Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Reporting on Africa, its diaspora, and hip-hop's class acts today. At just 17, Rihanna made her professional debut with her single ...

Rihanna's "Pon de Replay" is completely different from the campy, Gothic vibes of 'Beetlejuice'. Because the world is full of surprises, 'Beetlejuice' still managed to inspire Rihanna's song. “Day-O ...

Evan Rogers discovered Rihanna in Barbados while vacationing with his wife Jackie in 2003. His wife’s friend had a daughter in a girl group and arranged an audition. 15-year-old Rihanna, born Robyn ...

An Oral History of Rihanna’s Debut Song, ‘Pon de Replay’Fifteen years ago, a dancehall riddim and a Bajan teenager laid the groundwork for a pop icon.