Despite it being nearly a decade since her last album, Rihanna continues to reach milestones in the music sector.
On Friday, four of Rihanna’s hit songs received diamond certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America: “Umbrella,” “Needed Me,” “Work,” and “Stay.” Each single has sold over 10 million units, with “Stay” reaching 11x platinum status for 11 million units sold. This accomplishment has made Rihanna the female artist with the most diamond-certified singles in the history of the RIAA.
“Umbrella,” the 2007 smash hit from her third solo album, Good Girl Gone Bad, featuring Jay-Z, officially ushered Rihanna into her prime. This global phenomenon earned the singer her first prestigious accolade, a Grammy award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Digital Songs and made history as iTunes’ biggest debut in six years in the United States. The music video, showcasing her new style, stunning silhouette, and alluring dance moves drenched in rainfall, won Video of the Year at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.
“Work,” the flagship dancehall tune featuring Drake, was infused with pop and hip-hop elements. Stemming from her 8th and latest solo album, Anti, the song earned Riri more groundbreaking achievements, including surpassing Michael Jackson on the US Billboard Hot 100 as the artist with the fourth most US number ones.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Rihanna perform with Drake at the BRIT Awards … [+]
The song also reached number one on the US Dance Club Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and Rhythmic charts, and topped several international charts, including Belgium R&B/Hip-Hop, Canada, France, South Africa, and more. At the 59th Grammy Awards, the Barbadian songstress was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The seductive music video with the “Family Matters” rapper encompasses a strong Caribbean setting, creating the ideal party atmosphere where the singer can be heard spewing Bajan creole over lyrics detailing sights on a love life and navigating a toxic relationship.
Anti also spawned the diamond-certified “Needed Me,” one of Rihanna’s many electro-R&B tracks, this time produced by DJ Mustard. The song topped the US Dance Club Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop, and Rhythmic Billboard charts and peaked at number seven on the Hot 100.
Her 2012 Unapologetic album included the diamond certified “Stay” featuring Mikky Ekko, an ode to a complicated love. The single marked another personal milestone, becoming her 24th top ten entry on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at number three on the chart after Billboard allowed YouTube streams to count toward chart performance.
The business mogul took to X to share her reaction, writing, “ain’t no back n forth.” Replies to the post, seemingly from her supporters, congratulate her on the profound accolade and also express a desire for her return to music.
“riri come back and drop some more diamond hits,” YouTube Music’s X account replied.
Roc Nation shared its kudos on X, highlighting her historic accomplishment: “Congratulations @Rihanna For Having The Most @RIAA Diamond Singles And Diamond Certified Titles For A Female Artist!”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 1: In this image released on October 1, Rihanna attends the second … [+]
It has been eight years since Rihanna released her last album, 2016’s Anti. The hiatus from the music scene is respectively appropriate as the “Pon de Replay” songstress took time out to establish her world-renowned Fenty enterprise, which includes her lingerie brand — Savage x Fenty, where she holds an estimated 30% stake worth $270 million — and Fenty Beauty — her inclusivity-themed cosmetics line where she owns 50%, worth an estimated $1.4 billion.
She has also entered a new chapter in life, that of motherhood, having welcomed two sons with her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky: RZA Athelston Mayers, 2, and Riot Rose Mayers, 10 months.
Since 2016, Rihanna has teased the release of music, such as recording in the studio with The Neptunes in 2020, and she was spotted dropping some bars in 2017 on N.E.R.D.’s “Lemon.” Although she has not officially retired, Rihanna has taken the necessary time to build her empire and remains an in-demand musician, which stands as evidence of her global staying power.
