Robyn Rihanna Fenty, a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress, is a leading 21st-century recording artist. Signed by Def Jam Recordings in 2005, she gained recognition with her Caribbean-influenced albums 'Music of the Sun' and 'A Girl Like Me'. Her third album, 'Good Girl Gone Bad' (2007), with its dance-pop elements, solidified her pop icon status. The album's hit single 'Umbrella' topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy Award.
1987: Last LVMH brand launch before Fenty
Fenty was the first line that LVMH had launched since 1987.
2003: Formation of Musical Trio and Fateful Audition
In 2003, a teenage Rihanna formed a musical trio in Barbados and auditioned for producer Evan Rogers, who saw her star potential.
2004: Brandy's "Afrodisiac" Inspires Rihanna
Brandy's 2004 album "Afrodisiac" served as a primary inspiration for Rihanna's third album, "Good Girl Gone Bad", released in 2007.
May 2005: Debut Single "Pon de Replay" Takes the World by Storm
The release of Rihanna's debut single, "Pon de Replay," in May 2005 marked the beginning of her global musical takeover. The song's infectious rhythm and her unique style captivated audiences worldwide.
August 2005: Release of Debut Album "Music of the Sun"
August 2005 saw the release of Rihanna's debut album, "Music of the Sun," which achieved commercial success and introduced her unique blend of Caribbean and pop influences to the world.
October 2005: Endorsement deal with Secret Body Spray
Rihanna signed an endorsement deal with Secret Body Spray in October 2005.
2005: Rihanna Signs with Def Jam Recordings and Rises to Fame
In 2005, a pivotal year for Rihanna's career, she signed with Def Jam Recordings and began her journey towards international stardom.
2005: Rihanna's Breakthrough Audition and Signing with Def Jam
Rihanna's audition for Def Jam in 2005, where she impressed Jay-Z and L.A. Reid, proved to be a pivotal moment, leading to her signing a six-album record deal.
2005: Establishment of Westbury Road Entertainment
Rihanna's music label, Westbury Road Entertainment, was established in 2005.
April 2006: Release of Second Album "A Girl like Me"
Rihanna's second studio album, "A Girl like Me," was released in April 2006, showcasing her growth as an artist and achieving international success.
August 2006: Rihanna Makes Acting Debut in "Bring It On: All or Nothing"
Rihanna's first foray into acting was a cameo appearance in the straight-to-DVD film "Bring It On: All or Nothing," released in August 2006. This marked her initial step into the world of film.
August 2006: First Foray into Acting with "Bring It On: All or Nothing"
In August 2006, Rihanna made her acting debut with a cameo appearance in the cheerleading comedy "Bring It On: All or Nothing."
2006: Rihanna Addresses Comparisons to Beyoncé
Following the release of her second album, "A Girl Like Me" in 2006, Rihanna faced comparisons to Beyoncé. She addressed these comparisons in an interview, acknowledging Beyoncé's talent while emphasizing their distinct styles and performance approaches.
2006: Start of Long-Term Collaboration with Anthony Mandler
Rihanna's creative partnership with music video director Anthony Mandler commenced in 2006 with "Unfaithful", leading to over a dozen videos that shaped her visual identity.
2006: Release of "A Girl Like Me" and Continued Success
Rihanna released her second studio album, "A Girl Like Me," in 2006, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
2006: Rihanna Creates the Believe Foundation
In a significant philanthropic move, Rihanna established the Believe Foundation in 2006. The foundation focuses on supporting terminally ill children, demonstrating her deep compassion and desire to make a difference.
May 2007: 'Good Girl Gone Bad' Album Release
In May 2007, Rihanna released her third studio album, 'Good Girl Gone Bad,' which marked a departure in her musical style, embracing uptempo dance tracks.
September 2007: Good Girl Gone Bad Tour Begins
Rihanna launched her Good Girl Gone Bad Tour in September 2007, with performances spanning the US, Canada, and Europe.
December 6, 2007: Good Girl Gone Bad Tour - Manchester Performance
On December 6, 2007, Rihanna performed at the Manchester Arena as part of her Good Girl Gone Bad Tour, later featured in her live concert release.
2007: Rihanna Takes Vocal Lessons with Ne-Yo
While working on her album "Good Girl Gone Bad" in 2007, Rihanna began formal vocal training with Ne-Yo, learning techniques like breath control and staccato.
