When producer Evan Rogers invited Rihanna to the United States to record a few Demos, he didn’t have the slightest clue that he was about to make one of the biggest music stars of all time. Rihanna soon found her way to Def Jam, where she released ‘Pon de Replay’ off her first studio album. It was Rihanna’s sophomore album, A Girl Like Me, that really took her off the ground with hits like "Unfaithful," "SOS," and "Break it Off." Rihanna has since topped chart after chart, transitioned into acting, and morphed herself into a mogul.
In 2017, Rihanna, in partnership with the luxury brand LVMH, unveiled Fenty Beauty on a deal that saw Rihanna obtain 50% of the company’s shares. Two years later, the fashion brand Fenty was born. On the fourth of August, 2021, Forbes declared Rihanna a billionaire, valuing her worth at $1.7 billion. Here’s how her fellow celebrities reacted to the news:
10 Nicki Minaj
Rapper Nicki Minaj is a powerhouse in her own right, who boasts over-the-top music sales. With over one hundred million records sold so far, she’s well on her way to becoming a billionaire herself. On the announcement that Rihanna was a billionaire, Nicki shared the post on her Instagram stories, borrowing from the lyrics of Young Money founder, Lil Wayne. “ A Billion Here…A Billion There…#Ifthisdon’tinspireyou.”She wrote.
9 Lizzo
When singer Lizzo took a DNA test, the whole world got to know who she was. The singer has risen to not only grace the world with her music but also inspire plus-sized women and encourage body positivity. Having a self-made story herself, she understands how murky the music business can be. As soon as Rihanna woke up to a sold-out Fenty Parfum collection, Lizzo complimented the singer, billionaire style. “ Rich B*** Sh**,” Lizzo wrote.
8 Halsey
26-year-old Halsey, famed for her 2016 collaboration with The Chainsmokers, 'Closer', which blazed the charts in more than ten countries upon its release, also recognized Rihanna’s achievement. Through her stories on Instagram, Halsey shared the Forbes announcement and captioned it: “Queen.” Halsey also accompanied the graphics with a GIF of a champagne toast.
7 Wendy Williams
In 2016, when Rihanna released her best-selling single, ‘Work’, that featured Drake, Wendy Williams thought there was no talent to the song. Eventually, Williams warmed up to the song, but not without some shade. The talk show host said of Rihanna:"…And by the way, this Rihanna will not be a legend.” Williams had to eat humble pie, when, through her Instagram, her page reported Rihanna’s new status.
6 Gabrielle Union
In an Essence speech, Gabrielle Union revealed that, prior to turning over a new leaf, she was a mean girl in the industry, who used to revel in other women’s misfortunes to feed her low self-esteem. She’s since taken to celebrating her fellow women through #WCW, and this week, Rihanna was in line. “ This woman can do everything; from singing to acting and starting her own business. On top of her business prowess, her vibe is consistent.” Union wrote in part.
5 Robin Roberts
Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, who coincidentally shares a single name with the ‘Run This Town’ star was all hands on deck when speaking to business correspondent Rebecca Jarvis. As Rebecca listed what makes moguls in the industry, Roberts asked her to slow down, as she was taking notes: “ This is about ownership.” Jarvis said, “ Stock ownership, company ownership. Rihanna owns her business. She has a major stake in her company. And Women like Reese Witherspoon, Kim Kardashian, who are on this list have founded companies and own a piece of them.”
4 Luvvie Ajayi
Author Luvvie Ajayi Jones, famed for her criticism and appreciation of culture, had a handful to say of the Barbadian singer. “ Robyn Rihanna of the House of Fenty. First of Her Name. Bajan Billionaire of Beauty.Liege of Lingerie.Skincare Sorceress. Commander of Coin…You said, ‘B*** better have my money,’ but you didn’t tell us you meant nine zeros…While trolls were in your DMs asking for new music, you were in the boardrooms securing all the bags. May your empire continue to expand.” Ajayi wrote.
3 Anita Baker
Singer Anita Baker stepped into the limelight in the ‘80s, following the release of her Grammy Award-winning single ‘Sweet Love’, off of her sophomore album, Rapture. When Forbes shared a tweet that declared Rihanna a billionaire, Baker shared the tweet and added a couple of words of her own. “ Fill A Void…Be of Service.” Baker wrote.
2 Adrienne Banfield-Norris
Popularly known as ‘Gammy’, Adrienne Banfield Norris rose to prominence by co-hosting Red Table Talk alongside daughter Jada Pinkett Smith, and Willow Smith. When Union celebrated Rihanna’s win, Gammy was amongst those who took to the comments section. Norris shared a bunch of clap emojis and fire emojis to signify her approval of Rihanna’s status.
1 KevOnStage
Screenwriter Kevin Fredericks, alias KevOnStage, through his podcast, said, “ Most musicians don’t become rich. 50 Cent's big money was Vitamin Water. That Vitamin Water being bought by Coke is what gave him a lot of his money. Diddy with Ciroc and Sean John...Sean John, he sold that for a lot.” Kev’s co-host had praise for Rihanna, saying," Rihanna was obviously a superstar. There are people who are most probably more famous than she in the world of music, but she was smart enough to capitalize off of something else besides her talent.”