Yes, you read that right – the one and only Rihanna is now 35 years old! Even after dominating the music industry for over 15 years, her star power hasn‘t diminished one bit. If anything, Rihanna is shining brighter than ever in 2024.
From her chart-topping early hits to her bold evolution as an artist, Rihanna has given us anthem after anthem. Not to mention, she‘s a savvy entrepreneur whose makeup and lingerie lines promote inclusivity in the fashion world.
Rihanna is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey so far has been remarkable. Let‘s break it down!
Tracing Rihanna‘s Musical Evolution
Believe it or not, Rihanna was discovered all the way back in 2003 by record producer Evan Rogers. After moving to the United States, she was signed to Def Jam Records at age 16 and released her first studio album Music of the Sun in 2005.
Her early hits like "Pon de Replay" and "SOS" showed off her dancehall roots, blending island rhythms with pop vocals. But Rihanna was just getting started showing the world what she could do.
With her second album A Girl like Me in 2006, Rihanna started honing her signature R&B/pop sound with songs like "Unfaithful" showing raw emotion. "Umbrella" was the real game-changer though, dominating the charts in 2007 and introducing the world to her smash-hit style.
Over the next few years, Rihanna experimented with different musical styles while racking up #1 singles. She collaborated with rappers like Eminem and Jay-Z, showing off her edgy side on songs like "Run This Town."
But it was also clear she could deliver vocally stunning ballads, like "Take a Bow" in 2008 and "Russian Roulette" in 2009.
By 2012, the evolution was complete – with "Diamonds" from her album Unapologetic, Rihanna firmly established herself as a melodic powerhouse. The song defined her as a confident, grown-up artist and remains one of her most streamed hits.
In total, Rihanna has sold over 250 million records worldwide. She has 14 #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, putting her in third place for the most chart-toppers ever.
It‘s no wonder she‘s become an icon in both music and fashion. Speaking of which…
Rihanna‘s Business Empire: Making the Beauty Industry More Inclusive
While Rihanna was dominating on the charts, she also had her eye on the business world. In 2017, she launched her cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty in partnership with LVMH.
The line was groundbreaking for its range of foundation shades catering to all skin tones. Within its first month of operation, Fenty Beauty generated over $72 million in earned media value.
By 2018, it was named one of Time Magazine‘s best inventions of the year. Rihanna was rightly praised for single-handedly making inclusivity the new standard across the beauty industry.
To continue promoting body positivity, Rihanna also debuted her lingerie brand Savage X Fenty in 2018. It features extended sizing and bold styles to suit every body type.
The brand put on runway shows praised for showcasing diversity with models of all backgrounds. As of 2022, Savage X Fenty was valued at $1 billion.
Rihanna‘s businesses combine her passion for music, fashion, and social justice. She is now officially a billionaire and certified business mogul!
Rihanna‘s Early Life in Barbados
Of course, Rihanna didn‘t just appear out of thin air as a global superstar. She was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988 in Saint Michael, Barbados.
Growing up, she loved performing and won a school talent contest at age 7 by singing Mariah Carey‘s "Hero." Rihanna‘s childhood was marred by her father‘s struggles with addictions, which caused her parents to divorce when she was 14.
But music was her outlet, and she formed a girl group with two classmates. In 2003, her talent was discovered by Evan Rogers who recognized her star potential.
Soon Rihanna was traveling to the U.S. to record demo tapes. By age 16, she was signed to Def Jam Records after auditioning for rapper Jay-Z. The rest, as they say, is history!
Crunching the Numbers: Rihanna‘s Current Age and More Fun Facts
Let‘s break down the numbers on Rihanna‘s iconic career thus far:
Current Age: 35 years old
Birthday: February 20, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Origin: Saint Michael, Barbados
Time in the Spotlight: 17 years since debut single in 2005
Total Years Lived: 12,965 days and counting!
Lifetime Album Sales: Over 250 million records
Number of Albums: 8 studio albums, 2 compilation albums
Number of Hit Singles: 59 (with 14 #1 Billboard hits)
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
The stats speak for themselves – Rihanna is an absolute legend! It‘s hard to believe she‘s only 35 considering her massive impact on music and culture.
Glowing in Motherhood: Rihanna‘s New Chapter in 2024
In January 2022, Rihanna revealed she was expecting her first child with rapper A$AP Rocky. On May 13, they welcomed a baby boy. Becoming a mother marked a joyful new chapter in her life.
Now in 2024, Rihanna is glowing as she prepares to welcome her second child! Sources confirmed the pregnancy news in February.
Fans are overjoyed to see Rihanna embracing motherhood. She definitely seems to be cherishing this precious time.
Rihanna has prioritized her privacy during both pregnancies. But she still made jaws drop by showing off her baby bump proudly at fashion week! Trust Rihanna to redefine maternity style.
While she continues to inspire with her business ventures, it‘s clear Rihanna‘s focus has shifted toward family. And her navy of fans will support her through every turn!
The Rihanna Reign Continues: Her Unstoppable Rise
Turning 35 is a milestone, but Rihanna shows no signs of slowing down. She is still young and has so much left to accomplish!
Her Super Bowl halftime show in 2024 proves she can still thrill audiences on a grand scale. Meanwhile, her lingerie and makeup lines are both going strong.
Rihanna also made Forbes‘ billionaire list again this year. She has come a long way from her humble beginnings in Barbados.
Of course, Rihanna‘s navy eagerly awaits her long-promised 9th studio album. She‘s been teasing its development for years. Although release details remain under wraps, 2023 may finally be the year!
If the past 17 years are any indication, we should never underestimate Rihanna‘s ability to shock and awe. She always has more up her sleeve, and I can‘t wait to see what she does next!
At 35, her drive and creative spirit continue to push boundaries. Rihanna is a culture-shifting icon who still manages to feel relatable. That lasting connection with fans is what sets her apart.
Celebrating a True Legend: Rihanna at 35
Rihanna‘s journey from teen with raw talent to worldwide superstar has been remarkable to witness. Even with all her success, she remains devoted to making the world more inclusive.
As Rihanna celebrates turning 35 in 2024, we as fans feel so blessed to have grown up with her music as the soundtrack to our lives. She deserves all the love and praise that comes her way.
No matter what she does in the future, whether making music or business moves, Rihanna has already made history. Her footprint on culture and advocacy for diversity will impact generations to come.
That‘s why at 35 years old, Rihanna is more than just a pop icon. She is an inspiration to people everywhere with big dreams and bold spirits. Happy birthday, Riri! We just know your best is yet to come.