2007: Rihanna Makes First Met Gala Appearance
Rihanna made her debut appearance at the Met Gala in 2007, marking the start of her prominent presence in the world of fashion.
2007: Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad" Cements Her Pop Icon Status
The release of Rihanna's album "Good Girl Gone Bad" in 2007 marked a pivotal moment in her career, solidifying her status as both a pop and fashion icon.
2007: Breakthrough with "Good Girl Gone Bad" and Global Recognition
Rihanna's third album, "Good Girl Gone Bad," released in 2007, marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as a global pop icon.
2007: Rihanna Shifts to an Edgier Image
Rihanna underwent a significant image transformation in 2007 with the release of her album "Good Girl Gone Bad." She shed her innocent image for a bolder look, inspired by Charlize Theron's hairstyle in the movie "Æon Flux" (2005), following in the footsteps of artists like Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera who also embraced edgier personas.
2007: Rihanna Becomes Cartier Love Charity Bracelet Ambassador
Recognized for her philanthropic spirit, Rihanna was named a Cartier Love Charity Bracelet Ambassador in 2007. Each celebrity ambassador represented a different global charity, furthering her reach and impact.
2007: Rihanna's Expanding Musical Influences
By 2007, Rihanna's musical tastes broadened, incorporating elements of rock and aiming to explore diverse genres as her career progressed.
February 2008: Rihanna Designs for H&M Fashion Against AIDS Line
In February 2008, Rihanna joined other public figures in designing clothing for the H&M Fashion Against AIDS line. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and combat HIV/AIDS, showcasing her commitment to using her platform for good.
February 22, 2008: Barbados Celebrates "Rihanna Day"
Barbados, Rihanna's home country, declared February 22nd as "Rihanna Day" in 2008, a testament to her global success and the pride she brings to her nation.
June 9, 2008: 'Good Girl Gone Bad Live' DVD Release
On June 9, 2008, Rihanna released 'Good Girl Gone Bad Live,' a DVD and Blu-ray featuring her concert in Manchester and a behind-the-scenes documentary.
June 2008: 'Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded' Release
Rihanna's re-released album, 'Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded,' was released in June 2008, featuring new tracks including 'Disturbia,' 'Take a Bow,' and collaborations with Maroon 5 and David Bisbal.
August 2008: 'Just Stand Up!' for Stand Up to Cancer
Rihanna joined other female artists in August 2008 to record 'Just Stand Up!,' the anthem for the Stand Up to Cancer initiative.
September 5, 2008: Rihanna Performs in "Stand Up to Cancer" Telethon
On September 5, 2008, Rihanna joined fifteen other female artists to perform "Just Stand Up!" for the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special. The event raised $100 million for cancer research, highlighting her commitment to charitable causes.
September 2008: Rihanna Contributes to "Just Stand Up!" for Cancer Research
As part of her efforts to support cancer research, Rihanna contributed to the song "Just Stand Up!" in September 2008. The song, performed by a collective of female artists, raised funds for the cause.
2008: Grammy Award Win for 'Umbrella'
Rihanna received her first Grammy Award in 2008 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for her hit single 'Umbrella' with Jay-Z.
2008: Memorable "Disturbia" Performance at the VMAs
Rihanna's 2008 performance of "Disturbia" at the MTV Video Music Awards garnered significant acclaim, ranking among the top performances in the event's history.
February 8, 2009: Grammy Performance Cancellation
Rihanna's scheduled performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009, was cancelled following an alleged assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown.
February 2009: Rihanna Ends Relationship with Chris Brown
In February 2009, Rihanna ended her relationship with Chris Brown following a highly publicized domestic violence case. This marked a significant and difficult moment in her personal life.
March 5, 2009: Chris Brown Charged with Assault
Chris Brown faced charges of assault and making criminal threats on March 5, 2009, related to the alleged assault of Rihanna.
June 22, 2009: Chris Brown Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault
On June 22, 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in a Los Angeles court. He received five years of probation and was ordered to stay 50 yards away from Rihanna unless at public events.
September 2, 2009: Chris Brown Speaks About Domestic Violence Case
On September 2, 2009, Chris Brown discussed the domestic violence case involving Rihanna during a pre-recorded interview on Larry King Live. This was his first public interview about the matter.
November 2009: 'Rated R' Album Release
Rihanna's fourth studio album, 'Rated R,' was released in November 2009, showcasing a darker and more intense musical direction.
