On Thanksgiving Day (November 24) Rihanna gave fans a glimpse into her personal life, with a short video clip that captures some memorable moments with her family. The 23-year-old singer enlisted her mentor, Jay-Z—who appears on the title track of her Talk That Talk album—to narrate the heartfelt piece, which finds her spending downtime with her mother, grandmother and brother Rajad in her hometown Barbados.
Rihanna is super casual in the clip, sans makeup and without fiery red hair, while hanging with her family, flipping through old pictures, bestowing her ‘Gran Gran’ with a new Cartier necklace and even giving her brother a pep talk about balancing school and social life (Rihanna’s mother insists on textbooks instead of Facebook during the week).
Jay-Z provides narrative for the entire clip, breaking at the intervals where Rihanna and her family are chatting each other up, but here’s what Hov’s message sounds like in full:
“There’s nothing like family. These are the people who make you who you are. They’ve helped you grow, they’re responsible for the countless lessons in life that you’ve learned. It’s the memories of who you were that make them proud to see what you’ve become. They’re the ones who filtered your dreams and provided the fuel to making it a reality. They constantly give you an example of what it takes to make something happen. They give from the heart. They don’t change. There’s no way that you can ever repay them for everything that they’ve done for you, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that they know your love for them will never change.”
The Dean's Notes: It looks like ROC NATION is really maximizing their online presence with intimate footage from J. Cole on his quest at becoming hip-hop's new Prince, then Kanye "The Louis Vuitton Don" West and King HOV gave the world what we were all waiting for with their fly on the wall footage of the thought process and mini recording process of Watch The Throne and now we have Princess Rihanna allowing us to peep through her Barbados window shades.
Kanye West started something when he first wore Givenchy’s Fall 2011 ‘Rottweiler’ t-shirt back in March during Paris Fashion Week. Ye’s always at the forefront of fashion, so it’s no surprise to see other celebs rocking the same Givenchy gear months later.
In one week, both Rihanna and Usher were spotted wearing the ‘Rottweiler’ tee. Rihanna actually wore the sweater version of the piece while out at Whisky Mist night club in London. Days later, Usher donned the tee to host a Latin GRAMMY Awards after party at Haze Nightclub in Las Vegas.
Clearly this Givenchy tee is a hot item, so it often sells out as soon as it’s available for purchase online. Barneys has it for $265. If want it, get it quickly before it’s gone. Otherwise you’ll have to hit up Ebay.
This week's outcry over Nivea for Men's racist "Re-Civilize Yourself" ad has led some to call for Rihanna to cancel her endorsement contract with the company. The 23-year-old, Barbados-born singer signed a major deal with the skin-care brand this spring to help celebrate its 100-year anniversary. Nivea is sponsoring her tour; she lent her song "California King Bed" to a commercial; she has her own enormous section on the Nivea website; she even posed topless to introduce the partnership (full image after the jump). It seems unlikely that she would ditch the whole thing over a misstep at a different division of the company, although some fans at least want a statement from her. So far, she hasn't offered one, preferring to focus on her European tour. ("NORWAY!!!! I fell in love with you foreverrrrr….") What do you think she should do?
The newest face of Nivea debuted a commercial for the popular US skin care product. The clip features her singing “California King Bed” from her Loud album. Rihanna continues to rack up the endorsement deals one after another.
Armani Emporio announced Rihanna as its new face for ads shot in New York that will come out this September. The campaign is known for casting some of the sexiest faces in entertainment, including the Beckhams, Megan Fox, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Whether or not Rihanna will get to pose with whips and chains that excite her, and possibly the world (the Beckhams got only a big rope), this is a good direction for the diva. Her deal surely includes a mandate to wear Armani for red carpet appearances, and Rihanna is one of those people that will surely benefit from the pared-down appeal of a good piece of Armani eveningwear. Then again, she could just as easily diva her way into the sort of treatment they gave Lady Gaga. But, man, would it be refreshing for her to seize this opportunity to exercise a little restraint.
This may be one of the most anticipated songs/videos from Kanye Weststrictly because of all of it's All-Star line up including Rihanna, Kid Cudi,Alicia Keys, Fergie, Elton John, Charlie Wilson, John Legend, Tony Williams,La Roux, The Dream, Ryan Leslie.
Both Rihanna and Kanye will be giving an All of The Lights performance during tonight's 60th NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during half-time.
Now we're even less surprised that Rihanna's latest single is called "S&M."
In this new commercial for her debut fragrance, Reb'l Fleur, the sexy singer conveys innocence by emerging from a flower comprised of feathers while wearing a peach gown before passing through a mirror that allows her to discover her naughty side—complete with a black dress, several hands covering her eyes and, of course, a provocatively placed perfume bottle.
Rihanna eventually manages to make her way back to the good girl side. But you get the, er, scents, she won't be there for long.
INFLUENCERS In-depth Series features Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of Translation, a brand management firm that arranges strategic partnerships between Pop Culture icons (Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Lebron James, Justin Timberlake, etc.) and Fortune 500 companies.
