Role of The Performer: Rihanna - Explicit Content
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, also known as Rihanna, is a singer and performer and has made quite the name for herself in the music industry. Not limiting herself to one type of genre, Rihanna has a large variety of songs that can be applied to various genres; to list a few: R&B soul, pop, trap music, and electro. Having a wide variety of songs helps the music apply to all different types of people which widens the exposure of the performer/singer.
Rihanna was born on the Caribbean island of Barbados where she lived until she was 16. She then moved to the United States after she auditioned for an American music producer who saw a potential for greatness in her, and asked her to move to the states to live with him and his family. At the young age of 16, Rihanna began recording her first demo album.
After the recording of her first demo album, Rihanna moved on to sign a record deal with the famous rapper Jay-Z and soon released her first single "Pon De Replay". From there, Rihanna became the new "up and coming" pop star and soon became a common house-hold name across the country.
Rihanna does not write or compose her own music. For the most part, the music that she sings is usually written for her, about her, or she buys them from other individuals. For instance, one of her more popular songs, "Diamonds" was actually written by another artist Sia, but Rihanna bought it from her so that it could be her song. However, just because Rihanna does not write her own music, does not mean that she is not able to contribute to the lyrics or to the sound of the song; just because she is not a lyricist, does not mean that she does not have any input in the music.
Her Performances
Part of the appeal towards attending a live concert is the performance and the experience that the singer/performer gives you. For Rihanna, she tends to use background dancers, extravagant outfits, and unique background effects. Rihanna is also most commonly known for her "sexually provocative imagery" and wild style when performing in her music videos as well as her live performances.
I am unable to attach the video from Youtube, so linked below is a live VMA (Video Music Awards) performance from a famous rapper Eminem, performing his song Love the Way You Lie featuring Rihanna. You can skip to minute 2:50 in order to see Rihanna begin her performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul-b1-ar0p0
Aesthetic Opinion / Musical Elements
Personally, I am a firm believer in the idea that the artist is only as good as their ability to perform. So because of this, I am a huge fan of Rihanna and all of her performances! She always keeps her appearances on stage unique and eye-catching, and her amazing vocals are the cherry on top.
She was awarded "best dressed"
In addition to her exquisite performances, the sound of her music is very appealing to me as well. One of my favorite songs sang by Rihanna is Needed Me from her album Anti. It was produced by Kuk Harrell along with other producers like DJ Mustard, Frank Dukes, and Twice As Nice.
Song: Needed Me
Artist: Rihanna
Album: Anti
Released: 2016
This song can be categorized into a few different genres of music such as: Rhythm and blues, contemporary R&B, pop, and trap music. A few of the aspects that I enjoy most about this song is the varying tempo, easy to follow beat, and the lyrics!
The meter is set at a 4 beat per measure scale, which is one of the most common meters for Western music. For the beat, coming in at 110 beats per minute the energy of this song is high! However, with the tempo seeming to be set at a slower rate, this song is still able to maintain a 'chill' vibe to it.
Sources
#15YearsofRihanna - Hollywood Insider.” Hollywood Insider - News Entertainment & Culture, 13 July 2020, www.hollywoodinsider.com/rihanna-15-years-success.
https://www.hollywoodinsider.com/rihanna-15-years-success/
Biography. “Rihanna.” Biography, 24 Feb. 2020, www.biography.com/musician/rihanna.
https://www.biography.com/musician/rihanna
Shelton, Jessica. “‘Needed Me’ by Rihanna.” Song Meanings and Facts, 19 May 2019, www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/needed-me-by-rihanna.
https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/needed-me-by-rihanna/
I don't really listen to Rihanna but everyone knows who she is and her performances. Definitely one of the top female artist while I was growing up. I love how you attached her performance with Eminem during the VMAs. I remember that clear as day. Don't know really why I remember the performance to be totally honest. Just that when Rihanna came on it really caught my eye. She has some of the best aesthetics in my opinion with modern female artist. Where she does not just flaunt her sexual image like some other artist do. I would say she has some of the most unique aesthetic that catches the eye like you said.
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