2009: Release of "Rated R" album
Rihanna released her fourth studio album, "Rated R," in 2009.
2009: "Rated R" Reflects Darker Period in Rihanna's Life
Released in 2009 after experiencing assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, Rihanna's album "Rated R" took on a noticeably darker tone, expressing the raw emotions of that period.
2009: Exploration of New Sounds with "Rated R"
In 2009, Rihanna released "Rated R," an album that showcased her evolving artistry and experimented with darker themes and sounds.
2009: New York Magazine Comments on Rihanna's Style Evolution
In 2009, New York magazine recognized Rihanna's evolving style, describing her early image as "a cookie-cutter teen queen" and acknowledging her ability to transform her look effortlessly.
January 2010: 'Redemption Song' for Haiti Relief
In January 2010, Rihanna released a cover of 'Redemption Song' to support the Hope for Haiti Now campaign following the devastating earthquake.
October 2010: Release of "Last Girl on Earth" tour photo book
In October 2010, Rihanna released a photo book featuring images from her "Last Girl on Earth" tour.
October 2010: Joins Roc Nation Management
Rihanna made a significant career move in October 2010 by joining Jay-Z's Roc Nation Management.
November 2010: 'Loud' Album Release
November 2010 saw the release of 'Loud,' Rihanna's fifth studio album, which featured hit singles like 'Only Girl (In the World),' 'What's My Name?' featuring Drake, and 'S&M' with a remix featuring Britney Spears.
2010: Critical Acclaim for Rihanna's Vocals on "Loud"
2010 saw widespread praise for Rihanna's vocal abilities showcased on her album "Loud", with critics like James Skinner (BBC) highlighting her power and vulnerability, particularly on "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)".
2010: "Loud" and Continued Chart Dominance
Rihanna's 2010 album, "Loud," brought a vibrant energy and further cemented her position as a chart-topping artist.
January 2011: Release of Reb'l Fleur fragrance
In January 2011, Rihanna launched her first fragrance, Reb'l Fleur. It was a commercial success and was expected to gross US$80 million by the end of the year.
May 2011: 'Man Down' and 'California King Bed' Releases
Rihanna released 'Man Down' and 'California King Bed' as singles in May 2011.
June 2011: Loud Tour Commences
Rihanna embarked on her Loud Tour in June 2011, which included a record-breaking 10 sold-out shows at London's O2 Arena.
October 2011: Rihanna Addresses Her Stage Persona
In a revealing interview with British Vogue in October 2011, Rihanna opened up about her stage outfits and overall persona, emphasizing that it's a carefully crafted act, separate from her true identity.
November 2011: Rihanna Announces First Fashion Venture with Armani
In November 2011, Rihanna announced her first fashion venture, partnering with Armani. This marked the beginning of her foray into the fashion industry, reflecting her long-held interest in clothing design.
November 2011: 'Talk That Talk' Album Release
Rihanna released her sixth studio album, 'Talk That Talk,' in November 2011, featuring chart-topping hits like 'We Found Love' and collaborations with Jay-Z and ASAP Rocky.
2011: Face of Nivea and Vita Coco
Rihanna became the face of Nivea and Vita Coco in 2011.
2011: Controversial Music Videos Spark Debate
In 2011, Rihanna released a trio of music videos that ignited controversy: "Man Down" (gun violence), "We Found Love" (drug use), and "S&M" (sadomasochism). These sparked criticism from groups like the Parents Television Council and Rape Crisis Centre, but were defended by others for their artistic expression and social commentary.
2011: Experimentation and Collaboration on "Talk That Talk"
Rihanna's 2011 album, "Talk That Talk," featured a mix of genres and notable collaborations, showcasing her versatility.
February 12, 2012: Rihanna Performs Benefit Show at the House of Blues
On February 12, 2012, Rihanna held a benefit concert at the House of Blues, raising funds for the Children's Orthopaedic Center and the Mark Taper-Johnny Mercer Artists Program at Children's Hospital. This event demonstrated her ongoing commitment to supporting children's healthcare.
February 2012: Grammy Award and BRIT Award Win
In February 2012, Rihanna's collaboration with Kanye West, "All of the Lights," earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. She also received the Best International Female Solo Artist award at the BRIT Awards for the second year in a row.
