The Role of the Performer- Rihanna (PROFANITY)

 Rihanna doesn't write her own music. Like, at all. That's okay. 

The songs that Rihanna performs are often written for her, about her, or songs she picks up. She's an entertainer and performer- not a lyricist. 

 Music Producers Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken visited the Barbados in 2003, and happened upon 15 year old Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Knowing that this was her shot, Rihanna performed for them with no preparation. They arranged to bring her back to New York with them where she was introduced to Jay Z's record company "Def Jam". She was signed at the age of 16. Def Jam released her debut album Music of the Sun. Her album was a success with the lead single being "Pon De Replay". Her career took off from there. In 2007, Rihanna released Good Girl Gone Bad which made Rihanna an icon. 

Rihanna holds 8 Grammy's, and 14 billboard music awards. 

Artists often get a lot of grief for not writing their songs, but I'd argue that performers like Rihanna are doing these writers a great service by using their material. Bibi Bourelly is responsible for writing some of Rihanna's biggest hits, and due to the publicity garnered through Rihanna (who hasn't been shy about Bibi's influence in her music), she herself has been signed onto Def Jam's label. She has a promising start to her career because of the platform given in part to her by Rihanna. 

Bibi Bourelly

I take issue with large artists claiming ownership over songs that they didn't write, but this can't be said about Rihanna. She's always been upfront with her accreditation of her songs. This is the difference between ghost writers, and credited lyricists. The difference between giving up-and-coming music hopefuls the recognition they rightfully deserve, and taking advantage of them. 

Bibi Bourelly is behind one of Rihanna's iconic songs "Bitch Better Have My Money" Released in 2015 in Los Angeles, California. 

MUSICAL ELEMENTS:

Repetition-

The song itself is repetitive. It has the feeling of being more of a riff than a song in it's entirety. It's catchy, but not sophisticated. 

Delivery-

The delivery of the song is interesting. Rihanna assumed her Caribbean accent to deliver the half singing, half rapping song. In recent years, Rihanna  has rarely used her accent in her songs. 

Sound- 

Rihanna has a signature throaty, deep, sultry voice which is showcased in this song. 

Lyrics/Video- 

The lyrics, while repetitive, may be alluding to a much larger issue. Many have speculated that the song is about reparations, and that speculation is fueled by the music video found below,  though warning: it depicts nudity). It shows Rihanna taking what she feels she is owed from a rich white woman. "Pay me what you owe me, don't act like you forgot" "Where y'all at? Where y'all at? Where y'all at?". Many view this as Rihanna demanding accountability and refusing to allow us to remain in our idyllic state in which we've blissfully forgotten the horrors of our past. Our crimes against humanity, against black people. 

"Stay" performed by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko, writen by Mikky Ekko and Justin Parker. Released in 2013 in Los Angeles, California. 

This is another excellent example of a lyricist getting their start with Rihanna and demonstrating that there's value to be had in not penning your own songs. Mikky had never released a 'real' single before, and Rihanna had a big enough platform that allowed immense exposure- especially for a first debut single. It made the song a success, and she showed the world his work. She's never coy about who wrote the song, and giving credit where credit is due. 

Rihanna was quoted saying "I think it’s really exciting, especially for Mikky. This is his first real single and this is the first time the world has really had a chance to see him and hear his artistry, and he’s nominated for a Grammy! That really speaks to his talent. He wrote an amazing song. That’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever sang and performed."

MUSICAL ELEMENTS:

Piano- 

The song is a simple piano balled. It's slow, and sad, and emotive. 

Vocals- 

Rihannas distinct inflections allow you to feel each lyric in it's entirety. The third and fourth line of the first verse shift from bold and confident to vulnerable and fragile. Her voice is dark and velvety in it's lower notes. 

Lyrics- 

Rihanna rocked the news stories in 2009. Images of her beaten and bloodied face were plastered over every major news site, and many speculate this song is about that fateful night. Rihanna describes herself as loving men who have an 'edge'. She was raised with an abusive father, and she vowed to never wind up in a relationship like her parents. This song is mournful, and paints the picture of someone who is simultaneously love-drunk and frustrated. "Round and around and around and around we go". "Not really sure how to feel about it". This song is written beautifully for her.

Rihanna is one of my favorite performers. She has a soulful and rich voice I get lost in. Her emotional songs are enveloping and all-encompassing. I don't mind that she doesn't write her own music, I admire her authenticity. She's not a lyricist, she's a performer, she doesn't claim to be anything else. 

CITATIONS-

Close, P. (2020, September 2). Rihanna Admits She & Chris Brown 'Love Each Other And Probably Always Will'. iHeartRadio. https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-09-02-rihanna-admits-she-chris-brown-love-each-other-and-probably-always-will/.

Dazed. (2016, March 16). Meet the 21-year-old behind some of Rihanna's biggest hits. Dazed. https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/30401/1/meet-the-21-year-old-behind-some-of-rihannas-biggest-hits.

Deal, D. (2019, January 22). How Rihanna Has Changed the Game for the Music, Fashion & Beauty Industries. Medium. https://davidjdeal.medium.com/how-rihanna-has-changed-the-game-for-the-music-fashion-beauty-industries-7e640217c645.

Rihanna (Ft. Mikky Ekko) – Stay. Genius. (2013, January 7). https://genius.com/Rihanna-stay-lyrics.

Rihanna Now. Rihanna. (0AD). http://www.rihannanow.com/bio/.

Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, February 24). Bitch Better Have My Money. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitch_Better_Have_My_Money.