On May 24, 2005, Rihanna released her debut single “Pon de Replay” and it’s safe to say that the rest is history.
Since breaking into the music scene 15 years ago, Rihanna has continuously set the bar higher for herself. On the anniversary of her breakout hit, Chart Data pointed out some of the singer’s accomplishments throughout the years.
“Rihanna has earned more Hot 100 #1 hits than any other artist this century, is Spotify’s most streamed female ever and the highest certified female in US history (over 200M units). #15YearsOfRihanna,” the tweet reads.
In addition to Chart Data, several fans also used the hashtag #15YearsofRihanna to celebrate the singer. “[Fifteen] years ago today, Rihanna released ‘Pon de Replay’ at just 17 years old and changed the game forever. Everything she has accomplished since her first days on the scene just proves she’s a mf LEGEND. #15YEARSOFRIHANNA,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “[Fifteen] years ago today, a girl from the island of Barbados began her career. [Fifteen] years later, Rihanna has impacted music, beauty, [and] fashion with her caring nature. [She] advocated for peace, education, inclusivity and equality. She has overcome adversity and remained humble. #15YEARSOFRIHANNA.”
Earlier this month, The Sunday Times reported that Rihanna is officially the richest female musician in the United Kingdom. The “Yeah I Said It” singer has an estimated fortune of £468m, which is just under $571 million. The compiler of The Sunday Times rich list Robert Watts explained that Rihanna rightfully earned her spot.
“If you look through the yellowing pages of the first list in 1989, it looks like a rogues’ gallery of middle-aged and elderly white men,” he said. “It was earls, dukes and figures from manufacturing and finance. Now, money is being made in different ways and by all sorts of different people – like Rihanna.”