February 2012: Release of Rebelle fragrance
Rihanna's second fragrance, Rebelle, was released in February 2012.
March 2012: Release of Collaborations with Chris Brown
March 2012 saw the release of remixes featuring both Rihanna and Chris Brown, specifically of her song "Birthday Cake" and his track "Turn Up the Music." These releases faced significant backlash and negative reception due to the couple's past history of domestic violence.
May 18, 2012: Rihanna Stars in "Battleship"
Rihanna's first major film role was in "Battleship," released on May 18, 2012. The film, based on the game of the same name, received mixed reviews, as did her performance.
August 2012: Premiere of "Styled to Rock" UK version
Rihanna's first television program, "Styled to Rock," premiered in the UK on Sky Living in August 2012.
September 2012: MTV Video Music Award for "We Found Love"
Rihanna's music video for "We Found Love" won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in September 2012, a historic moment as she became the first female artist to win the award multiple times.
November 2012: Release of Nude fragrance
In November 2012, Rihanna released her third fragrance, Nude.
November 2012: Rihanna Donates to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Rihanna donated $100,000 to food banks in November 2012. This generous act provided vital aid to those impacted by the natural disaster.
November 2012: Release of "Unapologetic" and Chart Success
Rihanna released her seventh studio album, "Unapologetic," in November 2012. The album debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, marking her first number-one album in the US. The album's lead single, "Diamonds," achieved global success, reaching number one in over 20 countries.
December 2012: Rihanna Becomes First Woman on GQ's "Men of the Year" Cover
In December 2012, Rihanna made history as the first woman to grace the cover of GQ magazine's "Men of the Year" issue, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
2012: Peak of Success with "Unapologetic"
"Unapologetic," released in 2012, became one of Rihanna's most successful albums, topping the Billboard 200 chart.
2012: Rihanna Tops Forbes' Social Networking Superstars List and Makes Time 100
Rihanna's social media dominance earned her the top spot on Forbes' 2012 list of Social Networking Superstars. Additionally, Time magazine included her in its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, with Stella McCartney commending her work ethic, talent, and connection with fans.
2012: Forbes Begins Reporting on Rihanna's Earnings
Rihanna's rising success and financial influence led Forbes to begin reporting on her earnings in 2012. This marked a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her status as a global icon.
2012: Rihanna Makes Her Mark on Hollywood with "Battleship"
Rihanna's acting debut in a major role came in 2012 with the release of the science fiction action film "Battleship."
2012: Rihanna: A Global Influencer
In 2012, Rihanna's impact extended beyond music as Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people globally, highlighting her cultural significance.
January 2013: Rihanna Confirms Rekindled Relationship with Chris Brown
During an interview with Rolling Stone in January 2013, Rihanna confirmed that she had rekindled her relationship with Chris Brown, despite his probation for their 2009 domestic violence case.
February 2013: Rihanna Debuts First Women's Fashion Collection at London Fashion Week
February 2013 saw Rihanna presenting her debut women's fashion collection at London Fashion Week. Collaborating with stylist Adam Selman, she designed for British brand River Island, releasing three collections in total.
February 2013: Grammy Award and UK Sales Recognition
Rihanna's success continued into February 2013. She won her sixth Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video for "We Found Love" at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. The UK's Official Charts Company also acknowledged her impressive sales figures, reporting that she had sold 3,868,000 records in the past year, making her the top-selling artist in the UK.
March 2013: Launch of "Diamonds World Tour"
In March 2013, Rihanna embarked on her fifth headlining concert tour, the "Diamonds World Tour." The tour was organized to promote her album "Unapologetic."
May 6, 2013: Premiere of "777 Tour" Documentary
On May 6, 2013, a documentary about Rihanna's "777 Tour" premiered on Fox. The documentary, which chronicled her seven-show, seven-country, seven-day mini-tour, was released on DVD the next day as her third live concert film.
May 2013: Rihanna and Chris Brown Break Up Again
In May 2013, Chris Brown announced during an interview that he and Rihanna had broken up again. This ended their on-again, off-again relationship.
May 2013: Eve Ensler Praises Rihanna's Agency and Sexuality
In May 2013, feminist and playwright Eve Ensler expressed admiration for Rihanna, praising her ownership over her sexuality, openness, grace, and immense talent.