In this episode, Steve Stoute discusses the concept of cool, how new cultural codes are redefining traditional corporation communication. He also talks about creating successful collaborations between Artists and Brands.
Named one of the Fortune’s 40 under 40 list and inducted into the American Advertising Hall of Achievement (2009), Steve Stoute is one of today’s most influential forces in entertainment marketing. His client roster includes companies such as Samsung, State Farm, Mc Donald’s, Target, Wrigley’s, HP, P&G and artists such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna (management).
Nike Teams With Rihanna & Celebrity Director/Choreographer, Jamie King, for Music Video Featuring 'Nike Rockstar Workout'
On February 15, 2006 Nike unveiled a new women's fitness dance collection along with a music video featuring Def Jam artist, Rihanna, and celebrity director/choreographer, Jamie King, performing moves from the "Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop by Jamie King." The interactive music video at nikewomen.com featured Rihanna's single, "SOS" and allowed viewers to pause the video to pull up a screen with King teaching dance moves from the video.
The hour-long, high-energy cardio class, "Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop," was available at 24 Hour Fitness locations throughout the country which launched on February 16, 2006.
Nike's dance inspired footwear and apparel collection is designed for the quick, high-energy moves of a dance workout and is worn by Rihanna and her dancers throughout the music video. The pieces are comfortable, stylish and allow for optimal performance in the studio during routines like the Nike Rockstar Workout.
"Nike knows that sport goes beyond the traditional courts and playing fields. Women's fitness has focused on the athleticism of dance with new product and workout content for the past year," said Darcy Winslow, General Manager of Women's Fitness. "This Spring, we continue to innovate in fitness dance with Nike's unique collaboration with music artist, Rihanna, and celebrity director/choreographer, Jamie King, by creating a music video featuring Nike Rockstar Workout dance moves and product."
The Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop is the fourth in a series of dance-based workouts created the past year for Nike by MTV and Emmy Award nominated celebrity director/choreographer, Jamie King. King has collaborated with some of the country's top artists including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Prince, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Pink and Shakira.
"Dance is my passion, so I'm thrilled that Nike continues to embrace dance as a fitness trend with its latest collection and the Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop," said Jamie King, acclaimed director/ choreographer. "Collaborating on Rihanna's music video to include Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop moves, truly makes this workout 'rockstar.'"
Rihanna released her single, "SOS" early for the creation of the Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop music video on nikewomen.com
"Making a music video is hard work, but lots of fun, just like the Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop," said Rihanna. "Working with Nike and Jamie King on my 'SOS' music video was great, and I love that my fans can learn my dance moves at nikewomen.com."
In addition to learning Nike Rockstar Workout dance moves at nikewomen.com, fitness enthusiasts can also take the workout class at 24 Hour Fitness locations nationally.
"Offering the Nike Rockstar Workout - Hip Hop at 24 Hour Fitness allows us to continue to bring innovative programming to our members," said Donna Meyer, 24 Hour Fitness corporate director of Group Exercise. "This class gives participants a great workout and the unique opportunity to learn music video-worthy moves from Jamie King and Rihanna."
About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based in Beaverton, Oregon is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel.
About 24 Hour Fitness
Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness, an innovative leader in the health and fitness industry, serves more than 3 million members in more than 350 clubs across 16 different states and four countries in Asia. Founded in 1983 as a one-club operation by Chairman and CEO Mark S. Mastrov, 24 Hour Fitness pioneered the concept of making fitness accessible, affordable and a way of life for everyone. Supporting the communities it serves, 24 Hour Fitness sponsors many charitable events and organizations including the 2004- 2008 U.S. Olympic Teams and the Magic Johnson, Andre Agassi and Lance Armstrong Foundations. Please call 1-800-204-2400 or visit http://www.24hourfitness.com/ for more information and to find the location nearest you.
About Jamie King
Emmy Award and MTV Award-nominated director/choreographer Jamie King, host of MTV's The Grind and Fox's Dance Fever, is one of the most innovative artists working in the entertainment industry today. The director of Madonna's acclaimed Re-invention Tour, the highest-grossing concert tour of 2004, King has worked with an impressive array of artists including Prince, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Britney Spears, Shakira, Elton John, George Michael and Michael Jackson and is regarded a master at creating sensational musical and dance performances. http://www.jamiekingofficial.com/
About Rihanna
Mixing island rhythms with R & B soul, 17-year-old Barbados-born singer Rihanna possesses a powerful voice that quickly earned her a contract with Def Jam Records. Her first single "Pon de Replay" was the most downloaded song of 2005 and several of her infectious dance tracks are prominently featured in the new Nike Rockstar Workout Hip Hop. Rihanna's single "SOS" is featured in the Nike Rockstar Workout music video. Rihanna will release a new studio album, A Girl Like Me, April 2006. http://www.thisisrihanna.com/
Rihanna’s style has always been day and night. While her last album, “Rated R,” explored her darker side, her upcoming opus, “Loud,” is all about her fire-engine red hair and colorful outfits. The singer plans on showing the two looks side-by-side in an interactive music experience for Dorito-eating fans.
The snack manufacturer announced today that it is debuting a special single from the chart-topper titled “Who's That Chick?”
In September, the video, thought to be a track from her new album, leaked online.
Dressed in a vibrant blue, yellow and orange frilly dress and pink stockings, the singer is seen romping around in a circus tent that she's transformed into a club -– equipped with colorful skulls, trapezes and stuffed animals.
As part of the partnership with Doritos' special Late Night edition of chips, Rihanna will offer two versions -- day and night -- of the David Guetta-produced track. The video making the rounds for the last month is a taste of the day version of the clip.
The video is designed to put the control in the hands of the viewer, and fans will be able to explore many different, um angles, of the singer by pointing a graphic symbol located on the back of specially marked bags at a personal Web cam when logged onto the Doritos Late Night site.
Fans can then personalize the video by the way they hold and move the bag, offering a new experience each time.
"I'm really excited about 'Who's That Chick?' and wanted to find a fresh and unique way to share it with my fans," the singer said in a statement. "When I saw how cool the augmented reality performance Doritos created was, I knew this was it. This was the way I wanted to make 'Who's That Chick?' available to the world, and I can't wait to see how my fans get engaged in this innovative experience."
The snack brand previously offered music fans this type of experience last year by showcasing a live-action video within a 3-D, interactive environment through performances by blink-182 and Big Boi.
"Who's That Chick?" is slated to be featured on Guetta's upcoming album, “One More Love,” out Nov. 29, and will reportedly serve as a bonus track on Rihanna’s forthcoming album, “Loud,” due Nov. 16.
Check out a side-by-side comparison of the clip below.
Rihanna has become an ideal candidate for products to align themselves with her celebrity. Be on the look out for her Kodak campaign which also features Drake, Trey Songz and Pitbull.
Country music phenom Taylor Swift’s new CoverGirl deal puts well down the road to becoming not just a musical artist, but major brand. Get ready for the next music, fashion and film juggernaut.
Although just 20, Swift has already won the highest country music honor; has a movie to her credit opposite Twilight hottie Taylor Lautner.
Now she joins A-List celebs Rihanna, Drew Barrymore and Ellen DeGeneres, who also fronted for CoverGirl.
The deal also puts Swift in the same league as Miley Cyrus, although not quite the same level.
The Hannah Montana star is still far and away the leading teen brand-maker, with music, movies, television and fashion deals.
Swift will rep for the “easy, breezy, beautiful” line’s new luxury collection, a rep for CoverGirl confirmed. No names have been announced for the new line.
“I am so excited to become the next CoverGirl,” Taylor said in a statement.
“I have admired many of the CoverGirls since I was a little girl… great artists and actresses who are confident and still themselves.
“It’s like a dream come true to be a part of the future of CoverGirl,” Swift said.
Ads are expected to roll out in January 2011 along with the new line.
Taylor, meanwhile, is still touring. Her “Fearless” tour is currently cris-crossing the country.
Swift told Teen Vogue last year that she’s the kind of person who believes everything happens for a reason.
This time money may be the biggest. But the deal also cements Swift as a star who transcends country music.
Kanye West is the GREATEST ARTIST in the HISTORY of hip-hop. It took me to read every word of his "Glow In The Dark" book. A meticulous photo-journal of Kanye's international "Glow In The Dark" Tour which was launched immediately follow the release of the Graduation album and during the untimely death of his mother.
If you weren't able to make it to the show (which I didn't) the photo's in this book gives you a detailed printed version of Jay-Z's 1999 "Back Stage" DVD; from the private jet, to the tour bus, to the car service, to the soundcheck, to dressing room, and introduce you to all of Kanye's closest friends, family and co-headliner's including N.E.R.D, Lupe Fiasco and Rihanna.
He has changed our views about blogging, fashion, music, videos and even women. I can't wait for new creations from Kanye.
Kanye's OCD or high attention to detail had him designing stage sets for himself, hanging lights, designing Rihanna's costume's and more. He is hands down the greatest since Michael Jackson.
Cosmetics giant L'Oreal is "evaluating" its U.S. media buying -- a process that could result in a consolidation or shifts in the company's agency roster, according to sources.
L'Oreal spent $710 million in U.S. measured media last year, up from $660 million in 2008, according to Nielsen. Those figures do not include digital spending.
Interpublic Group's Universal McCann and Publicis Groupe's Zenith Optimedia share the buying assignment.
Multiple sources at IPG and Publicis indicated that both incumbents are participating in the current evaluation, which does not appear to include non-roster shops -- for now. Neither UM nor Zenith officials responded to calls seeking comment. L'Oreal executives and reps didn't immediately return calls.
L'Oreal markets dozens of brands including L'Oreal, Maybelline, Garnier, Kiehl's and The Body Shop.
The company reported worldwide sales of $23.3 billion for 2008, the latest figure available.
The cosmetics category has seen a lot of recent review activity. Last week, Coty opted to retain OMD after a pitch that lasted more than a year. In February, Revlon shifted its $100 million-plus assignment from Aegis Group's Carat to WPP's MediaCom.
