F*ck Rihanna and her fire engine red hair! I’m so sick and tired of this broad I didn’t even expect to ever have to go here, but it has to be said. Something is seriously wrong with Rihanna and we all know it. What does it say about a person who goes along with Rihanna to the edge of the earth and thinks that anything about her is worth holding onto?
When it seems that our youth have no hope we are reminded that we have public figures like Rihanna. We are reminded that in this world it doesn’t take talent, it only takes image. For what it’s worth, Chris Brown is very talented, but because his image is screwed up, he’ll probably never make it out of the purgatory of being blacklisted in the music industry. I’m sorry Sprite, but image is everything. And so when you look at a rapper like Rick Ross, whom I think is one of the best in the game right now, and you realize that several things about his story don’t add up, you are forced to come to the conclusion that image is the only thing that reigns supreme.
Let’s look at that for a second because I am not sure most people remember that Rihanna has never exhibited to us that she has any talent. She can’t dance, she is an average alto, with fire engine red hair. We’ve almost forgotten that point because people fell in love with her image. When did people fall in love with her music? Good Girl Gone Bad. Yes, America and most of the world fell in love with Rihanna when she started putting away childish things, singing with a filter, stopped dancing, showed more skin, and did a music video in body paint. (And negroes love body paint.) The album’s hit single, Shut Up and Drive … think about that for a second.
Didn’t hear from her again until Rated R. I can’t fault her for doing the same thing Chris Brown did and that’s make an album that’s almost entirely leveraging their personal issues for album sales. But let’s look at the way she treated this situation. She basically went to the cops after Chris hit her and told one half of the story. But you read things in the police affidavit like,
“Robyn F. picked up Brown’s cell phone and observed a three-page text message from a woman Brown had a previous sexual relationship with.”
Don’t go through people’s phone.
“She turned around placed her knees to her chest, placed her feet against Brown’s body and began pushing him away.”
You mean she kicked the sh*t out of him?
Not for nothing, that whole entire affidavit is painful to read because no one wants to read about a woman being abused, but I mean, she goes on TV and tells this story like this was the first time this ever happened and she was so innocent in all of this. But you shedding tears on television about this, but we seent you on jet skis with the dude shortly after he got out of jail? And you were “brainwashed”?
Something ain’t adding up.
Now after all of this, Rihanna suddenly becomes hypersexual. And by hyper I mean, I’m waiting for the sex tape to go live any moment now with Amber, Nicki and RihRih all in the bed doing “stuff.” I mean, we already got pictures of her naked that she supposedly sent to who? No one knows, the dude she was dating at the time said, not him. Now she’s talking about whips and chains in her next interview. None of the clothes she wears on stage have a back to them, so we’re just looking at her bare ass all the time. We’re supposed to actually be watching this and not say anything?
GTFOH.
Then this…
“Being submissive in the bedroom is really fun. You get to be a little lady, to have somebody be macho and in charge of your shit. That’s fun to me …I like to be spanked. Being tied up is fun. I like to keep it spontaneous. Sometimes whips and chains can be overly planned – you gotta stop, get the whip from the drawer downstairs. I’d rather have him use his hands.”
Rihanna, how’s that using his hands thing working out for you?
“I think I’m a bit masochistic. I love feeling like I’m somebody’s girl. I think that is common in people who witnessed abuse in their childhood.”
My little cousins look up to you and I don’t want them thinking that they need to go out and get abused so they can grow up and be famous like you, you sick f*ck!
On her current relationship with Chris: “We don’t have to talk ever again in my life. I just didn’t want to make it more difficult for him professionally. What he did was a personal thing – it had nothing to do with his career. Saying he has to be a hundred feet away from me, he can’t perform at awards shows – that definitely made it difficult for him.”
Really? Because all those songs about him, and those interviews, and telling your peoples not to mess with him, wouldn’t affect his career? Sidenote: Two years past and you still never hesitate to take a question about Chris.
Listen to me, I may meet Rihanna and find out she’s a nice person. And you know what else, I don’t know Chris Brown, but I know that men make mistakes. So you know what, Rihanna makes them too. I feel bad for her because nobody, woman or man, should have to be in an abusive relationship. But what brings me to the point of saying, “f*ck Rihanna” is despite the sympathy and prayers we poured out of our hard earned feelings for her, she went and created this thing. This hypersexual super badass, above the law persona known as Rihanna. (And I would like for someone to try and tell me why this is all because of her abuse as a child and with Chris Brown ) But wait, before you do that, explain this to me: “If any of you ladies are envious of Rihanna’s figure, she divulges that her secret is a diet of Cheetos and Kentucky Fried Chicken.”
Thanks Rihanna, I’ll be sure to remember this when “Biggest Loser: Daddy’s Little Fat Girls, Season 1” comes out on DVD.
Author’s note: Please don’t make the mistake of not reading this article completely. And do not assume things about how I feel about Rihanna, Domestic Violence, or Child Abuse. I would hate for someone to think that I am saying she deserved any of what she’s gotten, or that I condone any of the behavior. To be perfectly honest, if you focus on anything, focus on the recent events discussed in this post, not the past.
I agree with just about all of this. I thought I was the only one who thought 'Rude Boy' was a little much for 10 year-old girls to be singing along to. But "Shut Up and Drive" the biggest single off Good Girl Gone Bad? I wouldn't even say that was #3. Umbrella was clearly the #1 single off that album (followed by "Please Don't Stop the Music" and "Hate That I Love You" #justsayin').
RiRi does need to calm it down a little bit
but in the meantime I'ma enjoy watchin' her strut her half-naked self around in her performances. And I did sympathize with Chris Breezy, 'til dumbass decided it would be a good career move to throw a temper tantrum backstage at GMA. You finally become musically relevant again and break a window before storming out and taking off your shirt in a huff 'cause you got you wittle feelings hurt? Okay. GTFOH.Both of them need to sit down and assess what the hell they're doing before they end up on a 'Where Are They Now?: Black Pop Stars' special.
i too was wondering about the shut up and drive thing….
clearly everyone and their mama had an umbrella… and then the remix with CB… umbrella actually broke a bunch of records and such. i went to kanye's glow in the dark tour and she was one of the acts… it was literal torture to hear her sing it. but that was errrybody's jam so we went along with it. lmbo. her show wasn't all that bad though, i must say. for lack of talent and no dancing skill to speak of, she must have sprinkled RiRIDust over the crowd or something, bc we all were enjoying the show. lol
Wow! There's so much I could comment on as a result of this post, lol! Rihanna's one-sided account of her "tragedy" (Sorry, but in my neck of the woods, you come looking for a fight and that's just what you get! If you don't want a knot in your head, keep your hands to yourself…and your hands off folks car keys! If YOU CHOOSE otherwise, put up your dukes and fight to win!)…her extremely limited musical talents…how modern black culture has NO CLUE what real talent is (you don't have to really be able to sing or play an instrument anymore)…how our overly s.exualized culture is completely out of control…there's too much!
So, I'll just say, I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU…in all caps, lol.
"If you don’t want a knot in your head, keep your hands to yourself"
Basically.
I don't feel like its okay for ANYBODY to put their hands on someone else… man OR woman. I don't know why women feel like they can punch a man in his face 50 times, but he's wrong if he hits her back, or pushes her off of him. Men shouldn't put their hands on women and women shouldn't put their hands on men. PERIOD.
Amen sister
I agree. Eff Rihanna.
You just articulated everything that I've never been able to. People ask me why I don't like her and all I can say is "I can't explain it. She just ain't right. Chris was wrong, but she ain't right at all."
Thanks Dr. Jay.
Thank you, I could not have said it better. I cannot stand it when someone actually tries to rationalize Rihanna as a talented artist. She's really little more than the personification of someones fetish.Yes hyper sexuality tends to be the spin off of early childhood abuse, however I don't know many women who go about bragging that a once dehumanizing violation against their body, mental and emotional health is now the best way to get off. The tragic events between her and Chris Brown were completely mishandled and they both seem to have been misguided since, but hey anything for a buck.
It will be quite interesting to see the comments on this one.
http://tinyurl.com/3fcrlq2
lol where do you find these?!?!
Lil thing I like to call Google 😉
I was able to overlook the lack of talent until the All-Star halftime show. That sh*t was just offensive. I actually had to mute the television.
This ish is HILARIOUS!
That is all (well for now)
Let the church say Amen!
i would say i agree…but…*sigh* i don't wanna get in the cross hairs today.
*hands Dr. J some Armour*
Still remember dancing to her first single, raised my eyebrows at Disturbia, and now she just plain creeps me out (like Britney Spears and Angelina Jolie). Hard to take her seriously as an artist, and she is one of many that make it harder to mentor & connect with young girls. I take an oath to raise my future children on motown music solely, lol.
angelina jolie is awesomeness. if i was of caucasian persuasion i'd be her. lolol.
i seem to be the only black woman that likes her. i'm cool with that though. lol
but about the motown music? win win win. i've vowed to not let my children hear anything made after 2005, with a few exceptions. lolol.