June 2013: Film Debut and Music Collaboration
Rihanna made her acting debut in June 2013 with a role in the comedy film "This Is the End," starring Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. That same month, American hip-hop artist Wale released a remix of his single "Bad" featuring Rihanna.
September 14, 2013: Release of Rogue fragrance
On September 14, 2013, Rihanna released her fourth women's fragrance, titled Rogue.
October 2013: Collaboration with Eminem on "The Monster"
Eminem released "The Monster," a collaboration with Rihanna, in October 2013. The song was the fourth single from Eminem's eighth studio album, "The Marshall Mathers LP 2."
October 25, 2013: Premiere of "Styled to Rock" US version
The US version of Rihanna's television program, "Styled to Rock," premiered on Bravo on October 25, 2013.
2013: Rihanna Named Most Influential Pop Star in UK
UK channel 4Music named Rihanna the most influential pop star in the United Kingdom in 2013, highlighting her impact on British music and culture.
January 3, 2014: Rihanna Joins MAC Viva Glam Campaign
Rihanna joined the MAC Viva Glam campaign on January 3, 2014, lending her support to the organization's efforts to help individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. This campaign reflects her continued advocacy for health-related causes.
March 2014: Rihanna's UK Sales Milestones
As of March 2014, Rihanna has sold over 18 million singles and 6 million albums in the UK. She is the second bestselling female singles artist in the country, only behind Madonna.
May 2014: Signing with Roc Nation
In May 2014, Rihanna made a significant career move by leaving Def Jam Recordings to sign exclusively with Roc Nation. Roc Nation had been managing her career since October 2010.
June 2, 2014: Rihanna Receives CFDA Fashion Icon Award
On June 2, 2014, Rihanna received the prestigious Fashion Icon lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), recognizing her enduring impact on global fashion trends.
2014: Time Magazine Ranks Rihanna Second in Pop Stardom Metric
Time magazine's pop stardom ranking metric positioned Rihanna second in history in 2014, acknowledging her remarkable chart performance and enduring cultural significance.
2014: Financial Success and Recognition
Rihanna's success in the entertainment industry translated to significant financial achievements, with Forbes ranking her among the top-paid celebrities in 2014.
2014: Rihanna Named Creative Director of Puma Women's Line
In 2014, Rihanna took on the role of creative director for Puma's women's line. This position granted her oversight of collaborations in both apparel and footwear.
2014: Release of Rogue Men fragrance
In 2014, Rihanna released a male version of her Rogue fragrance, entitled Rogue Men.
March 2015: Rihanna Becomes the First Black Woman to be the Face of Dior
Making history in March 2015, Rihanna was chosen as the new face of Dior, becoming the first black woman to hold this prestigious position. This marked a significant milestone in both her career and in the fashion industry.
March 30, 2015: Co-ownership of Tidal
On March 30, 2015, Rihanna became a co-owner, along with other music artists, of the music streaming service Tidal.
July 1, 2015: Rihanna Surpasses 100 Million RIAA Certifications
On July 1, 2015, the RIAA announced that Rihanna had surpassed more than 100 million Gold and Platinum song certifications, making her the first artist to reach this milestone.
November 2015: Announcement of "Anti World Tour"
The "Anti World Tour" was announced in November 2015. The tour, which would support her "Anti" album, commenced in March 2016.
November 2015: Launch of Fr8me agency
Rihanna and Benoit Demouy launched a beauty and stylist agency named Fr8me in November 2015. The Los Angeles-based agency assists artists in booking commercials, editorial shoots, ad campaigns, and red-carpet appearances.
2015: Lending Her Voice to Animation in "Home"
Rihanna took on the world of animation in 2015, voicing a character in the animated feature film "Home."
2015: Olivier Rousteing Compares Rihanna to Fashion Icons
During Vogue Festival 2015, Balmain's designer Olivier Rousteing lauded Rihanna's style, drawing parallels to music and fashion icons like Madonna, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, and Prince.
2015: Rihanna Voices Tip in Animated Film "Home"
In 2015, Rihanna lent her voice to the animated feature film "Home," playing the character Tip alongside Jim Parsons and Jennifer Lopez. The film, based on "The True Meaning of Smekday," showcased her voice acting talents.
2015: Rihanna's Guo Pei Dress Steals the Show at Met Gala
In 2015, Rihanna's Guo Pei-designed yellow gown stole the spotlight at the Met Gala, themed "China: Through the Looking Glass." The dress, which took two years to create, became a viral sensation, garnering a billion social media impressions and inspiring the documentary "Yellow Is Forbidden."
