Nicki Minaj fell back, had a baby, did the mother thing, did the wife thing, all that… But now, she’s back in action like we’ve never seen her before, moving with complete confidence on her Pink Friday 2 Tour. Things began this past winter in Oakland, and since then, we’ve also seen the Queen of Rap tear up the Rolling Loud stage with her latest hits and old classics. Minaj has been working so hard that she’s even got the attention of Beyonce, who penned a sweet letter to her “Feeling Myself” collaborator praising her recent efforts.
“Onika, I just received your nail collection and I love them,” the mother of three beautifully wrote. “Thank you so much for thinking of me and congratulations on your launch and on tour. Blessings. Love, Beyonce,” her card concluded. When sharing it on her Instagram Story, Minaj was clearly proud. “Barbz, #PinkFridayNails are Queen approved. Thank you, @beyonce. Love you .” As with most things Papa Bear’s mom shares online, this is under public scrutiny for several reasons.
“Heavy on the ‘congrats on your nails and tour,’ cause y’all was trying to play with Nicki like she’s not loved and supported in real life,” one Instagram user wrote under @theneighborhoodtalk’s post. “Now y’all can put the made-up beef to rest,” another chimed in. Elsewhere, some chose to lash out at the Queen of Rap, using her moment of celebration as a time to attack. “Cardi is out with Rihanna, BYE Nick,” they said after the New Yorker and Barbadian turned up at Jason Lee’s Hollywood Bash this week.
Ultimately, no matter how much speculating we do, no one really knows how Nicki Minaj feels about her “Fly” collaborator spending time with one of her biggest opps. What we are confident in, however, is Bey’s love for Onika, no matter what haters have to say. Read more social media reactions to the gossip below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
2023 was a year that saw female artists in the music industry rallying together and showing support, and while there’s still been some of that in 2024, tensions have been rising. The biggest femcee feud we’ve seen so far is between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj, and because they’re two of the biggest names in rap, it only makes sense that virtually all their contemporaries are dragged into the situation by Twitter stans too. In the past, the Queen of Rap and Cardi B have had their issues too, which is why some were surprised to see a close friend of Minaj’s supporting Bardi earlier this week.
While attending Jason Lee’s Hollywood Bash event, the Hustlers actress performed one of her first big hits, “Bodak Yellow,” much to fellow patron’s pleasure. Even Rih was feeling the track, singing along to some of Cardi’s lyrics while touching up her makeup with a Fenty pallet. As AllHipHop reminds us, this comes shortly after the New York native expressed her desire to make a “perfect” song for her and the Bad Gal to collaborate on. Plenty of other stars were in attendance, including heiress and reality starlet Paris Hilton.
“I love Rihanna’s music, but I don’t do music like that,” Cardi shared on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast earlier this month. ” I sound kinda [silly] trying to sing like that, trying [to] sound like that. So if I ever get that perfect record, I can not wait until I feel like, ‘This song… I know she’s going to like it.’ Because I don’t want to send her nothing like, ‘Ho, what the f**k is this s**t? Take this thing out of my face.”
Both Rihanna and Cardi B are making major moves while their fans await the new music they’ve been promising. One of the former’s biggest announcements this month was her Vogue China cover, which took a nod from Beyoncé’s recent love for Western wear. See stunning images from that shoot at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Rihanna fans have been starving for eight years with no new album in sight, and while rumors have always pointed to its eventual arrival, it’s hard to keep hope. Moreover, when the Navy saw that she had a new announcement to share this week, they immediately got their hopes up only to meet disappointment again. Moreover, the Barbadian superstar revealed that Fenty Beauty will launch in China on April 1, and many of her followers ignored this completely and focused on lamenting the lack of new material. But it’s important to trust the process, refrain from rushing art and creativity, and acknowledge that she’s in a lot of business and family developments right now that are taking precedent.
Furthermore, if the “Shut Up & Drive” hitmaker never drops another full-length, it’ll be because of her massive success in other areas and wanting to focus her creative energies into that. As harsh as it sounds, it’s the price of being a Stan of such a successful artist. Still, Rihanna seems committed to eventually making her comeback, but life’s just been so vibrant and hectic for her as of late. Since her family with A$AP Rocky’s captured the minds and hearts of pop culture, she’ll never lose the relevance, impact, and love that makes another LP such an anticipated possibility.
Elsewhere, the 36-year-old is also making strides with her PUMA collaborations, although an Instagram mishap resulted in some trouble for the company. She’s maintained a tight grip on the entertainment world, which ironically seems to have strengthened since the release of ANTI back in 2016. The longer Rihanna waits, the more that the myth builds and spreads, no matter the reason for a delay of lack of releases. Maybe what we need is some time away from the headlines before she strikes.
Meanwhile, there are also plenty of artists out there that want to bring RiRi out of the cave, such as Cardi B. “I love Rihanna’s music,” she told Million Dollaz Worth of Game. “But, I don’t [make] music like that. I sound kinda stupid trying to sing like that. I sound stupid trying to make music like that. So, if I ever get that perfect record, I can not wait until I feel like, ‘This song… I know she’s going to like it.’ I don’t want to send her nothing like, ‘Ho, what the f**k is this s**t? Take this thing out of my face.’” For more news and the latest updates on Rihanna, stick around on HNHH.
“I love Rihanna’s music,” she confessed to host Gillie Da Kid and Wallo. “But, I don’t [make] music like that. I sound kinda stupid trying to sing like that. I sound stupid trying to make music like that.”
Even though her fear has held her back from reaching out, Cardi hasn’t given up on the possibility. “So, if I ever get that perfect record…I can not wait until I feel like, ‘This song…I know she’s going to like it,’” she said. “I don’t want to send her nothing like, ‘Ho, what the f*ck is this sh*t? Take this thing out of my face.’”
Watch the full interview above.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
There are not too many more iconic pairings in the music and fashion world than Rihanna and PUMA. They have been together for just about a decade now, which is kind of crazy to think it has not been longer. The multicultural multi-hyphenate has done a lot for the athletic wear and shoe brand over the years. However, that is not to say that it has all gone smoothly, even though nothing really does. According to HipHopDX, PUMA is still having no luck getting a trademark approved with the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office.
This all began on signing day for the R&B legend, which was in late 2014. Rihanna posted that she was inking her deal to become PUMA’s creative director on her Instagram with the caption, “on the dotted line. #PUMA” However, she made one crucial mistake by including her shoes in the photo. That put the unreleased show with the original ethos out into the public domain one year prior to the registration being filed in 2016. Essentially, she disclosed the design, leaving it open to be taken up by someone else, rendering a patent useless.
Dutch shoe wholesaler J.H. van Hilst won the case in 2016, but PUMA was adamant to get the original ruling overturned. Unfortunately, it was shot down once again. The argument against PUMA was that because of Rihanna’s status, many people could have taken interest in her clothing. The one silver lining in this is that this only pertains to Europe, not the United States.
What are your thoughts on PUMA’s patent getting denied again after Rihanna shared a shoe design back in 2014? Are you surprised or not that she is still working with the brand even after that mistake? Do you think PUMA should give up on trying to fix this, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding PUMA and Rihanna. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the worlds of music and streetwear.
Consolation prize? As per The Associated Press, Rihanna was booked to perform at a celebration for the wedding of the son to “billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani,” which boasted a “nearly 1,200-person guest list,” including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. That news alone does not connote a consolation prize because what good is a private Rihanna performance to her millions (or billions?) of fans who cannot attend? However, videos from the performance are circulating on X (formerly Twitter), making it a de facto semi-public Rihanna concert.
Complex posted aggregated videos of Rihanna singing “B*tch Better Have My Money” and dancing confidently during “Work.” while other accounts are circulating videos of Rihanna singing “Umbrella” and “Pour It Up.” Her vocals are flawless, but the choreography alone is enough to cause severe FOMO.
— Mus | STILL WAITING FOR R9 (@iammumus) March 1, 2024
As per Variety, “The concert, held in the family’s hometown of Jamnagar in India, was the first night of a three-day event to celebrate the wedding — which isn’t set to happen until later this summer — of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.”
In December, Rihanna gave fans hope that new music and a tour will happen at some unspecified point in the future.
“Well, we were always gonna go back on tour,” Rihanna told Entertainment Tonight when asked if another tour could be happening soon. “I feel I want to do a tour when there’s new music, right? We already know what that’s gonna be, with the songs that I’ve performed my last tour. That was a long time ago. I feel like it’s only fair that my fans get what they’ve been waiting on, which is new music. And after that, let’s just, like, blow everything up.”
Music has always been an ever-changing and evolving art form, with artists constantly pushing boundaries and redefining genres. R&B is a highly beloved genre, and many notable singers have found their voices within it. While it’s easy to stay in one’s comfort zone, acts are always willing to test the limits, and experiment extensively within a genre. However, some R&B icons go above and beyond, fearlessly crossing into other musical territories entirely. Beyoncé’s venture into country music is the latest example of such versatility.
From pop to rock, Hip Hop to reggae, many R&B idols have wholeheartedly embraced musical experimentation. In doing so, they have left an enduring imprint on the music industry by defying conventions. Here, we’ll shine a spotlight on some of these remarkable singers who have transcended the confines of R&B. With ambition and determination, they have made an impact far beyond the borders of their musical origins.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé, renowned for her powerful R&B vocals, is now widely regarded as a groundbreaking, visionary artist. Throughout her career, she has constantly experimented with genres, incorporating elements of pop, EDM, reggae, and even rock into her music. When it comes to versatility and range in regards to musical experimentation, not many R&B singers come close. Time after time, she has proven her ability to transcend genre limitations. The track “Hold Up,” from her Lemonade(2016) album, effortlessly combines reggae with elements of soul and rap. Likewise, her recent releases, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” are full-on country songs. Beyonce has shown herself most capable of holding her own in different music genres. The Queen Bey’s ability to slay in all these different territories needs to be studied.
