Rihanna‘s faithful fans, affectionately christened #TheNavy, were more than ecstatic at news the Grammy winning songstress’s 8th opus, ‘Anti,’ had floated back to the top of the Billboard 200.
Muddled by mixed reviews and so-so sales, its saving grace came in the form of its official lead single, ‘Work,’ which appeared to help rework interest in the album as a whole and give the singer her first album to stay at #1 for longer than 1 week.
Beyond the headlines rejoicing about her return to #1, however, details surrounding it sing a less than celebratory tune.
This, from where we stand, is not just against Rih, but the entire music industry…
Last night saw Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ splash cans of shade across the stage at their season 8 reunion.
The reads and reminiscing continues next week when part 2 (of 3) airs.
And it appears it’ll focus heavily on the unsolved drama between former Miss USA Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams…as well as an apparent married one-eyed-African preacher.
Following the postponement of the European leg of her tour, Janet Jackson is dusting the drama off her shoulder.
The dynamite diva is making a beeline for the Dubai World Cup this week and it appears performing won’t be the only thing she’ll be doing while in the region.
‘Cheers’ singer Rihanna has yet another accomplishment to toast to this week.
For, as if working up a 4th week at #1 on the Hot 100 and seeing select dates from her much talked about ‘Anti’ tour reach sold out status wasn’t enough, now she’s learned she’s returned to the top of the Billboard 200 as well.
Collecting its second non-consecutive week atop the tally, the project – which has consistently been in the top 5 since its debut (barring its #27 premiere) – moved right on past competitors Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, and more to regain ownership of the #1 title. Narrowly beating Adele‘s ’25’ for the prize, Rih’s second #1 album (8th overall) continues to prove the naysayers wrong with its staying power and is her first album to nab more than one week at the top.
Tuck in below to see how many units the Bajan beauty moved:
Serviced as the fourth cut from the blockbuster project, the New Wave inspired track was released in 2005.
Produced by Nellee Hooper and Dallas Austin, the latter also co-wrote the song with Stefani.
While ‘Cool’ only reached Top 40 status overseas, was a hit in the US peaking at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on the Pop tally.
The lyrics pull from real life in its centring on Gwen’s relationship with No Doubt-bandmate and former-bae Tony Kanal and how (after the ups and the challenges of life) they’ve remained more than colleagues but good friends too.
Sophie Muller helmed the video, which was shot in Lake Como, Italy and features the singer playing opposite Spanish actor Daniel Gonzàlez — and Erin Lokitz… who happens to be Kanal’s girlfriend.
It plays like a literal, yet creative take on the song’s resonating lyrics.
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After a series of missteps, Team Gwen finally seem to have things in check and we couldn’t be happier. For, Ms Stefani is among the few artists who rose to prominence during the golden age of the 90s but somehow still possess all that is “required” to be successful in todays climate.
Hopefully the next chapter of her solo run is as colorful, captivating and game-changing as her first swing of the bat.