January 28, 2016: Release of "Anti" on Tidal
Rihanna's eighth studio album, "Anti," was released exclusively on the streaming platform Tidal on January 28, 2016. The release was part of her $25 million deal with Samsung, where the company sponsored the album and its supporting tour in exchange for promotion.
March 2016: Start of the "Anti World Tour"
The "Anti World Tour" began in March 2016. Travis Scott was the supporting act for the North American leg of the tour, while Big Sean performed at selected European dates. The Weeknd was initially planned as support for some European shows but pulled out due to scheduling conflicts.
June 2016: Release of "Sledgehammer" for "Star Trek Beyond"
Rihanna released "Sledgehammer," a single recorded for the soundtrack of the film "Star Trek Beyond," in June 2016.
August 28, 2016: MTV Video Vanguard Award
In recognition of her impactful contributions to music and visual artistry, Rihanna was honored with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. The ceremony featured captivating medley performances of her most popular songs, further cementing her icon status.
December 2016: Rihanna Makes Vevo History
By December 2016, Rihanna achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first female artist to surpass 2 billion cumulative views on Vevo, solidifying her immense global impact.
2016: Rihanna Debuts First Clothing Line with Puma at New York Fashion Week
Rihanna's first full clothing line, in collaboration with Puma, was unveiled at New York Fashion Week in 2016. The collection was praised by fashion critics, solidifying her presence in the fashion world.
2016: Creative Control and Departure with "Anti"
In 2016, Rihanna released "Anti," an album marking her departure from Def Jam and showcasing her artistic evolution and control over her music.
2016: Launch of Westbury Road Entertainment
In 2016, Rihanna announced the launch of her own music label, Westbury Road Entertainment, established in 2005 and named after her Barbados residence.
January 2017: Rihanna Participates in Women's March
Rihanna actively participated in the 2017 Women's March in New York on January 2017, demonstrating her solidarity with the movement for women's rights and social justice. This event, held the day after President Trump's inauguration, saw millions marching worldwide.
February 2017: Rihanna Honored as Harvard University's Humanitarian of the Year
In February 2017, Rihanna received the prestigious "Humanitarian of the Year" award from the Harvard Foundation, recognizing her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work.
July 21, 2017: Rihanna Stars in Luc Besson's "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets"
On July 21, 2017, "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets," directed by Luc Besson, was released, featuring Rihanna in a major role. The film, based on the comic book series "Valérian and Laureline," also starred Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne.
September 8, 2017: Launch of Fenty Beauty
Rihanna launched her cosmetics company, Fenty Beauty, under LVMH's Kendo Brands on September 8, 2017. The brand was praised for its diverse range of products for all skin colors and was named one of Time magazine's "The 25 Best Inventions of 2017."
October 2017: Work Begins on New Album
In October 2017, Shakka revealed that he was collaborating with Rihanna on her upcoming album, describing it as "absolutely insane."
November 2017: Collaboration with N.E.R.D on "Lemon"
Rihanna collaborated with the band N.E.R.D on their comeback single "Lemon" from their album "No One Ever Really Dies," released in November 2017.
2017: Exploring New Worlds in "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets"
Rihanna continued her acting journey in 2017 with a role in the science fiction film "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets."
June 8, 2018: Rihanna Stars in All-Female Heist Film "Ocean's 8"
June 8, 2018, marked the release of "Ocean's 8," a heist film directed by Gary Ross, where Rihanna starred alongside an all-female cast. The film was a box office success, grossing $300 million worldwide.
June 2018: Rihanna Purchases House in West London
To be closer to her work with her FENTY fashion label, Rihanna purchased a house in West London for £7 million in June 2018. This move demonstrated her commitment to her growing fashion empire.
August 2018: Rihanna Films Secret Project "Guava Island" in Cuba
Reports in August 2018 revealed that Rihanna had been involved in filming a secret project titled "Guava Island" in Cuba throughout the summer. The film, directed by Hiro Murai, featured Donald Glover, Letitia Wright, and Nonso Anozie.
August 2018: Billboard Ranks Rihanna Among Biggest Hot 100 Artists
In August 2018, Billboard recognized Rihanna as the tenth biggest Hot 100 artist of all time, solidifying her legacy as one of the most successful charting artists.
