CONCRETELOOP.COM

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rihanna last week, who was very sweet. We addressed her new look, sound, and how she feels about these crazy rumors people like to put her in.

I could not include everyone’s questions, including the hundred referring to Beyonce. I mean, we can give that a rest seeing how the UK blasted Bee’s name on Ri-Ri’s album cover already. But, thank you guys for really submitting to this one.

Now lets see if all of you same people will go pick up “Good Girl Gone Bad” today…

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Tianna: Lets start off with the obvious – we see you have a new look and a new sound for “Good Girl Gone Bad”. What prompted this change?

Rihanna: This change was just really an expression of how I’m feeling right now – in my life and in my career. I felt like I had enough of being forced into a particular image and sound, that’s why I call the album “Good Girl Gone Bad” because I really didn’t care anymore. I just wanted to do what I wanted to do and this is who I am now.

Tianna: Let’s talk more about your new album, what were some of your music influences for this record, compared to your last two albums? I’ve read a couple of reviews that have stated it has more of an alternative sound, so how would you describe the overall vibe of this album?

Rihanna: I would say, its a very edgy album. It’s hard to categorize it in a specific genre because it’s so diverse. Every song has a different element of a different genre. We got rock influences, we got Caribbean influences, some pop in there, as well as a 80s vibe in it. It’s a really cool sounding album, its fun and very entertaining – every song takes you to a different place and that’s what I love about it.

Tianna: How crazy was it to work with Jay on your first single – and THEN have him show up in your video? How was it working with the boss?

Rihanna: Absolutely a honor. Like…even saying it right now, hearing you say that makes me feel good because people go thorough their career dreaming of a collaboration with Jay Z and hear I am – my first single on my third album. It was perfect timing, the perfect song to do with him and just being on the video set, it had me tripped out a little bit because it was like “wow, I’m shooting a video with Jay Z”. it’s crazy!

Tianna: Right…

Rihanna: And I have to perform with him in a few days at the MTV Movie Awards and its the first time performing together so its VERY nerve racking but, very exciting.

Tianna: Yea, that has to be…and you’re 19 right?

Rihanna: Yes.

Tianna: And you have three albums in three years, which is kind of unheard of to some people because some do still view you as a new face in the game. Yet, you have been doing this for a while and doing it back to back. So is it safe to say we will see an album from you in 2008?

Rihanna: (laughs) You know what? God knows because I definitely did not plan to put three albums out in the last two years! When I say it, it sounds psychotic…

Tianna: (laughs)

Rihanna: But we did it and it sounded great when we did it. Everytime we put an album out, it felt like perfect time. This album didn’t feel rushed, it came effortlessly and it felt like the perfect time. You know, its summertime, I love summertime and I always bring a single out for the summer. Next, I’m not sure if I’ll have an album out in 2008 because I will probably stop do a couple of movies before getting back to another album. But, you never know what’s going to happen – it all depends on how we feel…

Tianna: Being in this business for three years, have you adjusted to all the crazy rumors and comparisons people put you in – particularly with another very famous, beautiful and hardworking singer like yourself who is also linked to Jay. We really don’t need to say her name because you know who I’m talking about. Are you just use to it now?

Rihanna: I wouldn’t say I’ve completely adjusted because every rumor hits you in a different way.

Tianna: Right.

Rihanna: Some, you think are funny – then some gets frustrating – then you just start to ignore them. But, every time there’s a new one, it hits you like brand new. All over again, its starts feeling funny, then frustrating, then you ignore it. Every time I hear a new rumor, its like wow – and I just know they’re going to keep coming so I have to bear with it and not get too upset. You just have to ignore it sometimes.

Tianna: Lets go back to your new look, which I absolutely love. It seems sort of glam rock,

Rihanna: Yeah….

Tianna: How would you personally describe this look of yours?

Rihanna: Yeah it is glam rock. The new image is definitely glam rock.

Tianna: Yeaaaaahhhh!

Rihanna: Sometimes we do it a little bit girlish. I also like to wear sneakers but add the shades, gloves, and t-shirts. Most of time though, its definitely glam rock! We added a little bit of grunge in it too…

Tianna: Ok, now I’m going to ask you some questions from the readers over at CL…

Rihanna: Okay.

Tianna: One of our readers wanted to what is it like to be a Covergirl and what is your favorite beauty product because a lot of readers commented on your skin?

Rihanna: Its a lot of fun being a Covergirl because I’m so against being too girly.

Tianna: (laughs)

Rihanna: Like…THAT keeps me in touch with my girly side because I like to be so hardcore sometimes and anti-innocent that I use to have to portray. Now, that really keeps me intouch with my feminine side, I feel fun again and girl – its fun playing around with the makeup. I like a lot of lip gloss so, that would be my favorite beauty product….as well as shimmer for the skin. It makes the skin look good!

Tianna: Another reader wanted to know, what has been one of the highlights of your career so far?

Rihanna: One of the highlights…honestly, having “Umbrella”. “Umbrella” just became number one in so many different countries. It’s number in the U.K off digital downloads only, which has never been done by a female before. So I made history there and astounded me, being number one. Then I came back here and got an email saying that “Umbrella” just became number one on the Billboard 100 chart. Making history and just making that impression – like, that makes me think this will my biggest album with this big single. This new me and this new project is definitely going to be the highlight of my career, and its something that I know I will never forget for as long as I am doing this.

Tianna: What other artists would you love to work with that you haven’t had the chance to yet?

Rihanna: I would like to work with Andre 3000, and (inaudible at the second name – apologies).

Tianna: Alot of our male visitors wanted to know if you’re single and dating…

Rihanna: HA! I’m single…but not dating. No.

Tianna: (laughs) Okay. If you were not an entertaining, where do you think you would be?

Rihanna: I would still be in boring school studying psychology. I hate school so thank God I’m doing what I’m doing.

Tianna: (laughs)

Rihanna: I never liked school.

Tianna: Awww, I feel you. Alot of our visitors in the Caribbean wanted to say thanks for representing for them and one of them wanted to know your favorite Caribbean dish?

Rihanna: I like Curry chicken. That would have to be my very favorite.

Tianna: Yum. Ok Rihanna – last but not least, can you give a quick shoutout to the readers over at Concreteloop?

Rihanna: Yea. i just want to tell – thank you for all of the support. Thank you…you know, I read your comments, I go on Concreteloop sometimes and ya know, people are not very aware of that but, I just want you to know I am reading your comments and thank you for all the love. Even the haters…

Tianna: (laughs)

Rihanna: Thank you anyway. Because you’re encouraging me to do better (laughs). I can’t wait for people to hear the album and get it, so people will see…that I made a good album!

Tianna: You really go on Concreteloop and read some of the things here?

Rihanna: I do, I do.

Tianna: Because we post about you ALOT. You’re always in the media girl. You’re really doing your thing and becoming somthing so I wish you the best in success.

Rihanna: Thank you so much.

Tianna: Thank you – I know you have a lot to do so thanks for taking the time to speak to us today.

Rihanna: Alright, my pleasure.