The overwhelming support and affection that pop mavin Rihanna has received were realize , in part , through over a decennium of vivid and sensational outlet . While her initial phase angle of success in the late 2000s was standard for a pop superstar , her continued output in the 2010s - paired with her bold business ventures - cement her as a cultural phenomenon comparable to figures such as Kanye West and Beyoncé .

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Many of the music videos that Rihanna has star in throughout her life history have reached creative heights normally reserved for other artistic medium .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

Umbrella

" Umbrella " was one of Rihanna ’s earliest hits , and it keep to be one of her most defining piece . The song is well - crafted and well - performed enough to be see as legitimately aesthetic on its own , but its accompanying music picture ( in which Jay - Z co - stars ) elevates it to a level of brilliance that few mainstream artists reach .

In the video , Rihanna ’s dancing superintend to assure the audience ’s tending despite her not being accompany by backup social dancer until the end of the strain - a effort that only an exceptionally charismatic entertainer could accomplish .

Shut Up And Drive

This other Rihanna music TV directly challenged sex norm ( which were even more entrenched at the time of the song ’s release ) by depicting a grouping of woman performing car repairs without male co-occurrence , render it one of the music video recording by distaff artiststhat were ahead of their time .

The sense of female empowerment conveyed by this picture was and remains transformative , and it is one of Rihanna ’s many contributions to popular culture that imparted hard-nosed value to audience in addition to entertainment value . Her confidence in publicly staking position on social egress is a famous contributor to her iconic position .

Stay

The perfect look of despondency that Rihanna displays from her bathtub during the " Stay " music video recording is mellow - tier up playacting than a fairish routine of professional actors are probably able to do ,   invest it among thebest music TV about mental health .

Paired with the haunting overlap music and Mikky Ekko ’s low-keyed but effective supporting appearance , her portrayal of defeat and hopelessness communicate her emotional state to an extent that only legitimate artistry is capable to . The " Stay " videoisart , of trend - a predominate creative financial statement that induce Rihanna ’s exceptional capability as a storyteller evident .

Rude Boy

This music video is thoroughly and indisputably gonzo , but its psychedelic tone and cartoonish graphics are what distinguish it from the leagues of second-rate whole kit that artists routinely produce but out of contractual obligation .

Rihanna refuses to be apathetic toward any strain of her work , and that dedication to originality is the impulsion for some of her most bewitchingly unique piece of music . The " Rude Boy " video is one of the most glary case of Rihanna ’s confidence in challenging creative norms and acquire work that is not guarantee to hold stack solicitation .

Only Girl (In The World)

The euphony television for " Only Girl ( In The man ) " is visually arresting , integrate color to an extent that might be considered extravagant were it not so pleasing to the optic . Rihanna galavants through a hayfield ( with the flowers perfectly complement her then - violent haircloth ) before dancing beneath a firework display after evenfall .

Where the " outride " video dwells in desolation and surrender , this one basks in celebratory joy , with the gorgeous scenery , frizzly cinematography , and nearly - complete carrying out by Rihanna communicate a state of unabashed satisfaction to observing viewers .

Needed Me

While some of Rihanna ’s music videos choose for abstract storytelling that aims to communicate emotions rather than concepts , the phenomenal picture for the hit song " Needed Me " -directed by famous filmmaker Harmony Korine- more closely resemble a short pic , render the singer following her lover to a airstrip club and kill him .

A key facet of Rihanna ’s brilliance is her commitment to make bold originative choices that ensure her audience ’s direction , whether or not viewers or listeners take kindly to their oftentimes - scandalous carrying out . Rihanna ’s boundless sureness as an artist and as an somebody is what has solidify her standing as a ethnic force , and such confidence is readily apparent in the " Needed Me " telecasting .

We Found Love

The medicine video for " We Found Love " describe a profoundly passionate whirlwind relationship between Rihanna and an unknown lover , laden with physical intimacy , drug use , and heated argument . Such a love affair is surely conversant to sexual conquest of audience , and the video ’s agency of it is likely cathartic for those who have lived a standardised experience .

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This music video tells a narrative in such a   descriptive and excited fashion that it could licitly be equate to literature , despite cultural critics ' tendency to   deny the validity of music videos as proper art .

image of sister wives robyn and kody brown with her smiling and him looking upset

Where Have You Been

The warm signal of an effective creative person is their power to beguile . The euphony video for " Where Have You Been " displays Rihanna ’s effortless ability to delineate   fans '   attention in such a way , incorporating especial stage dancing , costume design , and filming techniques to acquire a cosmos   that those who catch the telecasting can live within for its four - and - a - one-half - minute runtime .

Diamonds

This music television in the main communicates its message through visuals rather than through story , which can be even more effectual at conveying emotion in many instances . Its incorporation of both gloss and dark - and - snowy mental imagery is the elemental constituent that submit the video unique and memorable , and the reduplicate visuals of galloping horses add a natural beauty that contrasts the focussed barb of Rihanna ’s grimace to diversify the telecasting ’s theming .

If artistic production is the look of emotion and perspective through creative exit , the " Diamonds " telecasting certainly qualifies .

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Split image of Rihanna in the music videos For Diamonds and Needed Me

Rihanna