What was Rihanna's first-ever music project? Career, age, nationality, and more explored as pop star celebrates 20 years in the industry

The Diamonds singer, Rihanna, is celebrating 20 years in the music industry in August 2025. She took to her X (formerly Twitter) handle to announce the milestone. Rihanna’s first-ever music project was her debut studio album, Music of the Sun, released on August 29, 2005, under Def Jam Records.

The 37-year-old singer and actress expressed gratitude on X and 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.''

Some of Rihanna’s most popular albums include Good Girl Gone Bad, Rated R, and Loud.

More on Rihanna's journeys as she marks 20 years in the industry

The Barbadian singer is celebrating 20 years in the music industry. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, she released her first album back in 2005. The singles “Pon de Replay” and “SOS” were major hits, peaking at number two and one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, respectively.

Following this, her next album, A Girl Like Me, was released in 2006. The album featured some hit tracks, including “Unfaithful” and “We Ride.” Rihanna is known to have sold 250 million records and has seven U.S. diamond-certified singles. She also has 14 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, making her one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

Rihanna’s first major world tour was the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour, from 2007 to 2009. During the tour, she promoted her album Good Girl Gone Bad and performed across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Her other major tours include Last Girl on Earth Tour, Diamonds World Tour, and Anti World Tour.

Thanking her fans and family, she said in the post:

''Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever! 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.''

Trending

Other than her established career as a singer, she also appeared in several films and voice roles across different genres. These include a cameo in Bring It On: All or Nothing, playing Cora Raiker in Battleship, Bubble in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, and voicing Tip Tucci in 2015’s Home.

She also ventured into the beauty industry when she launched Fenty Beauty in 2017. Rihanna is in a long-term relationship with rapper A$AP Rocky and has two children. Throughout her career, she has received 9 Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and holds six Guinness World Records.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback