MTV.com: Rihanna’s just-released “Rockstar 101″ video is arty and sexy and all of that, but it’s perhaps most notable for the questions it poses. Like, how does one affix giant horns to their head? Is there a proper technique for smashing a guitar? Or, most importantly, since when did Slash become a total babe?
Yes, there’s much to ponder in the video — so much that it requires repeated viewings to digest. And since we’ve spent the majority of the day doing just that, we’ve also noticed a lot of things in the clip that seem familiar. So, as we’ve done in the past for the likes of Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera, we decided to give “Rockstar” the “pop-culture cheat sheet” treatment. Here’s a list of all the things that flashed by our eyes, alphabetized for your perusing pleasure. Oh, and though we’re thorough, we’re sure there’s something we missed along the way — feel free to let us know about it in the comments below.
Here’s what you might have missed in Rihanna’s “Rockstar 101″ video:
Barker, Travis: Tattooed beat-keeper for Blink-182 (and your favorite rapper, too). This one’s actually pretty obvious, as Barker makes roughly a bajillion cameos in the “Rockstar” clip, playing drums with Rihanna’s band. He actually taught RiRi how to play drums, too, and told MTV News about it back in March.
Björk: Icelandic ingenue. When she puts on her horned helmet, Rihanna reminds us of Björk (specially in this picture), who has spent more than two decades doing this sort of delightfully odd stuff. Of course, the helmet also reminds us of something that Tank Girl would wear, too. So, perhaps it’s more accurate to say she was equally inspired by both.
Bravery, The: New York-based synth-rock act turned Americana-obsessed rockers (no, not the Killers, they’re from Las Vegas). While Barker may man the kit in Rihanna’s “Rockstar” band, the rest of the group — minus the girls, of course — eerily resemble the Bravery, circa their “An Honest Mistake” video. Or maybe we think all dudes with faux-hawks, studded belts and eyeliner look that way.
Iamamiwhoami: Mysterious, supposedly Swedish Internet phenomenon who refuses to reveal his/her true identity. There’s a whole lot of “Rockstar” that reminds us of Iamami’s mind-bending viral vids: the part where Rihanna is smeared in black paint, the part where she traipses around a snow-covered forest, etc. Sadly, there is no scene that depicts gratuitous tree-licking, though maybe RiRi’s saving that for the next video.
Nightwing: Second-tier DC Comics superhero, best known for being “the persona Dick Grayson adopted after he got tired of being Robin.” When Rihanna is fronting her rock band, she reminds us a whole lot of Nightwing, especially since her eyeliner looks like a mask (oh, and her hair is Dick Grayson-esque, too.) Batman could not be reached for comment.
Nine Inch Nails: Hugely important, now-dormant industrial rock outfit masterminded by Trent Reznor. The oddest influence on “Rockstar” appears to be the videos of NIN, in particular their Downward Spiral era. The cable-laced white room Rihanna and her band perform in seems like it was rented from the “March of the Pigs” video, and the projected mushroom cloud at the end of the video reminds us of NIN’s “Hurt” clip.
“Russian Roulette”: Debut single from Rihanna’s Rated R album. In a knowing nod to the artwork for her previous single, Rihanna wraps herself in chains in the “Rockstar” video. It’s not exactly the (sorta) barbed wire she dons on the cover of “Rated R,” but it’s close enough for us.
Slash: Top-hatted guitar legend and all-around awesome dude. OK, so the former Guns N’ Roses axman doesn’t actually appear in the “Rockstar” video, but Rihanna does don his trademark hat and sunglasses, “plays” guitar, and acts all kinds of sexy, something which makes us re-evaluate our prepubescent years, to be honest.
Back on top bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by maison martin margiela — May 25, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
Rih fans we should be celebrating today….rockstar 101 video is an AMAZING and the Rated R remixes was released today!!!! Get your bottles…champagne, wine, juice (lol if you’re under 21) and let’s celebrate!!!!!
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 9:26 pm
@mmm
imma have to the “how to b first on rd cheat sheet” on u! lol
Comment by tracee — May 25, 2010 @ 9:36 pm
@Amanda Hey girl!!!!! I think RD is partied out.Too many assholes was on here and they pissed folks off.So its been quiet
today *kanye shrug*
Comment by maison martin margiela — May 25, 2010 @ 9:36 pm
Wht up just watchd the world premire of rockstar 101.Rih u did your thing on that.(L0L! So funny when rih dressed up like slash at the end.)Love the video Rih.
Comment by miss.almost 14 — May 25, 2010 @ 9:37 pm
I hope everyone is buying rockstar 101
Comment by lilly — May 25, 2010 @ 9:38 pm
@Maison….hey!!!!!! Well I’m going to celebrate our girl tonight!!!! If people don’t like Rockstar 101 that’s their problem. @Tracee….hey chica!!!!! So ladies, I wonder what Mr. Rihanna thought of the video. I’m sure he loved it :)
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 9:41 pm
hey amanda
how r u?