September 2018: Rihanna's Sales and Awards Milestones
As of September 2018, Rihanna has sold over 250 million records worldwide and received numerous awards, including 9 Grammy Awards. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
September 2018: Launch of Savage X Fenty
Rihanna launched her lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, in September 2018, showcasing it at New York Fashion Week. The brand was lauded for its inclusivity in size and skin tone representation.
September 20, 2018: Rihanna Appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Barbados
Rihanna's commitment to her home country was further solidified on September 20, 2018, when the Barbados government appointed her as an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, entrusting her with promoting education, tourism, and investment opportunities for the island.
December 2018: Confirmation of New Album Release
Rihanna confirmed in December 2018 that her new album would be released in 2019 and later announced it would be a reggae project.
December 2018: Rihanna Sells Hollywood Hills Mansion
Following a break-in, Rihanna listed her Hollywood Hills mansion for sale in December 2018. The property reportedly sold for $10.4 million.
2018: Continued Influence and Recognition
Rihanna's influence continued to be acknowledged in 2018 when Time magazine once again named her one of the 100 most influential people globally.
2018: Rihanna Included in Time 100 and Named One of the Best Dressed Women
Rihanna's influence extended beyond music in 2018 as she was again featured in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People list and recognized by luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter as one of the best-dressed women of the year.
2018: Joining the Heist in "Ocean's 8" and Diplomatic Recognition
In 2018, Rihanna joined the all-female heist comedy "Ocean's 8" and was also appointed as an ambassador for Barbados, marking her influence beyond entertainment.
2018: Rihanna Co-Chairs Met Gala with a Maison Margiela Ensemble
Rihanna co-chaired the 2018 Met Gala, themed "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," where she commanded attention in a stunning Maison Margiela ensemble.
January 2019: Lawsuit against father
In January 2019, Rihanna filed a lawsuit against her father, Ronald Fenty, over the use of the Fenty name for commercial purposes.
April 2019: "Guava Island" Premieres on Amazon Prime
In April 2019, "Guava Island" premiered on Amazon Prime. The film, financed by Regency Enterprises and distributed by Amazon Studios, was released with a unique marketing campaign, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.
May 2019: Launch of Fenty fashion brand
In May 2019, Rihanna launched her fashion brand Fenty under LVMH, becoming the first woman to create an original brand for the luxury group and the first woman of color to lead an LVMH brand.
May 22, 2019: Fenty pop-up store launch
On May 22, 2019, Rihanna's fashion brand Fenty, under the luxury fashion group LVMH, launched with a pop-up store in Paris.
August 2019: Registration of "Private Loving"
Fans observed that Rihanna and songwriters Collin Edwards, Monique Lawrence, and Alexander Ogunmokun had registered a song titled "Private Loving" with BMI, hinting at potential new music.
September 20, 2019: Premiere of Savage X Fenty Show
On September 20, 2019, the Savage X Fenty Show premiered on Amazon Prime Video, featuring performances by various artists and modeling appearances from notable figures like Bella Hadid and Cara Delevingne.
October 2019: Rihanna Declines Super Bowl Halftime Show in Support of Colin Kaepernick
In October 2019, Rihanna made a powerful statement by declining to perform at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show. Her decision was made in support of Colin Kaepernick, who faced controversy for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.
December 2019: Album Completion Announcement
Rihanna hinted at the completion of her highly anticipated album in an Instagram post in December 2019 but did not disclose a release date.
2019: Rihanna Named One of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2019, Rihanna earned a spot on Forbes' prestigious list of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women, solidifying her influence and impact beyond the realm of music.
January 2020: Rihanna Splits with Hassan Jameel
Rihanna and Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel ended their relationship in January 2020, after dating since 2017.
March 2020: Rihanna Donates Millions to COVID-19 Relief Efforts
Demonstrating her unwavering generosity, Rihanna donated $5 million to COVID-19 relief efforts in March 2020. This significant contribution provided critical support during the global pandemic.
March 27, 2020: Collaboration with PartyNextDoor on "Believe It"
Rihanna was featured on Canadian singer PartyNextDoor's song "Believe It," released on March 27, 2020.
April 2020: Rihanna Matches Donation for Domestic Violence Support
In April 2020, Rihanna matched Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's donation, contributing a total of $4.2 million to support individuals and children experiencing domestic violence during the lockdown. This act highlighted the often-overshadowed issue of domestic violence amplified during the pandemic.
