Academy Award-nominated, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist, philanthropist, and businesswoman Rihanna is celebrating R20, marking twenty years since the launch of her groundbreaking music career. On this day in 2005, she released her debut album, Music of the Sun, which introduced the world to the global smash hit “Pon de Replay” and marked the beginning of her reign as one of music’s most influential voices.
Over two decades, Rihanna has become one of the best-selling female digital artists in history, amassing more than 150 billion global streams and selling over 100 million albums worldwide. With 14 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, she holds the record for the most chart-toppers of any solo artist this century. She is also the first female artist to surpass 180 million RIAA-certified single sales.
Her eighth studio album ANTI, released in 2016, remains a career-defining project. It became her second No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 and has made history as the longest-charting album by a Black female artist, remaining on the chart for over 480 weeks.
Rihanna has earned 9 Grammy Awards across multiple categories, starting with “Umbrella” in 2008. Her accolades include Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, 2 Emmy Awards, 13 American Music Awards, 13 Billboard Music Awards, and 7 MTV Video Music Awards. She also holds the record for the most RIAA Diamond-certified singles by a female artist, with seven to her name.
To mark R20, Rihanna is launching a special anniversary merch drop and a limited boxed set, now available for pre-order.