Twenty years ago, a star was born, and now she’s celebrating in a big way! Rihanna is dropping new merch and a vinyl set, plus she penned a sweet note to her loyal Navy. From ‘Pon de Replay’ to Fenty empire, what’s been your favorite moment in her incredible journey?
Pop music icon Rihanna is marking a monumental two-decade anniversary since the release of her debut album, “Music of the Sun,” a milestone celebrated by her global fanbase. This significant event commemorates the launch of a career that saw her rise from a promising artist with hits like “Pon de Replay” to a multi-hyphenate superstar. While fans eagerly anticipate new music, her latest offerings reflect a unique tribute to her enduring legacy.
To commemorate this extraordinary career spanning twenty years, Rihanna is unveiling a special “R20” merchandise line and an exclusive vinyl album boxed set. These commemorative items, now available for pre-order, serve as a tangible celebration of her artistic journey and remarkable influence in the music industry. This limited-edition collection allows loyal supporters to own a piece of her history, connecting with the artist beyond just her sonic contributions.
The songstress herself took to social media to share a deeply personal and heartfelt message, expressing profound gratitude to her fans and all those who supported her early career. Reflecting on her decision to leave her home country, culture, and family two decades ago, she acknowledged the pivotal moment that began with her very first body of new music release. Her message underscored the unwavering loyalty of her “die-hard fans,” the dedication of her “hardworking teams,” and the crucial support of her family, attributing her success to divine generosity.
Despite her continued prominence, Rihanna has largely shifted her focus away from actively recording and releasing albums in the last decade. Following the immense success of singles and a highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime performance in 2023, the entrepreneur born Robyn Fenty strategically pivoted her creative energies towards establishing her hugely successful beauty brand, Fenty Beauty, and her innovative lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, transforming her influence into a formidable business empire.
This strategic diversification proved incredibly lucrative, solidifying her status beyond just a musical talent. By August 2021, reports estimated Rihanna’s net worth to be a staggering $1.7 billion, largely propelled by the global triumph of her cosmetic company. Her journey exemplifies a modern celebrity entrepreneur, successfully translating her brand power and creative vision into significant financial achievements, redefining what it means to be a global icon.
While a full-length album has not graced her discography since 2016’s “Anti,” Rihanna has offered tantalizing glimpses of her musical prowess. Earlier this year, she provided a small but significant win for her clamoring fanbase by treating loyal listeners to “Friend of Mine,” a new single crafted specifically for the upcoming “Smurfs” movie. This contribution marks a return to her musical roots, albeit in a different capacity, showcasing her versatility.
In the animated film, Rihanna lends her voice to the character of Smurfette, further expanding her artistic repertoire. This project is not her first foray into contributing to animated movie soundtracks; she previously recorded several anthems for another animated feature where she starred alongside “The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons. These selective musical ventures maintain her connection to the pop culture news landscape and keep her music anniversary celebrations alive for fans worldwide.