You are not alone #MJ
I have loved Jolie since she was interrupted.
LOL! I don't hate Angelina … I think she is gorgeous, I love her acting and immensely enjoy her movies. She is a talented, talented woman and deserves all accolades.
However (comma) … she's — quirky (I want to say crazy, but she's so quiet and calculating that crazy doesn't fit). And I cannot shake the feeling that she is one nerve away from snapping and eating her children. A true femme fatale.
I love Britney!!
*whispers* It's Britney b*tch…
Lmfao.
LMAO you are too silly
I have been waiting for someone to write something like this and I think I may just write something like this myself. Personally, I'm tired of the BS. She's not a role model. She's not talented. She's just another "good girl" gone bad. I wouldn't let my kids (if I had any) be listening to/watching her shenanigans. I think ol' girl needs therapy. I'm surprised that hasn't been raised in all these damn interviews she has.
You know what … I effs with RhiRhi. I would love to cut her loose and sit up here and talk about all the things I can't stand about this chick but, in all honesty… I like her. I realize she's essentially a product, and if I had a daughter I definitely wouldn't let her listen to Rhianna's music, but, at the same time there's most definitely an appeal. Like, if I met Rhianna and she threw it at me, my rational side would tell me to run the other way because this chick seems like she devours the souls of men, but I don't know if I'd be able to. She does a great job of reminding men why crazy chicks are almost irresistible and addictive. Shes created a little niche for herself as that thing you want but know you shouldn't have. She's just a sexy chick… truth be told, she's not even all that cute. Before she got the haircut that changed her career, back when she was like the female Sean Kingston with "Pon Di whatever" I was like damn… this chick's forehead is like twice the size of Sade's… and Sade has an 8head. But something about RhiRhi commoditized image is just sexy as hell, and it's hard to look past that.
I guess I should talk a little about her music. I'ma go 'head and jump out on a limb here and say it. I like a lot of her stuff. I have all of her albums – (judge all you want, my musical tastes are impeccable). It's like adult pop. It just so happens that it sounds fun and and like if it were a food it'd be jellybeans, so, parents who don't really listen to the lyrics might think it's ok to let their under 16 year old kids listen it, but, whose fault is that. I know it's cliche to blame parents but, still if your kid is like 12, you should have a great deal of control over what they're watching, and RhiRhi shouldn't be allowed. Her music is fun, sounds best when played really loud in clubs when you're slightly inebriated. She ain't changing the face of music or anything, but, it's enjoyable.
So there.
i agree with all of this.
except if she threw it at me, i'd definitely run. lol.
..and she does have a song about liking chicks. …and chicks tend to like me for some odd reason. …and i met her once and she complimented my eyes. yep, runn. lol.
overall though, i've no issue with her music. as long as no one confuses it with anything remotely classic and substantive, i don't see the issue.
I was waiting for someone to write to her defense. Well done. And anyone saying if she threw it at them they'd just walk away like "Eh, whatever"…. Ninja please. Every [straight?] man's Achilles' heel is a woman that has the right amount of crazy. The chex is better. Women love @ssholes, and men love crazy. Such is life.
My original comment here was going to be LMFAO @ Mosts "if I met Rhianna and she threw it at me, my rational side would tell me to run the other way because this chick seems like she devours the souls of men"
I didn't know how to sum it up but that's it. Then TWIsM81 came along w/ this helluva quotable that's relevant to RiRi and everything else in life…
Every [straight?] man’s Achilles’ heel is a woman that has the right amount of crazy. The chex is better. Women love @ssholes, and men love crazy. Such is life.
*puts $5 and a food stamp in the collection plate*
Yeah, although I can see why many don't like her/her music I like her songs, especially S&M and Unfaithful.
I remember when she first came out with Pon de Replay, I had the same reaction to her forehead. Actually I was happy there was someone out there who's forehead was bigger than mine….***looks up and thanks Jesus***
I thought I was the only one that loved her for her forehead. I am also a member of the 'needs bangs' club.
I have like Riri since Pon de Replay… I like S.O.S… I like pretty much anything she has on the radio plus some more that is not.
Maybe I just identify with her troubled soul.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but whips and chains excite me"
*hi -fives fellow member**
I think she knows she's troubled hence the reason for " I maybe bad but I'm perfectly good at it."
<blockquote cite="comment-302524">
TheMostInterestingManInTheWorld: I realize she’s essentially a product, and if I had a daughter I definitely wouldn’t let her listen to Rhianna’s music, but, at the same time there’s most definitely an appeal. Like, if I met Rhianna and she threw it at me, my rational side would tell me to run the other way because this chick seems like she devours the souls of men, but I don’t know if I’d be able to. She does a great job of reminding men why crazy chicks are almost irresistible and addictive. Shes created a little niche for herself as that thing you want but know you shouldn’t have. She’s just a sexy chick… truth be told, she’s not even all that cute. Before she got the haircut that changed her career, back when she was like the female Sean Kingston with “Pon Di whatever” I was like damn… this chick’s forehead is like twice the size of Sade’s… and Sade has an 8head. But something about RhiRhi commoditized image is just sexy as hell, and it’s hard to look past that.
Yup… all this right here…this is pretty much her "talent"…lol. (if you can call it that…)
I don't hate her. I actually like her music. I don't have all her albums or anything, but when her songs come on the radio, I sing along. She's a TERRIBLE dancer though… so I really wish she would stop trying to dance.
I AM tired of her talking about Chris Brown though. She says she doesn't want his career to suffer but then every 5 minutes she's talking about the "incident" again and bringing everything back up. If you're over it, be over it.
LMAO @ "8head" I had to re-read that twice to figure that out.
+1
I see and agree with Dr.J's points but I have to co-sign TMIMITW on this one. Once you get past the fact that "She ain’t changing the face of music or anything" it's easy to move on with life. I dont own any of her albums or really listen to any of her music unless it comes on the radio. Of course, that can be said for pretty much every artist out right now.
Basically, when it comes to any music made after the 90s #ImTooOldForThisSh*t. Plus, like TMIMITW, I dont have any kids so I could really care less what Ri Ri or any other current dyed haired hoochie mama pop star teeny bopper is doing right about now. Maybe I'll feel different later on in life.
Oh Most. You haven't hurt my feelings with a comment this badly since the disappearing man discussion 😛
Only to some extent do I agree with this post. I agree that she has no really talent; I agree that she is not a role model for young girls, but I think she is entertaining. I am a female (100%str8) and she catches my attention. I think at this point she's a grown woman and realizes the value of a dollar. She sees that YOU! The viewers like sex (sex sells) so that’s what she gives you.
She's making money off of being a freak. Most of the population right now are freaks, were freaks (to my saved ppl), are planning on increasing their freak..lol. So how can we try to call her out for being able to capitalize off of who she really is and who you are? That's why she's still around. People pay to see themselves in her. I know plenty of women who like that crazy shit i.e. being tied up, spanked etc. but are afraid of being looked at as a "freak". I have never heard her say she would like to be a role model for young girls or be a rep for big brother/big sister. She has never tried to take her act to the Disney channel, or maybe I'm unaware. (Monitor what your kids watch).
And as far as her and Chris Brown they both bullshitted on that one.
this post is interesting. i was all ready to come and disagree and type in all caps and such, lol, but i agree with you to some extent.
to be abused by a man is a serious thing. everyone saw her face and it was not okay under any circumstances for him to straight Mike Tyson her whole situation. rihanna is not a small woman, but CB is a MAN. a grown arse big arse strong arse man and i don't care what she said, you don't just annihilate a woman like that, period. he fought her like she was a dude.
that being said… yeah, maybe she shouldn't have kicked him. or even attempted to try a big grown arse man with anger issues in a tiny car. it's clear it was provoked and so yeah, i'm sure she won't do that to any other man. if she learned anything, she should've learned that.
you're right, she seems to have issues and likes starting fires, but honestly, i don't have a problem with rihanna. i have a problem with the fire engine red hair and i think she should've kept her umbrella look, but i've enjoyed most of her singles. "Rude Boy" is my jam. it makes me want to dance all sexy-like and find some (pretend) rude guy to do so with/for. lol. as an adult, i'm okay with that. i DO have a problem with young and teenaged girls wanting to emulate her shut up and drive, whips and chains behavior, but i have a problem with young and teenaged girls emulating 75% of the "artists" out now. Nicki Minaj especially. so while Rihanna is clearly oversexualized and extra kinky, i don't think we can just blame everything on her.
on another note… i feel a little bad for chris. he needs therapy or some sort of behavioral psychologist to help him. i think his fit at GMA is a clear sign of that. i honestly don't think he's a bad guy, and he has a lot of talent. i think it's indicative of deeper issues that no one around him seems to take seriously. i hope they both just get it together.