Comment by tracee — May 25, 2010 @ 9:45 pm
When you go to vevo. com Rihanna and Rockstar 101 vid is the first image that comes up!!!! (goes to go watch the EPIC video again)
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 9:47 pm
look at my fan-made pics 4 rs101 http://twitpic.com/photos/Ricanaire IM SO HAOPPY THEY LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!
Comment by Golong — May 25, 2010 @ 9:50 pm
Rockstar 101 is THE BEST. i was a little bit disappointed that it was in B&W, but damn Rihanna, YOU LOOK FINE! Matt Must Be One Lucky Fucker To Get Her, (LOL)
Comment by Golong — May 25, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
i’m good. We need to get the train repaired and back to business! lol. How are you? What do you think of the RS 101 video?
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 10:07 pm
Why you always worried about what others have to say?! Isnt the only thing that matters is that you personally love the video?!
Comment by kennyfenty — May 25, 2010 @ 10:15 pm
LOL Golong! Love that picture! It actually looks like $lash!
Comment by kennyfenty — May 25, 2010 @ 10:16 pm
Do not worry in two weeks when Rih comes back to LA the train will be up and running. I think Matt needs Rih more than she needs him right now. Matt and Rih have to be missing each other like crazy right now. I know they have to live their lives seperate from each other in odrer to not smother each other.
Comment by mdd — May 25, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
..Hey..what’s good desert RD(again)?!!…lol..
Comment by Lu — May 25, 2010 @ 10:37 pm
Lu
Hey how are you doing?
Comment by mdd — May 25, 2010 @ 10:43 pm
…hey…i’m doing good,thanks…and how r u doing?..
Comment by Lu — May 25, 2010 @ 10:52 pm
Lu
I am okay fans are asking when the train will be prepared. I told the fan asking we will not have to worry. Two weeks it will get wild and crazy in here.
Comment by mdd — May 25, 2010 @ 10:57 pm
…lol..yeah,in two weeks we will have a bunch of money shots..lol..
Comment by Lu — May 25, 2010 @ 11:04 pm
She gets 4days off after tomorrow Hmmmmm……. Maybe a quick trip home? LOL
Comment by Demmi — May 25, 2010 @ 11:16 pm
ok, in 2 weeks we’re back to business…money shots and L.A. will rock again!!!! Long overdue.
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 11:16 pm
So what will the phone conversation be like this time :X-P:
Comment by n — May 25, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
hmmmm, demmi, good point. We’ll see. I hope she does make a quick trip home….let me tell the train conductor to be ready just in case..lol
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
LOL Demmi, I know she miss her bro soo much :silly:
Comment by n — May 25, 2010 @ 11:20 pm
If my bro was fine as wine, I would too. If I had
Comment by n — May 25, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
@ amanda hearts ri ri
..hey girl…how have u been?..
…lol..yeah,money shots all over the place..lol…
….i was talking the other day with@maison that the “treasure chest” is already crammed …lol.
Comment by Lu — May 25, 2010 @ 11:29 pm
one*
Comment by n — May 25, 2010 @ 11:29 pm
he lu ,,, i have been nauty you have to see the link posted a post are two back,,,,,,you can cee where i types i hope this works and duane de corrected it for me ,,,check it out if you get a chance ,,, i am turning in i am falling asleep at the computer ,,,,nite ,,,nite all :star:
Comment by bodacious — May 25, 2010 @ 11:30 pm
Don’t even let me kesh you staring, I will FuZz U uP :giggle:
Comment by n — May 25, 2010 @ 11:30 pm
NITE BOD :bye:
Comment by n — May 25, 2010 @ 11:31 pm
hey!!!….lol…ok,i’m gonna check it out…
…have a good nite..
Comment by Lu — May 25, 2010 @ 11:34 pm
hey Lu, i’m good. How about you? The treasure chest is crammed? That is a good thing!!!! The next session will be hot!!! Just like the Marih reunion…..if those wallls in her house could talk…lol.
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 11:35 pm
so you took a hiatus from RD?
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 11:37 pm
Tomorrow id the last date of the European tour some serious ish is going to go down the band are going to play practical joke on Rih.
Comment by Demmi — May 25, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
…i’m doing good,thanks…
..yup,is so packed that i can not even close the lid of it anymore…lol…
..yeah,the house i’ll go down!!..lol..
Comment by Lu — May 25, 2010 @ 11:46 pm
..LOL..yeah,probably….just like they did in the previous tour…
…but she always get them as well…lol..
