment by lilly — November 4, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
Annie she will be on in 30 mins. They need to hurry. I have school.
Comment by lawgirl — November 4, 2009 @ 8:25 pm
omg,she just so smart,well she is! m so proud of her she is being lyk honest yet completely subtle. m so glad shz nt playin da blame game-nw dat wat i cal maturity!
Comment by Avenging angel — November 4, 2009 @ 8:28 pm
She's on GMA>>>>NOW!
Comment by nomore — November 4, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
"F" Love.
Lord, she is my girl!!!!!!!!!!!!
But I wish she would let the tears drop!
Comment by nomore — November 4, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
GO RIRI!!!!!!! We LOVE YOU!!!!!! FUCK CB,!!!!!!!!
Comment by maison martin margie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:36 pm
AAWwwww they said it was so powerful to hear her words!
Go Rihanna! They love you and will support you! She is such a woman!
Comment by nomore — November 4, 2009 @ 8:36 pm
OMG!!!!! Just saw part of the interview!!! I had to hold myself back from balling!!!!! She's in tears so many times!!!!
Comment by Annie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
I'm so proud of her, she is such a inspiration; F LOVE!!!!! Stand up tall Riri, we got
your back. Ohh, I'm smashing those CB fans TODAY!!!!!!!!
Comment by maison martin margie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
GO RIRI WE SUPPORT YOU AND WE LOVE YOU ..YOU ARE OUR STAR
Comment by rumored — November 4, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
wow rihanna is not live on GMA it is a preview of tomorrow night on 2020 WOW she is letting all out there for those of you who liked her with chris 4get you from what she said he really hurt her wow she said F LOVE love u rihanna
Comment by lawgirl — November 4, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
got to run folks!!! try to catch you folks later!! running late for everything!1
Comment by Annie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
Trying to fight back tears!!!!
Comment by maison martin margie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
fuck love she says .. rihanna is awesome
i love her
i wanna cry with her
Comment by chrisstiaan88 — November 4, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
..cool interview….
..where this interview is from?
Comment by Lu — November 4, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
Ri Ri your fans LOVE you so much! She had tears in her eyes….oh my gosh we now really see the pain she went through…..
Comment by amanda — November 4, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
we love u riri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keep your head up boo
Comment by BBQ — November 4, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
..i didn't seethe GMA….how was it????…is it already over???
Comment by Lu — November 4, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
Y'ALL ….i didn’t see the GMA….how was it????…is it already over???
Comment by Lu — November 4, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
im crying now!!!shit!!!!!!!!!
we love you RiRi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by tabitha04 — November 4, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
go RiRi !!!!!!!!!!
you have our support!!!!!!
Comment by tabitha04 — November 4, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
@LU It was heartbreaking, yet empowering. She was so strong!!!! That bastard CB is
a snake. She' was on the verge of tears, but she gave girls a great message.
Comment by maison martin margie — November 4, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
She is so articulate. Your fans support you Rihanna. You are an inspiration to so many. You are the epitome of a very beautiful, intelligent and strong woman.
Comment by Motherlizard — November 4, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
The interview was taped, catch it on 20/20 tomorrow Friday. I'm sure RD and Youtube will have footage shortly.
I love love love that she said "F Love" in other words it's about ME!!!!!!
It was so unselfish of her not to use love as an EXCUSE to stay in a bad relationship.
Comment by nomore — November 4, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
LU I felt like crying and her voice broke several times during the interview. It is a preview of her interview on 20/20 tomorrow. Pretty much saod she was in love with a monster. Someone who beat her so bad yet she went back. She said she paid attention to what people where saying on the blogs even the haters. She went on to say F LOVE. This comment clearly says she and chris are no longer together. Thank GOD.
Comment by lawgirl — November 4, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
@ maison martin margiela ..ok..thanks for the info…
..so it definitely will be a touchy interview..
..i'm glad she's a strong woman…
Comment by Lu — November 4, 2009 @ 8:53 pm
HERE IS THE INTERVIEW
BTW YOUR WELCOME :)
http://www.mrworldpremiere.net/2009/11/preview-ri…
Comment by TWITTER.COM/LILKIM_F — November 4, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
same monster that released those pictures that's still abuse from afar.
Comment by stanfan — November 4, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
Damn i can't wait wait this interview
Comment by chick — November 4, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
this shit is crazy
Comment by chick — November 4, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
Damn i can’t wait wait this interview
Comment by chick — November 4, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
and the crazy ass Chrianna stans still want them to get back together
Comment by chick — November 4, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
@lawgirl…thanks for the info…
…oh my…as i said to maison,it will definitely be a touchy interview,and will be heart breaking to see her sad…but she's strong,smart woman and everything will be alright and we r here for her…
Comment by Lu — November 4, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
Oh God – She brought tears to my eyes when her eyes got watery! I am sure it was very hard for her to speak eventhough folks are saying its a long time – what people don't realize is that (as we say back home) "Only who feels it knows it". What I cannot understand is why people are so hard on Rihanna, and I honestly think they totally forget she is only 21 years old – they charge after her like she is 30 or 40 years old or something……Jesus Christ she is only 21 years old …….ease up off her (I don't mean that for us here on RD but to the ignorant haters who might come on here and read – this is for you guys.
Seems like there will be another part to this interview tomorrow where she will give more details of what happened that night – and then the full interview on 2020 – I wonder if I can bear to listen to the rest of it. She was in love, and that love is so blind, and I know Riri is a private person and it must be devastated to have to say anything about this – but perhaps this interview will put this chapter behind her – that son of a bitch hurt my Rihanna in more ways than one – I could tell she wanted to be so careful with what she was going to say she could not even get out the words………and Lord have mercy did they have the camera up in her mouth – wow!
KEEP STRONG RIHANNA – HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HELP YOU TO HEAL MORE BECAUSE I KNOW YOU ARE STILL HURTING – AFTER ALL YOU ARE A HUMAN BEING – KEEP YOUR HEAD HIGH AND MOVE ON – WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU ALL THE WAY – THAT'S WHAT TRUE FANS ARE ALL ABOUT …..CONTINUED SUCCESS TO MY HOME GIRL!
Comment by Jayne — November 4, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
She went IN on his ass. I thought she would dance around the iss, oh no, she 's
gonna bury that jerk. That boy's career is ova!!!! This is those CB fans worst fear!!!
Thats why they didn't want her to talk. They want her to continue to protect him with
her silence. They got some DAMN NERVE!!!! She's gonna talk about EVERYTHING
IN DETAIL!!!!
Comment by maison martin margie — November 4, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
Chick I hear you. I never wanted them back together. When the rumors were out there about them at Diddy's mansion I was hella pissed however, I still love Rihanna and all I ever wanted was for her to heal learn from this experience and move on. I am so proud she did and I am sure her family is too.
Comment by lawgirl — November 4, 2009 @ 9:06 pm
…i didn't see the video yet…and i never saw Rihanna get her eyes watery …so i'm gonna have to prepare myself for it…damn…i hate to see her in this situation…
..but i'm so glad that she's strong,smart,lovely woman…and everything will be alright …
Comment by Lu — November 4, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
@ Maison. She sure did. The local radio here will be replaying the interview at 9 and taking calls. I bet the dumb ass women will be calling with their ignant comments. I will hear some of it during my commute. Later peeps
Comment by lawgirl — November 4, 2009 @ 9:20 pm
I have to say one more thing – So it seems then that when that little punk ass hood rat got on Larry King live talking about he still love her and he don't want to talk about certain things out of respect to Rihanna, he was only being deceitful and covering his ass because he was guilty of the abuse and that was his way of not touching the subject.
I am very happy though that Rihanna did not jump on those talk shows and started talking months ago, I think it would have been too soon, and she probably would have said things that she might have regretted because back then her thoughts were probably confused at that time, and you have to know when you feel ready – folk might say she is only speaking out now because she has an album coming out – well if the timing is right then the timing is right and it is now, album or not. I remeber Ne-Yo said she has some messages in her songs, Justin Timberlake said she has the world at her fingertips or something like that, they knew from working with her the songs were her means to vent and as a form of therapy – everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and if that is her way then it is her way.
So the word of the day is …."F LOVE"…….that is putting it mildly for the camera. I am pretty sure it took her all these months to say that and it must have given her some relief.
Comment by Jayne — November 4, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
Rihanna is a strong young woman and I credit her upbringing and strong survival ethics her mother instilled in her growing up. What I got out of the interview is basically what most of us go through at some point in our lives…..blind love. Your soo into a person that you don't see how unhealthy a relationship can be on your life. It was particularly worse for Ri becuz of her celebrity. This brought tears to my eyes… she could've been killed. I just found out that one of my co-workers sister was shot and killed by her boyfriend this week…I'm attending the funeral Saturday. As for Rihanna, she's has a strong support group in her cypher…she's at a good place in her life right now…and free of CB. Her star will keep shining brighter…her future holds many rewards and we as her adoring fans will be with her every step of the way….Congrats RiRi on telling your story to inspire so many young women to take a stand against DV. Love U.
Comment by lovinriri — November 4, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
Does Rihanna read the comments on RihannaDaily?
Comment by Woahx3 — November 4, 2009 @ 9:46 pm
shes such a beautiful artist, and i love the way that she has handled this . she has been quiet and not all over the place talking about it. and people do not seem to realize that people who has been in situations like she has can talk when ever they decides to, thers no set time. i am glad that she is speaking on it that is a very good thing.i do not care what people say because you can never please some of the people.. theres a select group of people who will complain if you gave them a ton of gold bricks and those are the ones whos always got another way that she could have did it . and she has gone through something and it has been a dark period in her life and thanks be to god that she came out stronger and wiser because of it .now that she is speaking on it she can move on with her life full steam ahead and bury the chapter in her life for good. she will be able to move on without that extra baggage and with a lighter load she will be able to move mush faster toward her destination in the music industyr and any other venture that she might want to go into full steam ahead thats wath i am talking about go on and live your life riri..
Comment by bodacious. — November 4, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
First I would like to commend Rihanna for being a hero to young people and stepping up to the plate, to discuss such a difficult situation in her life that should have remained private but was exposed to the whole world. Domestic Violence is a very sensitive subject and it is hidden not often to be voiced enough. Not just any ordinary person can talk about it, let alone deal with it especially when they have went through such a traumatic experience first-hand. We live in a very judgmental world and people are entitled to their own opinions. However, Rihanna blantantly chose this time to discuss her altercation that took place in February and so the time is right for her. People should step back and not be so quick to criticize her because coincidentally her new album is dropping. She has decided to speak out now, and now is a good time as any. So people should respect her for that. We should merely thank God that she had enough courage to come forward and speak about everything. She could have kept silent and not said anything at all, but if you look at the bigger picture and I mean really look deep, that would have been another voice unheard and another desperate cry for help overlooked. By making such a brave and bold decision to speak, she is truly helping so many others that are in that same situation. Focus on the message in her interviews and the bigger message in the words of her album. She comments on her latest album Rated R being part of a healing process for her recovery. We all heal differently in our own way. Rihanna is brillant and resilient, she is full of passion for her many gifts. She is an entertainer but that is what she does for a living and she is a human being with feelings when it is all said and done. Rih stay close to God and remain grounded/humble and keep doing whatever it is in life that makes you happy Love You!
Comment by Marie S — November 5, 2009 @ 1:06 am
I think maybe Chris Brown and Rihanna are doing all this stuff.. interviews, etc.. b/c both of their albums are about to come out, and their probably just speakin out now so they can sale alot of records. I'm not a hater of either one of them, but it's just so obvious. And Rihanna's saying that everything that happened is all in her album, so that means she's not going to be talkin about the incident in interviews, b/c she said its all in the album, so if people wanna know what happened with Chris Brown and Rihanna and what caused the fight between them, then you have to go buy her album. Hmm…sounds to me like she's just tryin to sell records. I feel bad for what happened to Rihanna, I really do! But I think her and Chris Brown are BOTH full of shit, and just trying to fool everyone. And Chris Brown doin all the things that he's doin, he's even more full of shit than Rihanna. I don't think he's truly sorry for beating Rihanna up. And I think Rihanna is still mad at Chris, and not just b/c of what he did to her, but also b/c of how things are now.
Comment by Tameka — November 5, 2009 @ 2:48 am
Rihanna is the most beautiful woman ive met in all my life !
i want to marry me her so badly because she is just amazing !
This year has been rough for her and to come out now and say her story shows how strong, brave and powerful she is !
I cannot wait to hear Rated R, its a very personal album and I want rihanna to take us through the story of the February Incident track by track !
God bless you Rihanna !
Comment by Rehab — November 5, 2009 @ 4:37 am