I was with you till you said Chris Brown has a lot of talent. For a n*gga who ain't that highly rated, Chris Brown is still overrated as far as talent is concerned.
lol well he's a great dancer to be 6'2 and not skinty. he's pretty limber. and his voice isn't bad at all. i've heard him live (my little sis was a CB FANATIC) and he sounded much better than i expected. so, i don't think he's overrated, really.
The boy can dance tho!
I agree, Most. CB is overrated. He's a basic popstar just like everybody else. Though, that boy shole can dance…
I agree Muze, Chris Brown definitely needs professional help and a mentor as well. I know Kevin Powell offered to help him and even wrote him an open letter but I wished more men in the industry would speak to him and mentor him (if they haven't already).
Yeah I read that open letter. I think it shouldn't have been open.
Matter of fact, I don't get the whole concept of an "open letter" unless you're trying to blast someone on the sly.
If you really care, why not keep trying to get in touch with me on a personal level. I doubt Chris Brown contacted Kevin Powell after that. I know I wouldn't have…
this.
i read it too, and i think it would've been much better for him to just contact Chris's people. he did that for attention, and maybe his intentions were good within that, but … that's not the way to reach out to someone if you seriously want to help.
he does need a mentor though. badly.
I agree with both Muze and TRS, although Kevin had good intentions he went about it all wrong. I doubt CB even read it.
Plus Kev has his won history of violence against women…
IM the fact that he has a history with domestic violence makes him a good candidate to be a mentor for CB. In the letter he addressed his violent past and said that dealing with his issues is an ongoing thing. It's not something that can be fixed after a few therapy sessions. I think CB would be able to identify with Kevin and relate to him on some level as oppose to someone who has never been in a similar situation.
Correction IM should be IMO.
Thats TRUE! I forgot about that…
Not only did Kevin Powell write him a letter, but also Russell Simmons. They are both google accessible.
But aside, I can tell you why people chose to write open letters. It's almost the same as a listserve conversation. It's because a lot of people can learn from the situation and not only C.B. needed that message. Another reason is that usually when situations arise a lot of people reach out but the public figure is not taking any calls or messages. So it's kind of hard to get in contact with someone. Imagine for a moment when Kanye decided to just move to Japan for six months after his Taylor Swift fiasco. He said himself, he never even saw most of the backlash because he wasn't even in the States.
What I will say is that Russ's letter should have been read by most men.
The last thing i'll say because this ain't bout Chris Brown. Is his situation is ironic because you can tell that people are trying to reach out, but he's failling ot realize that he's lost a lot of privileges in the game. Neither CB or Rih have the right people around him. Like I said in my open letter to him, "You just needed a dude to tell you that you didn't have to go that route, and also, put your damn shirt back on. Your mans and them is jah puss for not saying nothing." Same thing for Rih, she don't have any friends that will be like, "Honey, put some clothes on. You ain't got to show them all that. The curves and the lyrics will sell it just fine."
"It’s because a lot of people can learn from the situation and not only C.B. needed that message. Another reason is that usually when situations arise a lot of people reach out but the public figure is not taking any calls or messages."
Well… I get that part…
It just seems very impersonal to me to write an open letter to someone that you really want to reach out to. Why not just write a generic essay on the subject of domestic violence without putting C.B.'s name in it if he wanted to use this situation to speak to others that have struggled with the same problems? And if he's not responding to people wanting to help him, then I doubt that reading an open letter that someone he doesn't even know wrote to him and published on the internet for everyone to see is going to help matters any.
I'm just saying…If I put myself in Chris' shoes, I probably wouldn't have responded to Kevin, either…
The problem is y'all pay way too much attention to all that extra stuff. Sure she can't sing. Sure she hypersexualizes her image a bit. Sure she played the victim like it was for an Oscar.. but really.. Who cares? Only attention Rihanna gets from me is a listen. And whatever she is doing, it's being done right cuz I'm enjoying her music. Can't knock her hustle, negroes been doing way too much to sell records for decades (gangsta rap, etc.)
This post is that old hateration and everybody in agreement is dancing to a hater beat.. hate on haters! Hate on..
Feeling a little 'fierce' today are we?
LMAO..love it.
I'm sorry, I read this, then I look at Rem's avatar (pause) and I just picture son saying his comment out loud with all sorts of neck rolling and finger snapping.
Strange' everybdoy… Strange'
#NoDisresepctTho
Too funny!
Eff Rihanna? Why yes…yes I will.
<blockquote cite="comment-302625">
Animate: Eff Rihanna? Why yes…yes I will.
TWHS!!!
rhianna is my fashion god and she can almost do no wrong when it comes to that. Plus she fun to watch in interviews. That is all. I like her songs but the only thing I'll buy from her is her purfume. Concert tickets…not so much.
Wow, the SBM pot of haterade must've been a pretty good brew this morning.
She's an entertainer and she makes music people sing and dance too. She's in tune with her sexual prowess and I appreciate her for it. She's isn't trying to win a Congressional Medal or NAACP Image award (which she would get for Freak, besting Nicki) and seems to be enjoying life and the attention. I got better things to do than judge a young woman (she's 23) who's still growing and making tons of money.
And if she threw that thing on me… Chains and Whips DO excite me.
Each day I find it harder and harder not to put you on the summer jam screen. You prove that most of the people who claim someone is a hater is in fact a hater themselves. If i'm a hater, then you must be an "abominator." You hate on people who talk about religion, people who decide to be monogamous, people who decide to be political, you hate on just about everything anyone says here, but SBM's haterade is a good brew this morning? You can't be serious dog.
Doctor, take a chill pill and enjoy your day, its going up to 80 in NYC and I plan on being outside for most it.
If you really feel a certain way, I'll buy you a drink and we can talk it out.
::Bro Hug::
Funny, my entire response to you was showing you how I was remaining chill.
In fact, my first response was to say, "Chill. You're bugging." But I didn't want to "insult" or "attack" you.
I FULY cosign this.
And I've met the girl…she is NOT a nice person.
I hate using the word "bitch"….but if the dog collar fits….
I will agree with you on a couple of things Yes; Rihanna has no talent and Yes the Chris Brown incident was one sided However here are a couple of things
1) Not to make this racial but there are a lot of young white girls, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus who cannot singing and have no real talent but are getting paid why am I not going to support Rihanna a black singer doing the same. (Hell if I could get paid millions for something I can't do well I would do it sorry that's just the truth)
2) Chris Brown is a young guy and considering the crap he pulled on Good Morning America where he vandalized their property he has a lot to learn. 1) don't hit a women b/c even if she started it first you are going to be portrayed has the monster and 2) Learn how to control your emotions especially your anger
3) About her being scantly clad lol EVERY YOUNG SINGER DOES THIS. From Lady Gaga to even Beyonce, hell I've seen Beyonce spread her legs like an eagle in a chair or we're going to forgive her b/c she can hit a few high notes?
4) Your 12 year old cousin should not be idolizing singers she should be looking towards her parents for inspiration or women who have done great things not entertainers.
Rihanna talking about what she likes in bed she's a grown a*s women. She has sex and judging by
her comments from that interview she likes freaky sex. What she has to act like Janet Jackson back in the late 80's early 90's singing "Let's Wait While". How long do you want her to wait before she's free to talk about her sexuality? Hell even Janet couldn't wait after a while.
I'm NOT a Rihanna fan at all but I have to view this in a different light. Yes she can't sing, cant perform blah blah blah she's awful but their are many people who are out their getting paid for doing nothing ( Kim Kardashian, The cast of Jersey Shore) getting paid for something their not even good at ( Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus). So I'm not going to sit here and condemn Rihanna or anyone for that matter.
(*First Time Poster Long Time Visitor)
Sorry didn't mean to double post 🙁
AMEN to number 1. oh good Lawd that Taylor Swift canNOT sing.
…but i still enjoy a couple of her songs. lol
I LOVE Taylor Swift!!!!
Well… "recorded" Taylor Swift… not "live" Taylor Swift.
She's a helluva song writer, tho…
You didn't name not one person who sells s*x. And later on i'm going to speak on Madonna, Lady Gaga and Salt-n-Pepa and bring this home FTW. And just because someone else does it, don't make it right.
#4 – Chill. My cousins actually don't. But you and I both know that we lost that battle a long time ago with the youth. Of course our youth should be looking to their parents for guidance, but at the same time, it's not a reality as much anymore. Statements like that allude to how in touch we are with our youth in 2011.
And also, Rihanna is 23 years old. Most of this music came out before she was 21 years old. Janet Jackson was over the age of 30 when the Velvet Rope came out. And after a kid, failed marriage, and several years in the industry Janet earned the right. BUT, she never disrespected herself. She never lost her self-respect.