July 2020: Launch of Fenty Skin
Rihanna expanded her business portfolio with the launch of her skincare brand, Fenty Skin, in July 2020.
September 2020: London Home Listed for Sale
In September 2020, Rihanna listed her St John's Wood residence in North London for sale, with an asking price of £32 million.
October 2, 2020: Premiere of third Savage X Fenty Show
The third Savage X Fenty Show premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 2, 2020, featuring musical performances and appearances from artists like Travis Scott, Rosalía, and Lizzo.
2020: Rihanna Debuts on Sunday Times Rich List
Rihanna made her debut on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2020, securing the third position among Britain's wealthiest musicians, further highlighting her financial success.
2020: Rihanna Receives NAACP President's Award
At the 2020 NAACP Image Awards, Rihanna was honored with the President's Award, presented by Derrick Johnson. Johnson highlighted her exceptional career as an artist and musician, as well as her dedication to public service, philanthropy, and advocacy for justice.
2020: Rihanna Criticizes President Trump's Policies
Throughout his presidency, Rihanna was vocal in her criticism of President Trump's policies. Her critiques targeted his immigration policies, including the travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, and his response to mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.
February 2021: Fenty fashion house put on hold
Rihanna and LVMH decided to put her Fenty fashion house on hold in February 2021 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2021: Rihanna Shows Support for Indian Farmers' Protest
Using her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, Rihanna expressed her support for the Indian farmers' protest against controversial farm bills in February 2021. Her tweet brought international attention to the issue.
May 19, 2021: ASAP Rocky Confirms Relationship with Rihanna
On May 19, 2021, American rapper ASAP Rocky confirmed during an interview with GQ that he and Rihanna were in a relationship.
September 2021: Lawsuit against father dropped
Rihanna dropped the lawsuit against her father in September 2021.
2021: National Hero of Barbados
In 2021, Rihanna's contributions to her home country of Barbados were officially recognized as she was declared a National Hero.
2021: Rihanna Becomes World's Wealthiest Female Musician
As of 2021, Rihanna achieved the status of the world's wealthiest female musician, boasting an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion, showcasing her extraordinary entrepreneurial success.
January 31, 2022: Rihanna and ASAP Rocky Expecting First Child
On January 31, 2022, it was revealed that Rihanna and ASAP Rocky were expecting their first child.
May 19, 2022: Rihanna Gives Birth to Son
On May 19, 2022, it was confirmed that Rihanna had given birth to a son.
September 25, 2022: Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Performance
Marking her return to live performances after a five-year hiatus and reversing her prior boycott of the event in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl LVII halftime show on September 25, 2022. The performance was widely acclaimed and drew a record-breaking viewership, solidifying her position as a global superstar.
October 28, 2022: Release of "Lift Me Up" for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"
On October 28, 2022, Rihanna released "Lift Me Up," the lead single from the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" soundtrack. This marked her first solo music release since her 2016 album "Anti." The song garnered critical acclaim, earning her nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
2022: Clara Lionel Foundation Allocates Millions to Climate Justice
In 2022, the Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by Rihanna, allocated 13 million euros to climate justice initiatives. This substantial commitment reflects her growing involvement in addressing climate change and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
February 12, 2023: Rihanna Reveals Second Pregnancy During Super Bowl Performance
On February 12, 2023, during the Super Bowl LVII halftime show performance, Rihanna revealed she was pregnant with her second child, becoming the first person to headline a Super Bowl halftime show while pregnant.
May 10, 2023: Rihanna Reveals Son's Name as RZA Athelaston Mayers
On May 10, 2023, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky revealed their son's name as RZA Athelaston Mayers, named after Wu-Tang Clan leader and founder RZA.
August 1, 2023: Rihanna Welcomes Second Son
On August 1, 2023, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky welcomed their second son, named Riot Rose Mayers.
2023: Rolling Stone Ranks Rihanna Among the Greatest Singers
In 2023, Rihanna achieved a significant milestone when Rolling Stone included her in their "200 Greatest Singers of All Time" list, placing her at number 68.
2024: Rihanna: The Wealthiest Female Musical Artist
By 2024, Rihanna had solidified her position as the wealthiest female musical artist, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, showcasing her extraordinary entrepreneurial success.