Pop and R&B sensation Rihanna made her mark on the music industry with the release of her debut album, Music of the Sun, back in 2005. While that was just the beginning, it was her 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad that truly launched Rihanna into global stardom—thanks in large part to the chart-topping smash “Umbrella,” which soared to #1 and cemented her status as a pop powerhouse. Over the years, Rihanna continued her winning streak; her 2012 album Unapologetic claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, further proving her staying power in an ever-evolving industry.
Throughout her remarkable career, Rihanna has sold more than 230 million records and singles worldwide—a staggering number that underscores her massive influence. And speaking of milestones, who could forget her electrifying performance at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show? It was a cultural moment that reminded everyone why Rihanna remains one of the most iconic entertainers of her generation.
But before all the fame, red carpets, and sold-out tours, Rihanna’s life looked very different. Growing up, she would help her father sell clothes at a street stall in Barbados. Her dad struggled with addiction, which made for a challenging childhood. Still, music became her escape—she started singing at just seven years old and grew up listening to reggae, thanks to her roots. Raised by her Barbadian and Guyanese parents, Ronald and Monica, Rihanna shared her early years with her two younger brothers, Rorrey and Rajad.
When it comes to her personal life, Rihanna has kept much of it private, though fans have followed her relationships closely. She began dating rapper A$AP Rocky in 2020, and in January 2022, news broke that the couple was expecting their first child together. That June, she welcomed a son named RZA—an adorable addition to the family. Not long after, in 2023, shortly following her unforgettable Super Bowl performance, Rihanna confirmed she was pregnant again. She gave birth to her second son, Riot Rose, in August of that year. Then, during the star-studded 2025 Met Gala, she made another joyful announcement: she was expecting her third child.
Of course, Rihanna’s romantic history includes other high-profile names too. She dated businessman Hassan Jameel from 2017 until early 2020. Before that, she had notable relationships with rapper Drake and MLB player Matt Kemp—both of which drew significant media attention. Through every chapter, though, Rihanna has remained focused on her art, her family, and building a legacy that goes far beyond music.
She took home her first Grammy Award in 2008 for the hit “Umbrella,” marking a major milestone in her career. From there, she continued to rise, winning two more Grammys in 2010 for “Run This Town.” Over the years, she’s added several other Grammy-winning tracks to her impressive list, including “Only Girl (In the World),” “All of the Lights,” “We Found Love,” and the powerful collaboration “The Monster.” Then, on September 8th, 2017, she made waves again—this time beyond music—by launching her wildly popular makeup line, Fenty Beauty, which quickly went viral and reshaped the beauty industry. She truly knows how to dominate across fields, doesn’t she?