"Of course our youth should be looking to their parents for guidance, but at the same time, it’s not a reality as much anymore. Statements like that allude to how in touch we are with our youth in 2011."
I don't think I'm out of touch with today's youth but I realized parenting has become very relaxed and parents are allowing TV to raise their kids. I know you can't be all hands on but I can't see the difference between when I was raised and now expect parents are less involved.
So what you want Rihanna to wait till she's 30 or she has to earn the right to talk about her sexuality? " (Janet Jackson) "She never lost her self-respect." So we're just going to act like that Super Bowl incident never happened or it was truly a "wardrobe malfunction. Have you seen some of Janet's shows where she gives lap dances and pretends to go down on some male audience member?
Great points! This post could have been written about any number of young woman. The difference being that those other women aren't attached to Chris Brown, and that whole fiasco. She's taking advantage of the industry, and I'm not mad at her for it.
"3) About her being scantly clad lol EVERY YOUNG SINGER DOES THIS. From Lady Gaga to even Beyonce, hell I’ve seen Beyonce spread her legs like an eagle in a chair or we’re going to forgive her b/c she can hit a few high notes?"
I hear people say this about Beyonce alot. I think the difference is that for Beyonce, who she is on stage is just her stage persona. When she gets off the stage she's not like that. Everyone always talks about how sweet and gracious she is. With Rih Rih… who she is on stage seems to be who she is off stage. So… I think people judging Rih in that manner has very little to do with her level of talent and more to do with how she carries herself off stage.
I have visited many blog sites where they do celebrity post and I have seen Rihanna off and on the stage wardrobe and its completely different. I haven't seen her a*s out unless she's on stage. As well I've seen Lady Gaga w/ a*s checks out going to the air port so.
Attitude between the two I think Rihanna is a little more forthcoming with who she really is where Beyonce I hides herself. Yes I believe Beyonce is a bit of a undercover b*tch. Remember a couple years ago when Letoya Luckett ( ex Destiny's child member )came out w/ Torn. She was suppose to perform at the BET awards but Matthew Knowles Beyonce's father and manger made sure he went out of his way to stop that here's the interview where they talk about it http://www.hiphopnewsdaily.com/archives/3327
Well… I don't know Beyonce or Rihanna, so I can't say for sure if either of them are b*tches. I'm talking about perception, only.
And I agree… Rih has great fashion sense off the stage and I don't see her with her butt hanging out often when she's just walking around. When I speak about the way she carries herself I'm speaking on the image that she puts out to the public. Her talking about her sex life, her reputation for playing games and running around with different guys, flipping off the cameras…etc.
Beyonce can get away with doing things that Rihanna can't because Bey does a better job of controlling her image off stage, in my opinion. If she was carrying herself the same way Rih does, people would talk about her too.
Well… I don’t know Beyonce or Rihanna, so I can’t say for sure if either of them are b*tches. I’m talking about perception, only.
And I not exactly calling Bey a bitch but that Letoya Luckett thing is a bitch move it was 10 years ago that the original members were kicked out.
"And I agree… Rih has great fashion sense off the stage and I don’t see her with her butt hanging out often when she’s just walking around. When I speak about the way she carries herself I’m speaking on the image that she puts out to the public. Her talking about her sex life, her reputation for playing games and running around with different guys, flipping off the cameras…etc."
I have nothing against Beyonce ( I enjoy some of her music ) but they try to portray her as a saint sometimes. When she said Jay-Z was her only Boyfriend ummm she dated Marques Houston and Mos Def. Like I said Rihanna is more forthcoming where Bey is more quiet and hides.
"Beyonce can get away with doing things that Rihanna can’t because Bey does a better job of controlling her image off stage, in my opinion. If she was carrying herself the same way Rih does, people would talk about her too."
Exactly so were are giving B a pass b/c she can hit a few more high notes and presence is better.
<blockquote cite="comment-302831">
Kam: Exactly so were are giving B a pass b/c she can hit a few more high notes and presence is better.
Nope… not the high notes. Like i said, Bey just carries herself better. She's more concerned about the image she puts out to the public.
The way you carry yourself can go a long way… like they say. Perception is reality. I just think Rih needs better people…
The comparison you are making is similar to that of MJ and Prince ( hold on these two are above Beyonce and Rihanna in talent, performance in everything that has to do with a true musician singer and entertainer) but I mean as MJ was more reserved why as Prince would be seen with assless pants.
That's Rihanna's image good girl gone bad sticking up the finger and being sexual. I think her PR people push that image. Heck I remember reading one of her PR's fuelled that rumour that she was messing with Jay-Z to keep her name in the headlines. Rihanna's image is packaged and is there to sell albums not necessary for people to love her but to like her enough and enjoy her music so they can go out and buy the albums. That's all Rihanna has at the end of the day her image she cannot really sign or dance so she has to be outlandish to keep people watching and listening. Where Beyonce doesn't need to do that she can get a pass even if she did it but doesn't need to.
Good points. I'm missing how what Rihanna is doing is such a big deal. I just don't understand how people get the feathers ruffled over celebrities. We all have flaws, they're no different. They're trying to make money and there are hundreds of people who do bad things for the dollar every day. Wearing hot pants to sell albums in minor in comparison.
I will agree with you on a couple of things Yes; Rihanna has no talent and Yes the Chris Brown incident was one sided, However here are a couple of things;
1) Not to make this racial but there are a lot of young white girls, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus who cannot singing and have no real talent but are getting paid why am I not going to support Rihanna a black singer doing the same. (Hell if I could get paid millions for something I can't do well I would do it sorry that's just the truth)
2) Chris Brown is a young guy and considering the crap he pulled on Good Morning America where he vandalized their property he has a lot to learn. 1) don't hit a women b/c even if she started it first you are going to be portrayed has the monster and 2) Learn how to control your emotions especially your anger
3) About her being scantly clad lol EVERY YOUNG SINGER DOES THIS. From Lady Gaga to even Beyonce, hell I've seen Beyonce spread her legs like an eagle in a chair or we're going to forgive her b/c she can hit a few high notes? Sex sells period.
4) Your 12 year old cousin should not be idolizing singers she should be looking towards her parents for inspiration or women who have done great things not entertainers.
Rihanna talking about what she likes in bed she's a grown a*s women. She has sex and judging by
her comments from that interview she likes freaky sex. What she has to act like Janet Jackson back in the late 80's early 90's singing "Let's Wait While". How long do you want her to wait before she's free to talk about her sexuality? Hell even Janet couldn't wait after a while.
I'm NOT a Rihanna fan at all but I have to view this in a different light. Yes she can't sing, cant perform blah blah blah she's awful but their are many people who are out their getting paid for doing nothing ( Kim Kardashian, The cast of Jersey Shore) getting paid for something their not even good at ( Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus). So I'm not going to sit here and condemn Rihanna or anyone for that matter.
(*First Time Poster Long Time Visitor)
*pops champagne and sprinkles giant forehead-shaped confetti*
You want to do her too, don't you? Just admit it. I can tell you are working out some "strange and unwanted attraction to Rihanna" issues.
Hmm… I don't know how many times a week I say "Eff Rihanna" myself. I absolutely co-sign everything you have said.
In light of this being Domestic Abuse Month, I want to examine that you pointed out her putting her knees in her chest in and kicking him. She came at that boy like a man. In other words, she was ready to fight and while I don't necessarily condone men hitting women, I will say… If you don't want your arse kicked you might need to sit down and shut up sometimes.
Eventually, she'll have a breakdown where she looks back and says "I've made a fool of myself" and no amount of money in the world is going to stop that realization or the pain that comes from it (see: Spears, Britney). It sucks that you have to see a black woman exhibiting her own mental instabilities in this way but this is what happens to us. I noted that someone mentioned Miley, Lindsay and Kim K. up above. There's a HUGE difference having less to do with skin color and more with what is said and how it's said. The only total train wreck there is LiLo. Kim K. can make sex videos until the end of time and she's always going to make money because she is not saying, "Well, I was abused"… She's saying let's make money.
This child clearly needs a damn psychologist.
<blockquote cite="comment-302642">
DeKeLa:
Wow, the SBM pot of haterade must’ve been a pretty good brew this morning.
She’s an entertainer and she makes music people sing and dance too. She’s in tune with her sexual prowess and I appreciate her for it. She’s isn’t trying to win a Congressional Medal or NAACP Image award (which she would get for Freak, besting Nicki) and seems to be enjoying life and the attention. I got better things to do than judge a young woman (she’s 23) who’s still growing and making tons of money.
And if she threw that thing on me… Chains and Whips DO excite me.
This is nice. I effs with this comment because it shows that something is clearly not jumping off right… She is NOT in touch with her sexual prowess. I'm reading that she is exhibiting this type of sexual prowess as an outlet for the unexpressed emotions of witnessing abuse(and possibly being abused) as a child. This does not just happen to her (or other famous women). I guarantee you if you check around you will find the promiscuous chicks on college campuses everywhere are trying to overcompensate for the love they missed out on.
Go ahead and take advantage of that. These women end up on Snapped too.
It's your blog, you can write about whatever you like. I'm a fan of Rihanna. Do I like her music? Yes. She's on my "get ready to go out" music rotation. Do I like her? Well, no because I don't know her. I don't really pay attention to what she says, I don't catch too many performances, etc. But a whole post dedicated to how much you hate her? Am I the only one side eyeing this? I guess my point is, why do you care so much? Why are you so angry about what this woman does? She's young and doing what she wants while making alot of money. I see famous people doing all kinds of sh*t I don't agree with but I never let it get my panties in a bunch. Truth be told, I wonder what you would say to her if she was ever in your face. People go in on celebrities and when they see them, they ask for a picture or smile like the Kool-Aid man. To be honest, all the people going in does read like a mini Hate Fest and no I'm no hater.
As far as her being a role model, why should a 23 year-old woman be a role model to children? Parents need to be their children's role models and filter what they listen to. As far as the Chris Brown thing, WE WEREN'T THERE. <— I had to shout that. I dunno what she did/he did and neither do any of you. As far as her fakeness or image, she's trying to sell records. It's a business. How many "real" artists are out there? Probably very few.
We got 99 problems and a Black pop star aint one. lol (I thought that was pretty funny)
I wonder if Rihanna gives a sh*t about all the Black people who hate her? Hmmm…the world may never know.
I dont think I have ever agreed with you more right now than this exact moment.
Thank You.
I've been labeled judgmental on several occasions, lol. I dish out criticism, but I can take it as well.
You don't need to know a person to decide whether or not you agree with what they represent/stand for. And while I wasn't in the car with them, I'm quite sure the majority of the information in the police affidavit was accurate…so we DO know enough of what went down to form loose opinions. I'm sure no one's losing sleep over her or any other whack artist, lol. But, that doesn't keep their shinanigans from getting under your skin from time to time…causing you to whip out your soap box and vent. Some people's tolerance for shinanigans are lower than others, lol…
If Dr. J were to start a "EFF RiRi!" campaign…a march, rally, website, t-shirts…then, I'd give the side-eye, question his motives, etc, lol.
I'm just happy this post wasn't about Lil'Wayne…or pop culture in general which the majority seems to deem acceptable and enjoyable! My beef is waaaaaay beyond Ms. Rihanna, lol.
I hear you. I dish it and can take it but to me this is alittle diff. We're going in on some young pop star who is successful world wide because she does a few things that we don't agree with. That is what might make some want to call this "hating". The fact that someone can have record breaking success and have a few flaws that people feel the need to go in on. It's not even balanced because we can love artists like Rick Ross and Gucci Mane yet go in on Rihanna and Beyonce. It just sounds a bit haterish to me. My point is there are ALOT of musicians that do things I don't agree with. It's the strength of anger today that I feel is alittle bit much for some girl. I can understand it. I don't get Rihanna's image but I'm not going to get bent out of shape. It's not like the girl is hurting anyone with her lyrics.
<blockquote cite="comment-302853">
SmartFoxGirl: It’s not even balanced because we can love artists like Rick Ross and Gucci Mane yet go in on Rihanna and Beyonce.
I couldn't even tell you the title of a Rick Ross or Gucci Mane hit…crazy, cause I'm still in my 20's (for just a few brief moments)! LOL! I'm totally unbiased in my "hate"! I can't get with ANY of it. I believe all that mess (not just black entertainment either) IS hurting society. ALL OF IT! And I think it's sad that we don't recognize it. That, for me, is VERY frustrating…especially trying to raise two sons.
Maybe it's the old lady parent in me that makes me view all this the way I do…
This comment right here!!!
I am right with you on the side-eye for this post. But oh well… *shrugs*
Disclaimer: This is not necessarily pointed in your direction, SFG.
I love how people pull out the word hate (haterade, etc.) whenever someone feels like throwing it out there. All day l read stuff on Twitter and blogs about Tyler Perry, and I NEVAH hear nothing about no haters then. I can see multiple posts dedicated to TP, and still nothing. I've seen posts dedicated to Wacka, nothing. I've seen posts dedicated to Bishop Eddie Long… nothing. See where I'm going with this? Just because a person has an opinion (strong or otherwise) on a very public figure doesn't make them a hater. These people put themselves in the limelight, and are therefore opening themselves up for scrutinization. Where can I officially sign to have the word hater pulled from every single person's vocabulary?
When I saw the title, I thought NC-17 was the guest blogger today. After reading this, I'll say NC-17 is winning.
Damn, so my comment really didn't post. *sighs*
Welp, I basically said…I effs with RiRi to an extent. She's nice to look at as she pushes the envelope with her overall fashion and style. I like some of the music she puts out. Once upon a time, she could sing too. I remember going to a listening party for her and Ne-yo before they "blew" up and she sounded good. I don't know where this Bajan goat wail she's been using as of lately came from.
I do get tired of people saying "Chris needs a mentor. Chris needs anger management. Chris needs to see a therapist". The same list applie to Rihanna as well. For all instensive purposes, Rihanna is just entertainment. Nothing more, nothing less. But that's neither here nor there. I guess what I'm saying is, Rihanna doesn't bother me. *shrugs*
I know that sex sells, and I'm all about sexual empowerment and all that jazz – but seriously, why are we taking all of this from a 23 YEAR-OLD?!?!
I'm not hating on her – her songs are entertaining, even if she can't sing worth a dime. (I'd like to note that no one has even bothered to refute this argument. Which begs the question why we even started listening to her in the first place. I mean, it's not like she looked that great when Pon De Replay came out).
However, would I want to ask college me what my sexual preferences were? Because she's essentially a college age student, guys. And that's what bothers me. Like, no girl in that age group is truly one with their p*ssy – unless she started throwing it down at the age of 15. And then you hear about her rolling around w/ guys like Ryan Phillippe and Collin Farrell who are easily in their 30s – any girl like that gets a side eye from me.
And I don't buy the whole "she's an artist, not a role model" BS. Because 1) she clearly is not an artist, she's an image, and 2) anytime you mass-produce anything thats available for the masses of pre-teens to download, you've gotta be conscious of that. ESPECIALLY since she labels herself a pop artist.
100% cosign, you took the words out of my mouth
This makes perfect sense.
I'm impartial to Robyn Fenty… I do like some of her music for the most part especially that new joint "Man Down" I think she has a decent voice, No she's definitely isn't NO BEY OR JEN HUDSON but she makes it do what it do and let's be real if I can get paid millions of $$$ to belt out some songs and strut around in unitards/bodysuits with different hairstyles/colors and 1,456 tattoos (BTW- I don't think all of her tats are real) shoo I'll be a character too.
She likes pushing the envelope to keep herself relevant – I respect her hustle, she isn't a role model by far but then again that's not her JOB her job is to ENTERTAIN not MENTOR.
I've actually been a Rhianna fan since she first came out and was riding with the reggeton trend. I even bought "Loud" (and I'm kinda salty about it). I never thought that she was any more talented than the next chick, but her songs have always been catchy and she is very beautiful to look at. I also think she has been pre-packaged and her image has been altered to make her more appealing to the masses. I don't think that any of what she projects to the public is her actual personality. At first she seemed similar to Beyonce to me and now she has evolved into this darker person. I think that happens with alot of entertainers and thats why we can't really call them artists because they aren't creating art, but we still enjoy what they do. At this point in her career I kind of feel sorry for her because I think she's obviously frontin and turning her personal life into a show our entertainment. I think that she's pushing the envelope so far that there's nowhere left to go but farther and farther to the darkside and that's why she's talking all this yang about her sex life and being submissive and whatever.
After reading only the first few paragraphs of this post on my BBerry this a.m., I'd already constructed (in my head) my rebuttal. How Rihanna has found her own niche…she's a POP star, not an R&B star (and pop stars aren't as acclaimed for their vocals as R&B artists), how she's young and everybody makes mistakes sometimes, <del datetime="2011-04-26T14:25:41+00:00">how I have a girl crush on her</del>, etc. etc. etc. But then I logged in from my computer, read the whole article….and saw the picture.
So never mind.
I am wondering, though, if you plan to do an "Eff Beyonce" post for that GARBAGE single <del datetime="2011-04-26T14:25:41+00:00">that got "leaked"</del> she just released in the midst of Kelly Rowland's "Motivation" success…..
That single…SMMFH! And I Stan for Bey…HARD!!! But that single is the beginning of a Hollywood divorce b/c that sh*t is trash! If her 2nd single isn't strong, I'll after leave her @ss
So glad to know that I am not alone. That single is hot garbage. I gave it several listens and tried to be objectionable but that shat sucks! Goes to show you Beyonce can fart on a record and people will be like "O shid she is creating a new genre" no you monkeyfu*ks she is farting on wax.
