Twenty years ago, Rihanna released her debut album, Music of the Sun, on Aug. 29, 2005. No one could have predicted on that late summer day just how close to the sun the then-17-year-old from Barbados would end up flying.
Two decades later, the woman born Robyn Fenty has added a lot of hyphens to her job title beyond pop star, venturing into acting (Battleship, Smurfs), business (Fenty Beauty, Savage x Fenty) and motherhood (RZA and Riot Rose with A$AP Rocky), just to name a few side hustles. On Friday (Aug. 29), Rihanna couldn’t let the day go by without celebrating all that she’s accomplished in her illustrious career.
On her social accounts, RiRi shared a video that looked back at all her awards, Billboard chart-topping hits, business accomplishments and philanthropy over the years, alongside a heartfelt message of gratitude to all those who’ve helped her live her wildest dreams.
“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!” Rihanna wrote across her Instagram and X accounts alongside the video. “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! I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you!
“Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever!” she continued. “20 years of the most loyal, die-hard fans that don’t play about me whatsoever, 20 years of hard work and hardworking teams around me, 20 years of lessons, 20 years of unforgettable experiences and accomplishments, 20 years of my family being my number one support system, and to all the people who said yes to me and gave me a chance before it was ‘cool’ to (Execs, DJ’s, writers, producers, dancers, choreographers, directors, fashion designers, photographers, glam, journalists, brands, mentors, etc etc) 20 years worth of thanks to you!! I thank God, He’s been very generous to me and the Glory belongs to Him!”
She ended the message with the hashtag #R20, just as her loyal Navy fanbase has been doing in their celebration posts all day.
Music of the Sun started it all for Rihanna, beginning with lead single and breakthrough hit “Pon De Replay,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 2005 ahead of the album’s release the next month. So far, Rihanna has racked up 32 top 10 Hot 100 hits — with 14 of those going to No. 1. Music of the Sun debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for 35 weeks.
Below, find Rihanna’s full message to celebrate 20 years in the music industry: