By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Rihanna continues to be one of music’s biggest stars as of now and she’s proven to her critics that she has staying power in an industry that isn’t big on longevity these days. However, Rihanna’s image has drastically changed since her earlier days in the spotlight and these days just about everything about her has become controversial. From her personal life and bold decision to take Chris Brown back after he assaulted her in 2009 and then having a very public break up again, Rihanna has made it clear that she lives her life for no one but herself. And while that’s commendable to her loyal fans of the Navy, her critics feel she should work on being a better role model to young girls.
In Rihanna’s latest interview with Glamour (she covers the November issue), Rihanna talks about being bullied in school, becoming fearless, dealing with her haters and she even claims she doesn’t think she will ever fall off. Here are the highlights of the interview.
On being bullied at school when she was a child:
“I got teased my entire school life. What they were picking on I don’t even understand. It was my skin color [which was lighter than her classmates’]. Then when I got older, it was about my breasts. But I’m not victimized—I’m grateful. I think those experiences were strategically put together by God for the preparation of being in the music industry. It’s so easy for me to deal with the bullsh-t now.”
On being misunderstood:
“I know I am. That’s why it’s important for me to know who I am. There’s no way for people to know me. All they have are a couple of pictures and some crazy headlines to go off of.”
On haters and not falling off:
“I can’t run from it. You can’t change who you are. It’s important for me to know who I am and work with that. They’re gonna keep knocking away until all this comes crashing down. But I’m not gonna ever crash. I’m in control.”
On being fearless:
“I had to regain my fearlessness because it did go away for a little bit. My mother said something to me a few years ago: ‘I’ve seen something in your eyes I’ve never seen before: fear.’ She was like, ‘No, this is not you.’ I just got back to being OK with myself.”
Check out the cover below:
The issue hits newsstands October 8.
Sigh…you won’t always be on top Rihanna. No one ever is. But I can’t blame you for feeling that way. Your fans treat you like God anyway.
That hairdo…jheri curls? Really Rih?
And after that she rocked a hideous mohawk. So yes, really. LOL.
“They’re gonna keep knocking away until all this comes crashing down. But I’m not gonna ever crash. I’m in control.” —– No, you’re not in control. And that’s the problem.
Rihanna, dear you are not in control. You have allowed the industry to turn you into the typical trashy, pop star and we all know how that worked out for the others (not so good). Just learn how to show up to your concerts on time.
LOL at her saying she’s not ever going to crash but she has performed drunk on several different occasions and can’t even start her shows on time. I guess she realizes her fans will tolerate anything she does. That cockiness won’t prevent the inevitable though.
She just released more photos from that Pour It Up Video. She looks like a cheap prostitute.
When does she not look like a cheap prostitute? She’s hasn’t been fabulous in years.
What goes up must come down. #MileyCyrus
Miley ain’t no competition. Her new album is getting dragged by critics too. Ain’t nobody replacing Rihanna.
Thank you.
LOL you don’t get to choose, the media does. And it looks like they have already made their choice. Miley gets more press than Rihanna does now. This is just the beginning.
Nothing she does shocks me anymore. I get it. Rihanna thinks she’s a bad girl, she’s misunderstood, she’s not trying to be a role model, she loves to be naked, blah blah blah. Boring!
Cosign.
Beautiful. I love how my fave keeps people on here pressed.
Exactly.
She’s very overrated. Her body isn’t that great, her face is just ok, and her attitude sucks. And no Rihanna, you’re not misunderstood. We get you completely. You’re a bitter and miserable person who isn’t even satisfied to be where you are. Your behavior on Twitter and Instagram is proof of that.
That’s not her most flattering magazine cover. I think it’s the hair.
No she won’t fall off ever. The Navy will make sure of that. Love you Robyn!
How old are you 14? No one stays on top forever.
If she keeps being ratchet, late to her own shows and a bully online, it will all most certainly come crashing down one day. And it will be by her own doing. Rihanna really thinks she’s invincible, but no one is. Her arrogance and immature behavior makes it hard for me to ever become a fan.
I’m so tired of Rihanna. I really wish we lived in a country that didn’t feel it could only be one or two famous black singers at one time. Rihanna is not all that. She has no talent and she’s made raunchy appealing to young girls. Smh.
Another one of her typical smoking photos. You’re such a bada-s Rihanna! *yawns*
She looks so much like Joseline when she has short hair. Scary.
Yeah they really do favor. I think Rih looks better with short, black hair. She killed that look.
You are not in control you arrogant heffa. Get some humility!
I guess…
LOL basically.
Oh it will crash down eventually Rihanna. It kind of already is.
Rihanna is doing her thing, so I can’t hate. I just can’t wait until she gets out of this ratchet phase. It’s a turn off for me.
That Rihanna reign won’t let up haters. Get over it.
Rihanna has to drop an album every year to stay on top. Sooner or later, she’s going to get exhausted. I promise you.
Thumbs down to her hairdo on the cover. Not feeling it.
So she was bullied as a child and now thinks it’s okay to do it to others? Typical Rihanna…how pathetic. I bet that’s as much of that article as anyone is going to read as well. However, at least she has on clothing this time.
I honestly do not understand how one person can get such negative reactions from so many females. If you do not like or agree with her behavior, image or what ever it is about her that irks you simply move along. Why hate and leave negative comments? No one stays on top for ever? Ok, yes we all know that. Just let this girl enjoy her time right now. Live and let live.
Um, this is a blog. That means people read the posts and leave comments, good or bad. The comment section is for opinions. The real issue you have is that the many of the comments aren’t in favor of Rihanna. We don’t have to like her just because you may like her. Blogs are meant to give everyone a voice. And we have a right to ours even if you don’t agree or like it. If you want to go somewhere where all comments are from Rihanna stans, there are fan sites for that. But we don’t have to go anywhere and we can write what we want on this here blog. Now have a good day.
Nessa, please refer me back to the part where I said I like or dislike Rihanna? In case you missed it I did I say “just let the girl enjoy her time…” Not once did I say I’m a Rihanna stan. Anyway, you have a blessed day lady.
I stand by what I said. Again, you don’t have the authority to tell anyone what we can or cannot write on here. You’re not the site moderator and we don’t have to “move along” anywhere.
LOL! Enjoy your day Nessa 🙂
*blank stare*
@ Nessa Cosign!
What do you think goes in the comment section though? Just positive comments? We can only write praise because YOU said so? I didn’t know we can’t write what we want on here. Get off the soap box.
She’s lame and has no talent. And I’m tired of her. Can we get some more Janelle Monae posts please?
Why? She’s not better than Rih. Sit down.
I love to come on here and read all of the arguments…makes my day since I’m at work technically working for an IOU paycheck! And Anonymous you are the most annoying person on here….we get that you don’t like Rihanna and you think her body and face are “just ok” but I’m sure you don’t look any better…just my opinion.
Rihanna and Bey get the most hate! But I feel black women should stand behind them more because it’s not enough Beyonces and Rihannas out here! Just saying!