Lol and I actually like Beyonce!
I've always said the child couldn't sing but I LOVE her stylist and producers and sound engineers. They are the REAL stars. She's a pretty girl and thats all it takes these days.
Good Post Sir
I wrote this blog post two years ago. Still, kudos.
I thought about something on the way in to work today and I wanted to share because it may shed a little more insight.
Nobody is saying that i've always hated Rihanna, let me be clear. This is sort of like, and as men we deal with this a lot. You have that friend who is a habitual line stepper, but that's your friend. You will ride or die with him. However there comes a time when you are like, "Wait… wait…. son, where you going with this? Yo chill…. you're bugging!" About twenty minutes after that if you're friend is still going HAM, that's when you got to say, "I don't f*ck with that cat like that anymore."
All that to say, it wasn't spontaneous with Rihanna, it was just like at a certain point I had enough and I felt like I had this on my mind and just needed to let it go. I was with her all the way up until times of recent. After that Rolling Stone article I was like, "This has gone on long enough, I can't cosign this anymore." That happens all the time in our lives, we try and ride out for someone as long as we can then you just got to be like, "Nah chill, they on they own."
And this right here is what I am talking about.
Why sit around and let someone f*ck up without saying something about it? I'd rather speak up and say something and be called a "hater" than sit round and condone it and be blamed when the sh*t hits the fan
Her whole image and persona has been carefully crafted by her handlers, managers etc. etc.
I doubt if any of it is authentic at all. My first introduction to Rihanna was a video they use to play at my gym and it was basically about as G rated as a Disney cartoon.
Then when she came with the umbrella song they changed her image.
I haven't seen an image change this drammatic since MC Hammer turned gangster. Some of yall too young to remember that. But it was the same deal. This is nothing new.
"Pumps and a bump, Pumps and a bump, we like the girls with the Pumps and a bump"
Ohhh! You bringing it back! I remember when it (I think) premiered on Arsenio Hall. lol!
Funny thing that people are forgetting is sometimes the artist does have say over their own image. Once an artist has reached a certain level of success, the record company will tend to grant them more license to "express" themselves. When an artist is first signed, you're right, they are only a product of their handlers. Once a fan base has been established, and the artist has reached a certain level of return on investment, the handlers fall back.
Do you think it may be a little bit hypocritical for you to imply that people shouldn't be judging Chris Brown for what he did to Rihanna, but you are judging her for what happened to her, right now? It may not be the message you intended to get across, but the responses to this article reaffirm my conclusion that you basically wrote a post about how because she lacks talent and was abused, she shouldn't be famous and certainly shouldn't be sexual.
All your arguments about why she's horrible stem from that same incident and her lack of talent. The difference is, she's never said she was amazingly talented and she owns what happened to her and doesn't let it define her.
A large reason for why Chris Brown isn't rebounding from this incident is because of Chris Brown. aka Why Won't Chris Brown let Chris Brown be great?
My real issue with this post is that it feels very much like victim blaming. The affidavit was multiple pages, but you highlighted two passages and then framed them to imply she had it coming to her. "You mean she kicked the shit out of him?" Could it have been possible he lunged at her and she was protecting herself? "Don't go through people's phone." Is that an invitation to an *sswhooping?
I was dismayed at the post and at many of the comments that cosigned with you and mentioned the attack. If you are simply stating Rihanna is hypersexualized, I will agree with you (although, that can be said about many artists, especially male artists today — i.e. Trey Songz, Usher, Plies to name a few). If you are saying she lacks talent, I will agree with you (although, that's not what sells records anymore anyway). If you are saying that she isn't a good role model, I will agree (but parents are supposed to parent, not entertainers). But if you saying that her abuse was in anyway the result of her own actions, that she should not express herself about her experiences, or she is not able to speak candidly about what she likes sexually, I can't cosign and I won't. People buy into her brand and they are allowed to. Speaking on her experiences is her prerogative and shouldn't be seen as a condemnation of Chris Brown (except that it is, he shouldn't have attacked her and shouldn't continue showing emotional immaturity) or some sort of slap in the face to everyone who supported her after the incident.
She likes rough sex, so? Many people do, does that mean she should be abused? Or is it because she was abused, she can't say she likes rough sex?
Its completely your option to not like her and to tell people why you don't, I just wanted to add my two cents.
Also, I just read your recent comment about what made it so you wrote the post. I found that a clearer expression of your feelings than the post itself.
Thanks for writing this. I'd hate for this to become a "Rihanna bashing/hating episode", but its important that the topic is addressed.
The friendship (in my head) with Rihanna ended long ago. I never thought she could sing; her voice is quite annoying BUT she had this sweet image of an island girl and I could dig it.
Fast forward to 2011: Its frustrating that I work with SEVERAL 5 to 8 year olds who are named after her (and dont hesitate to let you know that); mostly because the image she potrays is not a good one.
I'm tired of this whole image over actual talent thing in the music industry. This is why I only listen to Jazz and it has rubbed off on my son, he loves it.
I'm not sure how long this whole image/behavior can last, it's very self-destructive and I like Dr. J have questioned her sanity many times–as well as her use of drugs.
First time poster here, long time lurker
I agree with what Dr. J says. Rihanna is very annoying. She's being promoted and promoted because of her sexualized music because I have yet to see a performance from her that is worthy of her being famous. She hardly dances all she can do is gyrate, she sounds like a goat, and her songs are nothing more than porno music and fist pumping club anthems lol.
But we live in a world where product and image trumps real talent. Tis life, and until that changes the artists like rihanna will stay.
Welcome! Once you pop (comment), you can't stop. Just saying.
WOW lol
Offtopic/sidenote: For all of the commenters that would like to relegate the responsibility of mentoring and guiding children to solely the parents — let's be real. Less than a month ago, a mother of 4 drove her van into the Hudson River, only the 10 yr old survived. Parents — yeah … some of them are fallible.
**Big Brothers & Big Sisters is currently experiencing a severe shortage of mentors … time to step up for our community, folks.**
AND…we responsible parents, who do monitor what our children feed their brains, have to send our children to school with children who's parents don't parent at all. Again, this society is all for self…and it's sad. We have no sense of community. Where is "the village" now that I'm trying to raise my little black men?
Parenting is already hard and unnecessary mess for the sake of "fun"/"art"/"entertainment" is helping (not the sole reason) to make it IMPOSSIBLE!
As a musician (and I use the word loosely) I like rhi-rhi when she's poppy and fun. All that dark stuff she was coming out right before and right after "the incident" scared me :S but somehow even ttat was catchy ::shrugs::
As a person, she seems cool but I do think she needs better people around her. How is it that once people become rich and/or famous no one is willing to tell them when they're f***in up?
She's definitely hypersexualized and I wonder how much is actually part of her personality, how much is a mask she's hiding behind and how much is just part of the image she's selling.
*Sidenote* the reason it takes a village to raise a child is because parents aren't enough. For one thing, children don't listen to their parents and for another children aren't just influenced by their parents. Take it or leave it, pop culture has an effect on our children's development so famous people (especially mainstream) need to have some social responsibility
I think Rihanna is entertaining as hell! Besides Madonna when was the last time we've seen a woman put her whole sexual self out there like that? I'll wait…
Of course it's a bit de'classe' but if Trey Songz can invent sex & make love faces, and tell the world that the neighbors know his name then RiRi can tell the world she loves S&M!!
and some folks relate…I've never been abused and I have a great father – but S&M is my song! Not every sexual deviant is a social deviant….Same here… Now where did I put that darn gag?
I like RhiRhi. Actually, I love this chick. She makes good pop music, something to dance to at the club or around the house in your t-shirt and panties. And she's hot. Cute in the face, and has sex appeal. However…
I can't help but feel this is all staged, a re-invention of herself as a way to show some semblance of control over her life. The oversexualized nature of the industry supports this, and unfortunately, the industry doesn't care if this is just her messed up way of dealing with her personal demons.
Both Rhianna and CB are acting out in ways that both emotionally and psychologically dangerous. And they both need good people to reach out to them, and help them deal with their issues away from the spotlight. However, they both have to be willing to accept the help. You can't force adults to seek therapy or listen to their elders unless you have them committed. And I don't think there are any grounds to have neither one of them committed. However, if CB continues to act out his anger issues, there may be a good case that he needs serious help before he becomes a danger to himself.
I think the difference is with Madonna it was real. There is hardly anthing real in the music buisness these days.
All the rappers are doing Tupac impersonations.
And most of the R & B singers are doing Madonna or Bobby Brown.
There is just not of orginality left in the industry.
First MC Hammer? Now Bobby Brown references.
MAN HOW OLD IS YOU?!
Funny thing about this comment is the part about Pac. Because that dude was bout that life, but then again he wasn't bout that life.
When I return from Baja Fresh and/or Chipotle, I will write the definitive on Lady Gaga, Madonna and Salt-n-Pepa, but like I said, it all comes down to SELF RESPECT.
Did you miss when Pink left R&B behind? That was a swift image change. Granted, it was because she left her label.
Yes. And also when Kid Rock stopped rappin and became a rock singer.
Same with Everlast from House of Pain. He was actually a West Coast Gangster Rapper before he made Jump Around. Then after Jump Around he became Whitey Ford and started singing white trash folk songs. ROFL
Oh and don't forget Dr. Dre from the World Class Wrecking Crew with the finger waves and lip stick.
But some image changes take you back to your roots. Rihanna's image change just seems fake and contrived to me.
Not the Disney Channel but she did perform Rude Boy at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards one year. To her credit, she did attempt to edit the song but by then it was too late – all the kids in the audience were BELTING the right lyrics and had me like 0_o
Link me.
#cosign
this is pretty much exactly how I feel about Rihanna.
Also, a lot of people are saying she's just an image/she's a product/she can't sing but it's cool. Why do we as a people presently let artists get away with continuing to feed us HORRIBLE music? How many times will "it's catchy" pass for a hit? I blame the artists..but I also blame the consumers. Mostly the consumers. Real artists get no shine because people have no problem blasting Soulja Boy on the block. UGH.
he is a great dancer. his vocals leave much to be desired, but aren't horrible. He's more talented than Rihanna.
Rihanna is so beautiful! Although I hate red hair on her. I know thats probably irrelevant to this entire post…and it in no way justifies her behavior/lack of talent.
But just throwing it out there. #dontjudgeme
*goes back to listening to the Billie Holiday station on Lastfm*
Sorry but I'm reading this as directed towards me since it's under my comment. I see you quoted all posts written on VSB. lol Yes hate is subjective but allow me to share what me, myself and I deem a hater: when you throw hard core shade on someone who does way more good than bad. Perfect example: Beyonce. The girl is talented, the most selling female artist for many years, broke records, numerous charity foundations YET people dedicate posts, blogs etc to hating her. THAT would make them a hater in my eyes. Even Tyler Perry, as I said on VSB, people hate on this man. He's done more good and is the most successful Black director to date yet people find the small stereotypes in his films that are in MANY other Black films that we support. THAT would make them a hater in my eyes. However someone like Eddie deserves every word of scrutiny because he was accused of hurting people as well as stealing from his own church, etc. To me, there's a big difference. Forming opinions, judging, etc…all of this is human nature. Hate isn't human nature to me but then again, it's all subjective. Btw, if you're hinting that I cosign posts on VSB and nosign posts on SBM, not so in my opinion. I disagree with them all of the time too. 🙂
SFG,
Chill calling Tyler Perry the most successful Black director to date, you showing out. You let me know when Tyler even gets on the same street as Spike and then i'll take your opinion on Black filmmaking seriously again.
Sidenote, I said this offline but i'll say it to your face. You're bugging. If I wanted to say I hate Rihanna, I would have said that. People love throwing out the term, oh you're being a hater. No there's a clear difference between being a hater (something you do a lot of…) and just simply not f*cking with someone off the strength of what they stand for. People need to understand the difference.
Well, you're reading quite a bit into alla dat. I only put this comment under yours because it was the 3rd (or 4th) mentioning that this post is more or less hate, and I didn't feel like scrolling through more to find a more appropriate post to comment to before losing my train of thought. I said nothing about VSB (which I love thoroughly) as they aren't the only blog that has ever posted on these topics, and I did mention the rounds of "hate" towards a lot of folks on Twitter. I'm not hinting at anything that you may or may not have cosigned on any site, as I've more than once said that I rarely even skim the gigantic comments section on VSB, much less enough to form an opinion on what you regularly cosing on. However you read into that isn't about something I did or didn't hint at. If I were to hint passive aggressively (or even aggressively) at something, there would be no doubt at what I'm hinting at.
I still stand by my opinion that the word hate is just… something else. I mean, does someone doing a ton of good negate the ill feelings a person may have towards them. I don't like Beyonce. Aside from something just irking me about her, I don't like the way the whole DC thing went down. I have a lot of opinions about Bey, but I like a lot of her music. I have 2 of her CDs. I gave Bey my hardworking money for those things (me no download illegally, you heathens). I still don't like her though, I won't ever go to a concert of hers, I turn the channel when a video of hers is on. I still can't subject myself to Goldmember more than the one time I did. If that makes me a hater, then so be it.
To me, a hater is someone who hates because they're basically jealous of that person's success. I think she (or the studio behind her) makes great music. I say bully for her in regards to her success. I've even found myself defending her on more than one occasion. I just don't like her. None of those feelings I have toward her have to stem from hating. I think it's hard to disagree that the word hating has turned into some Cloverfield type beast, and I for one will be happy to lead the charge to kill it.
As for Eddie Long, you are completely right there.
**stands up and starts to applaud**
great post. i never liked rihanna. that umbrella song started my dislike for her. i never understood why people liked her. talentless. i do like her nipple rings though. *shrug*
I take Rihanna for what she is. Just a pop singer with catchy tunes. She's definitely not a diva by any means and her stage presence is non-existence. She's getting a bit better at the latter, I've noticed.
I actually love the red hair on her. I think it's quirky and it fits her. I definitely gave pause when she released "Rude Boy" amongst all the Breezy hoopla. While it's a catchy club song on its own, the undertones of it all make ya cringe a bit.
I ain't eeeeem gon' lie, doe. I WANT her figure. Fin.
So glad to know that I am not the only one that thinks she has yet to show us her talent. She is a walking gimmick. Being naked and dying your hair weird colors to the point where you are bald is her thing. OK.
I think she is doing all these things because she is trying to stay relevant. Look at her first two albums, A Girl Like Me and Music of the Sun. Her image was exactly the same. She was this "nice" girl with long brown hair talking bout P.S. Still Not Over You and SOS now she talking about S&M and Raining Men.
This reinvented, super sexual, pop diva feels a little fake.
Her style-someone else came up with it.
Her songs-she doesnt write them.
Her moves-what moves??
The masses jam to her songs CUZ SHE DONT WRITE THEM. The Ne-yo's and The Dream's of the world do. Hell I know I do.
I appreciate growth as an artist but talking bout whips and chains and how you want it put on you dont classify you as maturing as an artist. Twelve year olds talk about sex and they are NOwhere near being mature.
Someone needs to have a "Come to Jesus" talk with her. Chris did some rehabilitation for what happen and we see that he still needs it. Riri (as far as we know) hasn't. She takes every opportunity to talk about it. She hasnt moved on regardless of how much she tries to fake it.
<blockquote cite="comment-299266">
Tha Management:
Do you think it may be a little bit hypocritical for you to imply that people shouldn’t be judging Chris Brown for what he did to Rihanna, but you are judging her for what happened to her, right now?It may not be the message you intended to get across, but the responses to this article reaffirm my conclusion that you basically wrote a post about how because she lacks talent and was abused, she shouldn’t be famous and certainly shouldn’t be sexual.
I dont think that is what this post was conveying at all. People judge CB and they will til the day he dies. But they both were guilty in the incident. Chris had no right to put his hands on her but she cant play the victim role exclusively.
Let me go thru my dudes phone and the kick the sh*t out of him and see if he dont get a little upset.
She isnt owning what happened to her because she hasnt moved past it. People dont see her actions as acting out because she is being super sexual. I bet if she was walking round throwing chairs (like Chris) they would say she was acting out because of her abuse.
Some people heal, some people do not and some take for ever to get over stuff…..i think she can get over it….when it does happen..if it has not happened to you..no one has he right to dictate when u should get over abuse….seriously!!!!..i do not agree with her imagine seeing that am a bit of a goody two shoes..but its her LIFE, HER IMAGINE..She can do what ever she wants…people live your lives…
What happened? Comments missing and the likes got erased.
Ooooh let it out girl. My daughter's new thing is "What the?" Lip pop aint the word. I totally understand. I need a manual!! She repeats foolishness she hears in school alot. I feel like doing a slap-through her entire class. I have no advice for you except put the fear of death in him. I kid I kid. We have to fight each and every little battle in order to win the war. Good luck and God speed. 🙂
I don't think Most listens to Chris Brown though. He's super talented. The reason why he pushed other mega artists like Usher out was because he was able to, at a young age, sing and dance. He was acknowledged by his peers for being the closest thing to MJ anyone had seen in years. He can sing acapella, he can sing in the studio, he can sing at a concert, dude even went in the bassment with Tig and killed it several times on the freestyle tip.
OK, i'm jocking.. but.