Comment by Lu — May 25, 2010 @ 11:48 pm
I”m out. Goodnight RD. Don’t forget buy/request RS 101 and buy Rated R, the Remixes!!! And Robyn girl, if ya reading ….we all anxious for you to get back to L.A. just as much as you are for the reunion :)
Comment by amanda hearts ri ri — May 25, 2010 @ 11:55 pm
…lol…
…yup,let’s REQUEST and buy!!!..
..good nite girl…
Comment by Lu — May 26, 2010 @ 12:05 am
But tomorrow isn’t the last date in Europe, she’s still going to Greece and Madrid in Europe
Comment by kennyfenty — May 26, 2010 @ 3:46 am
Rihanna does everything and anything!!!!! Always suprise us and bring ispirations from places no one would look!!! RIHANNA IS AMAZING and VERY BEAUTIFUL AND SEXY too to back it up!!!!!!!
I LOVE RIHANNA <3333333333333333333333
Comment by TK-75523 — May 26, 2010 @ 5:20 am
The Queen is dominating :D
Comment by Lopau — May 26, 2010 @ 7:48 am
I love Bjork
Comment by Last Boy on Earth — May 26, 2010 @ 9:10 am
this video is AMAZING, :yes: best video of 2010. love you rihanna, you rock babygirl
Comment by erica lynn howe — May 26, 2010 @ 9:36 am
WHAT!? does this mean the beggining of new era or what?? http://rihannanow.com/
?
Comment by HumanitySector — May 26, 2010 @ 10:12 am
@Lu We need to see that treasure chest LoL
Comment by maison martin margiela — May 26, 2010 @ 10:45 am
ROCKSTAR 101 VIDEO ON ITUNES NOWWWW!!!!
Comment by JALLLLLLLLLLLLLLENNNNNNNN — May 26, 2010 @ 10:55 am
@ maison…
..hey G!!!….are u here?..
Comment by Lu — May 26, 2010 @ 11:09 am
Ha. LOL. Cheat treatment my foot.
Keep it up referring to the video MTV and others. See what and what else you find. Keep finding and viewing.
Keep finding and viewing too on Youtube, VEVO, et al. Run up the viewing. Feast yall eyes and oogle.
That’s what it’s all about. Come on now. Heh.
Comment by Cathyhi5RiRiHD — May 26, 2010 @ 11:35 am
uhhh, that got me excited!
Comment by Last Boy on Earth — May 26, 2010 @ 11:56 am
No one is better than Rihanna this year!
2010 is definitely the Rihanna’s year, and if she won’t win a lot of awards it will be completly unfair
Comment by Never a failure always a lesson — May 26, 2010 @ 11:59 am
hey to those who are not in the us…..there is someone who just posted it in you tube…it rocks…..i liked the guitar spreading to her booty. and the slash part…i wished she did the ciara thing (in the like a boy video) by goin down with the guitar…i know she is able but it’s good she didn’t copy……i smell it will be a hit.
Comment by simba9771 — May 26, 2010 @ 12:02 pm
WOW! On UK iTunes yesterday, Rated R was #39 now it’s #26! :)
Comment by Paul — May 26, 2010 @ 12:35 pm
Also, Good Girl Gone Bad is #143 on UK iTunes! :)
Comment by Paul — May 26, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
just looked on midweek uk chart update and te amo is set to fall 3 places to #17! what’s wrong wiv def jam! cant they see they need 2 release the video NOW??!! :(
Comment by Paul — May 26, 2010 @ 12:39 pm
YouTube – Rockstar 101
Yesterday = 77,000 views
This Morning = 248,000 views
Now = 453,336 views
THIS IS GREAT! WITH NO RADIO RELEASE YET ITS AMAZING!! :):):):):)
Comment by Paul — May 26, 2010 @ 12:45 pm
Plus, the average rating of the video is 4.08 out of 5 which is extremely good! :)
Comment by Paul — May 26, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Don’t forget, that ROCKSTAR 101 video is now on iTunes! Let’s make it no. 1!!! :-))
This video is really great!
Comment by AssA — May 26, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
@assa where is it at the mo?
Comment by Paul — May 26, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
I hope this song gets good air play
Comment by VIVA GLAM — May 26, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
I THINK, THE SILVER PAINT REMINDS ME OF A PART ll OF UMBRELLA!
DON’T YA THINK?
Comment by chris — May 26, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
i looooooovvvvvvvvve it!!!!!!!!!!! THIS MUCH —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________—————————————————————————————————————————– SEEEE
Comment by oleavia — May 26, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
I don’t get it… so what are you trying to get at with the Pop Culture cheat sheet? What point are you trying to make?
Comment by Bianca — May 27, 2010 @ 2:05 pm
i love rihanna
Comment by sofiane — May 29, 2010 @ 10:18 pm
Download the OFFICIAL instrumental of Rihanna’s newest single Rockstar 101 for free! Click on my name… ;)
Comment by DeeDee — May 30, 2010 @ 10:56 am