Rihanna Honored Despite Nearly a Decade Away from Music
The impact Rihanna has left on the music industry is undeniable.
Recently, the renowned music publication Billboard revealed its Top 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, sparking immense interest among global music lovers. Securing the No. 3 spot, Rihanna was recognized for her remarkable contributions to pop music, even though she has been on a near 10-year hiatus from recording.
Rihanna Secures the No. 3 Spot
As anticipated by many, Billboard honored Rihanna as the third greatest pop star of the 21st century. Despite stepping back from the music scene to focus on her business ventures, her unparalleled influence and contributions to the global music industry remain evident and widely celebrated. Fans and critics alike agreed with Billboard’s decision to rank the Barbadian superstar so highly.
A Legendary Music Career
Summing up Rihanna’s illustrious career, Billboard stated:
“With 14 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and more No. 1 singles than any artist in the 21st century, the third greatest pop star of the 21st century is none other than the Bajan Queen herself, Rihanna!”
The Early Years: From Debut to Stardom
Rihanna’s career began at the young age of 17, following a successful audition with Def Jam executives Jay-Z and L.A. Reid. Her breakthrough single, “Pon de Replay,” from her debut album, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. She followed this with her first No. 1 single, “SOS,” from her second album.
These early successes rapidly established Rihanna as a rising star. However, after her initial two albums, she sought to evolve her image and artistry. This shift became evident with her third album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.”
The Transformation: ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ Era
The album’s title reflected Rihanna’s desire to move beyond her “good girl” image and fully embrace her artistry and individuality. The transformation was highlighted by the smash hit “Umbrella,” a track that not only dominated charts but became a cultural phenomenon. “Umbrella” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, cementing Rihanna’s position as a pop icon.
The success of “Good Girl Gone Bad” and its lead single solidified Rihanna’s new identity as the fearless and edgy “Bad Gal” we admire today.
Rihanna continued to reinvent her style and sound throughout her career. Billboard praised her for her willingness to explore new musical genres and aesthetics while maintaining her dominance on the charts. From dancehall to R&B, electronic, and pop, Rihanna’s bold experimentation made her a versatile and trailblazing artist.
A Lasting Legacy
Even as she ventured into other industries, notably with her successful Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands, Rihanna’s influence on music remains profound. Her 14 chart-topping hits and genre-defying artistry have left an indelible mark, earning her a deserved spot among the greatest pop stars of this century.
While fans eagerly await her musical return, her legacy as a music trailblazer and cultural icon is already firmly established. Rihanna truly stands as one of the greatest artists of the 21st century.
