Rihanna (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, actress, businesswoman, and fashion icon. She rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her music and has since expanded her career into various industries, establishing herself as a global pop culture and business phenomenon.
Rihanna was born in Saint Michael, Barbados, and raised in the capital city of Bridgetown. Her mother, Monica Braithwaite, is of Afro-Guyanese descent, and her father, Ronald Fenty, is of Barbadian and Irish descent. Rihanna has two brothers and three half-siblings. Growing up, she experienced a difficult childhood, dealing with her father’s struggles with addiction, which caused tension in the household.
Despite the challenges, Rihanna developed a passion for singing at a young age, influenced by Caribbean music, reggae, and American pop and hip-hop. In 2003, at the age of 15, she formed a girl group with two of her classmates, which led to her being discovered by American music producer Evan Rogers while he was vacationing in Barbados.
### Music Career Breakthrough
Rihanna moved to the United States to pursue her music career and signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2005 after auditioning for then-label president Jay-Z. She quickly gained attention with her debut single, *Pon de Replay*, which became a massive hit. Her debut album, *Music of the Sun* (2005), showcased her Caribbean roots and rhythmic sound, receiving commercial success.
Her second album, *A Girl Like Me* (2006), solidified her as a rising star, featuring hits like *SOS*, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, it was her third studio album, *Good Girl Gone Bad* (2007), that catapulted her to global superstardom. The album featured the chart-topping single *Umbrella*, which won her a Grammy Award and became one of her signature songs. This marked a significant shift in her style and image, with a more edgy and bold persona.
### Continued Success and Evolution
Rihanna continued to dominate the charts with albums like *Rated R* (2009), *Loud* (2010), *Talk That Talk* (2011), and *Unapologetic* (2012), showcasing her versatility in pop, R&B, reggae, and dance music. Her singles *Rude Boy*, *What’s My Name?*, *Only Girl (In the World)*, *We Found Love*, and *Diamonds* all achieved massive success, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
In 2016, she released *Anti*, which was critically acclaimed for its experimental sound and emotional depth. The single *Work*, featuring Drake, became a huge hit, further solidifying her place as a music icon. After *Anti*, Rihanna took a step back from music to focus on other ventures, leaving fans eagerly awaiting new material.
### Acting and Fashion Career
In addition to her music, Rihanna pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as *Battleship* (2012), *Ocean’s 8* (2018), and *Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets* (2017). While she enjoyed moderate success as an actress, it was her ventures in fashion and business that elevated her status as a cultural and entrepreneurial force.
Fenty Beauty and Fenty Fashion House
In 2017, Rihanna launched her cosmetics line, **Fenty Beauty**, under LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), revolutionizing the beauty industry with its inclusive range of foundation shades for all skin tones. Fenty Beauty became a massive success, earning over $100 million in sales in its first 40 days. The brand’s focus on diversity and inclusivity made it a game-changer in the beauty industry.
In 2019, Rihanna launched her luxury fashion house **Fenty**, also under LVMH, making her the first Black woman to lead a luxury brand for the conglomerate. Additionally, she launched **Savage X Fenty**, a lingerie line that promotes body positivity and inclusivity, further cementing her influence in the fashion world.
Philanthropy and Social Activism
Rihanna has also been recognized for her philanthropy and activism. In 2012, she founded the **Clara Lionel Foundation**, named after her grandparents, to support global education, disaster relief, and other charitable causes. She has been a vocal advocate for racial equality, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ issues. In 2020, she was honored with the NAACP President’s Award for her dedication to social justice and philanthropy.
Rihanna has been relatively private about her personal life, though her high-profile relationships with Chris Brown, Drake, and Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel have attracted media attention. She is currently in a relationship with rapper A$AP Rocky, and they welcomed their first child in May 2022, followed by their second child in 2023.
Throughout her career, Rihanna has received numerous awards, including 9 Grammy Awards, 13 American Music Awards, and 12 Billboard Music Awards. She has sold over 250 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In 2021, she was declared a billionaire, primarily due to her success with Fenty Beauty and other business ventures.
Legacy
Rihanna is recognized not only for her music but also for her impact on fashion, beauty, and culture. Her ability to reinvent herself, embrace her Caribbean roots, and champion diversity and inclusivity has made her a trailblazer in multiple industries. Rihanna remains a significant figure in entertainment and business, with her influence extending far beyond music.