Twenty years ago, a 17-year-old Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty boarded a flight from Barbados to chase her star-making moment and never looked back. Now she’s celebrating two decades of dominating music, fashion, and business with the same daring spirit that launched “Pon de Replay” in 2005 and turned it into an empire.

Her journey began with that debut, a blend of dancehall, pop, and Caribbean flair that earned instant global attention with her first album, Music of the Sun. Nearly every genre she touched became her own: R&B, hip-hop, electro-pop, reggae, you name it, from "Umbrella" to "Only Girl (In the World)," she failed thousands of imitators by inventing every single one.

Now a philanthropist, mogul, and ambassador, Rihanna has done more than just perform. She built Fenty Beauty in 2017, shattering industry norms with 40 inclusive foundation shades and forever raising the bar for beauty brands. She followed with Savage X Fenty and then her luxury line Fenty under LVMH, becoming the first Black woman to helm a fashion brand in that space.

Her reach extends beyond fashion; her Clara Lionel Foundation leads with heart, supporting education and disaster relief around the globe. As of 2025, she’s crossed billionaire status, joining the ranks of the world’s richest musicians thanks to her empire across beauty, fashion, and entertainment.

This legacy is etched in awards—nine Grammys, a Super Bowl LVII halftime show that drew over 121 million viewers, and humanitarian honors, including being named a National Hero of Barbados.

Behind the scenes of her unprecedented success is the life she’s built with A$AP Rocky. The pair, who have dated since 2019, are more than celebrity partners; they’re collaborators and co-parents creating a modern legacy rooted in creativity and kinship. They share two sons, RZA and Riot, and are expecting their third child.

Rihanna took to her Instagram to share an anniversary message to her Navy, reflecting on everything she’s built and her journey thus far in a heartwarming video. She wrote, “20 years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music! So many of you were a part of my life and career since the very beginning, and some of you have joined the adventure along the way. I’m forever grateful to all of you. Each of you played a very crucial role in where this journey has taken me thus far!”

And the story continues, she’s back in the studio, shaping a new era of music. Fans anticipate her ninth album, “R9,” and lucky fans may see her on the Glastonbury stage or later in a London residency.

From Pon de Replay to Fenty empire, Grammy stages to global philanthropy, Rihanna’s two decades in the game have had a great impact on her world as a whole. She started with a beat from Barbados and ended up changing how the world sees power, beauty, and creativity. The stage is still HERS.

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