Chris is uber talented in so many ways. His ability to sing and dance shouldn't be in question. Maybe his acting is a little off, but it's better than Bey lol.
If this blogpost would have been about Chris Brown, I would have had more to say… Rihanna does nothing for me… I respect the fact that she has a p*ssy & she is rich
You know I rock a kevlar on the reg my dude. But they guns ain't got no bullets.
Personally, the ONLY part of this article I agree with is that Rihanna is milking the whole Chris Brown incident. Otherwise, I'm not really feeling the Rihanna-bashing. I actually like Rihanna. People like her music because you can dance to it (like most pop music being produced these days) and some people can relate.
Sure, she's got "daddy issues," but so do a lot of women. I don't think they should be condemned for it.
I'm just tired of Black people hating on their "own." This girl has reached mega-stardom, broken records and done it all based on image alone (as you stated)!! I'm happy for her because so many "others" have been able to reach these levels, lacking talent AND image.
You don't see White people tearing down Madonna because of her hypersexuality, or the fact that she really can't sing or dance. We are the only ones who publicly diss our own people because we don't "agree" with their lifestyle or the way they make their money. If you don't like her, don't support her, but why start an "Eff Rihanna" campaign? Why knock her hustle?
I discuss the issue of female artists as a whole pimping themselves in order to sell records because it isn't JUST Rihanna. http://thirtythoughts.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/gr…
"wrong… WRONG… WRONG!" – Charlie Murphy
You don't remember how they came after Madonna in the 80s. Even MTV banned some of her videos. When MTV is banning your videos you know you f*cked up. People refused to buy her albums, boycotted, and they even had large protests about her hypersexuality.
currently on a plane rocking out to Rihanna. lol. forgot how many of her songs i actually like. thanks for the reminder Doc. lol
just wanted to say that. in-flight internet ftw. 🙂
"common sense is out the door, can't seem to find the loccck…" -RiRi. lolol. from "SOS"
I have heard this about her, too from people who've met her. I've also heard/read she was kinda 'loose' growing up in Barbados–that doesn't surprise me at all.
Yeah, I definitely don't think Rihanna's image is original, either. She is an imitation Fefe Dobson (minus the hypersexuality). Does anybody remember her???!?!?
I actually love rihanna. Do i think shes the most talented person? Hell No, But i do think shes a beautiful girl who is just experiencing life, like the rest of us. The point that i disagree with is the fact that many people bash her for being just an image.(which i do think is the one and only reason she is successful). The fact that people choose talent over image says a whole lot more about CONSUMERS then it does her. I definitely think her career is based on having the RIGHT LOOK, THE RIGHT SONGS, and ultimately THE RIGHT IMAGE. But even with her lack of talent, she still manages to do major numbers. And you know who puts her there? The people who overlook talent for image. Whose fault is that? If a person is doing the bare minimum and still getting amazing results, what do you think is there incentive to get better or put in more effort? Rihanna is not responsible for anyone but herself. If she chooses to talk about sex 24/7, that is her business. She has her own path to walk, the only difference is with her, everyone is watching.
I've been lurking around here for awhile, but this is my first time posting; I just had to because I 100% cosign everything you said.
My main problem with Ri is not her lack of talent; this is nothing new in the music industry. I'm hard pressed to think of one pop singer that can really sing. So that's not really why I don't like the girl.
What I take issue with is the way she and her people tried to bury Chris Brown in the aftermath of the incident. A classier woman would have maybe spoken about it once (if at all), then refrained from commenting on it in the future. But here we are two years later, and she continues to entertain these questions about him even though there is absolutely nothing new to say. All the continuous reminders just make it that much difficult for everyone to let it go. Furthermore, her Diane Sawyer interview was a shameless publicity seeking attempt in the weeks before releasing her new album.
Oh, and all of you saying Rihanna never claimed to be a role model must not have seen that interview. This is her explanation for why she left Chris after she went back to him post-assault: “When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result in some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that.” By young girl, you mean all the young women who see you as a role model? Did you think these young women just disappeared one day so now it would suddenly be OK to start singing about whips and chains? Or talking about your submissive behavior in the bedroom? Or your penchant S&M and having 'sex in the air'?
Snaps for Rihanna, she's a great role model to young women. . .when it's convenient for her album sales.
I could go on about this (don't even get me started on the 09 BET Awards – Chris should have been there) but I think that's enough for now. You get a #cosign from me on this, eff Rihanna indeed.
GOOD LUCK WITH THAT….
<blockquote cite="comment-299280">
SaneN85: Disclaimer: This is not necessarily pointed in your direction, SFG.
I love how people pull out the word hate (haterade, etc.) whenever someone feels like throwing it out there. All day l read stuff on Twitter and blogs about Tyler Perry, and I NEVAH hear nothing about no haters then. I can see multiple posts dedicated to TP, and still nothing. I’ve seen posts dedicated to Wacka, nothing. I’ve seen posts dedicated to Bishop Eddie Long… nothing. See where I’m going with this? Just because a person has an opinion (strong or otherwise) on a very public figure doesn’t make them a hater. These people put themselves in the limelight, and are therefore opening themselves up for scrutinization. Where can I officially sign to have the word hater pulled from every single person’s vocabulary?
Ok, this is my first comment on your blog and I would like to say that you have a lot of great stuff, but I kind of just got riled up reading this. Why? Because, "men make mistakes." Wow, what a generalization there, all men make mistakes…what about women? Anybody…. *crickets* Now I'm not here defending Rihanna, I'm no Stan, but I love her music, her sexuality, and I don't think that's a crime. Granted she's a role model, but if I had kids, why on Earth would I allow them to watch her grind up on stage in front of 3,000 people? Why would I condone them listening to her music? Again…anybody? I think that the public puts these celebrities on a pedestal….but for what? Her job is making music, she does that and has, had hit after hit.
Now, my opinion on the whole Chris Brown Rihanna situation? I really don't have on. I don't think that makes Chris more of a man, because he falls into the generalization that, "[ALL] men make mistakes." I think it makes him stupid. In the moment his whole career probably flashed before his eyes, but he's a man, so we're chopping his mistake up to the game? How dumb is that? I will say that no one knows the entire situation, the police know certain things, but the only three people who know what really happened is Rihanna, Chris, and God…has he been ostracized for making the mistake that he made? Yes. Were they both probably wrong, no doubt. But I think that people need to realize that Rihanna isn't supposed to be this worldly woman like Princess Diana, she's just that, Rihanna, a singer, spokeswoman for Covergirl, Grammy award winner, etc. Her job title isn't First Lady of the United States, or Mother Teresa's daughter in law, she's Rihanna not a God.
Uhhhh…is Rihanna that much different than most "artists" today? I can appreciate her music (for what it is) just like I can appreciate Chris Brown's music (for what it is). I've never had a whole lot to say about the incident but I find it interesting that many seem to interpret it as her fault and that she caused his demise. That is just as wrong as saying that Chris Brown should never be forgiven. Who knows what really happened besides the two of them and I bet they remember it differently.
Am I the only one that remembers Rihanna has been a whore from before Chris Brown? I mean before she had the black men she was getting it in with Shiloh Labouf and Josh Hartnett just to name a couple. While she was dating Chris Brown she was tonguing Kanye in the club. I find it sad that Chris Brown hasn't had the opportunity to bounce back yet maybe he should talk about the Rihanna situation and stop apologizing for it. Keep in mind whores usually get slapped up.
Rihanna's music is extremely catchy. Can't argue with that. I don't care about her personal life… but her music jams while I'm working out and cleaning the house.
Meh, the mrs and I both say the same thing about rihanna.
As soon as the whole chris brown thing happened she turned to me and said, I bet you she was slapping him upside his head for months and he just SNAPED, shes a west indian chick from the hood and as thug as he tried to be , chris brown is from the suburbs.
love how fast it was overlooked how it came out that she WAS slapping him around and people just focused on the fact that she got the worst end of the final confrontation.
they both shoulda lost all endorsements.
the black man ALWAYS gets the worst end of everything. leave it to a black chick to slap you up side your head and tell you your a "bhatti boi" when your a multi millionare. shoulda stuck with white chicks CB!
I want to see more of you… I will definitely fall back on the comment
I like all the comments in this one… I am intimidated by alot of the stuff they put out today…
I am a spiritual person, and respect that side of me (brought up as a Christian… now just confused…)
I haven't even seen the S&M video yet, but being that I will explore that, I might as well…
SFG is on to something as far as the hater thing… And she reminded me to check that in myself, so I am giving harsh constructive criticism & not just straight hate…
All I ask is that if women are GOING to have all these rights & privileges, is that they take responsibility for their part when sh*t goes wrong…
RiRi didn't do that in the CB situation…
As far as saying stuff to people's faces, celebs or regulars… It depends on my mortal life standing & social standing… But for the most part, I am blunt with people…