Rihanna
Known for her distinct and versatile vocals, Rihanna seamlessly infuses various genres into her music. While she has not released music in a while, her reputation stands firm. Although she is primarily regarded as an R&B vocalist, she is one of a handful of singers who can succeed in many other genres. Throughout her musical career, Rih has been known to incorporate her Caribbean roots into her works. When she released “Man Down” in 2011, with its reggae and soulful vibes, it ushered in a new era in the singer’s career. Equally notable are her electrohouse collaborations with Calvin Harris, “This is What You Came For” and “We Found Love.” With her chart-topping hit, “Work,” Rihanna also explored dancehall music.
With a classical training in piano, Alicia Keys has always been an interesting and notable artist. Using the instrument as an extension of herself, she’s always brought a peculiar touch of elegance to R&B. Additionally, the singer’s ability to infuse soulful vocals with intricate piano arrangements truly sets her apart. However, Keys has also explored the territories of pop in several of her albums. These include The Element of Freedom(2009), Here (2014), and Alicia (2020). On Alicia, she went even further, experimenting with orchestral pop and reggae on tracks like “Love Looks Better” and “Wasted Energy.”
When it comes to an alternative approach to R&B and genre-blurring, Frank Ocean is among a handful of essential singers. His distinctive style of music incorporates a myriad of influences, allowing him to carve out a niche for himself. Ocean’s sophomore album Blonde (2016) contains elements of psychedelic pop and ambient pop in the tracks. Blonde is a testament to the singer’s ability to create a dreamy, genre-defying soundscape that resonates with a broad audience.
Kelly Rowland has an impressive solo catalog. Without a doubt, she is among the best R&B singers of her generation. Despite her reputation as an R&B vocalist, however, she has released various hit songs in other genres. Rowland went full-on EDM onhits like “When Love Takes Over” and “Commander.” She also experimented with dance-pop on the track “Work,” cementing her status as a genre-bending icon.
A stalwart in the R&B scene, Usher has successfully switched between genres various times with his music. He has worked on pop, EDM, and Afrobeats, among others. Tracks like “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” and “OMG” demonstrate his ability to experiment with EDM elements. Looking 4 Myself (2012) remains his most experimental album with songs like “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” and “Numb.” On his most recent album, he incorporated Afrobeats into the track “Ruin,” and showcased his capacity to push genre boundaries.
Janet Jackson
The R&B and pop icon Janet Jackson has effortlessly navigated between genres throughout her career. She is celebrated alongside many other iconic R&B singers, and rightly so. However, unlike some R&B vocalists, Jackson has successfully crossed genre lines many times in her career. For example, with her album Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), she played a crucial role in popularizing the New Jack Swing genre. She has also fearlessly experimented with funk, rock, and disco, among others. Some of her most experimental and celebrated tracks to date are “Black Cat,” “If,” and “Control.”
Rihanna is turning up the glitz and glamour for a luxurious new ad for her Fenty Beauty brand.
In the creative video, she appears alongside ASAP Rocky in an old Hollywood-inspired film noir, with the two really committing to the era. It first opens on RiRi, with the title card “Born To Steal” written in a movie-style font.
“She was a classy dame, but she had odd ways of showing her affection, from leaving me out cold in the dark to stealing my heart… and my stuff,” the voiceover says. “I’d let her get away with murder. The male chooses his attire carefully. Although the female’s choices are endless, she borrows from the male for her camouflage.”
Viewers see Rihanna dolled up in early-1900s-inspired makeup and a diamond necklace, as she dances around. She then changes into a suit. While getting dressed and trying it on, ASAP Rocky appears, nearly catching her in the process. He walks into the room, but much like the mystery movies, she is creatively hiding out of view.
Later on in the video, the two get together, eating breakfast as he reads the newspaper — including an issue where Rihanna is hilariously dubbed the “blazer bandit.” Basically, we need Rihanna to bring back these types of movies now.
Until that happens, if at all, check out Rihanna and ASAP Rocky starring in the “Born To Steal: Yours, Mine, Ours” Fenty Beauty ad above.
We’re officially in the final zodiac sign of the astrological year – Pisces. One of the first celebrities to celebrate their birthday under the most evolved water sign is none other than Rihanna, who turned 36 on Tuesday (February 20). By now, the Bad Gal has achieved practically everything on her bucket list, including a family with ASAP Rocky, successful skincare, makeup, and lingerie brands, and an impressive discography that continues to thrive despite her lengthy hiatus from the studio.
Millions of fans sent Rih well wishes on her big day, as did several fellow celebrities. Among them was Nicki Minaj, who’s previously collaborated with the Fenty Beauty founder on songs like “Fly” and “Raining Men.” On her Instagram Story, the Queen of Rap wrote “Happy birthday to this beautiful billionaire from Barbados. How I smile when I know ain’t a b**ch better & ain’t a b**ch badder.” On another slide, she added, “And now… for the baddest b**ch on planet Earth. Happy birthday to this phenomenal f**king woman. Caribbean girls run it b**ch!!!!! Know that, h*e!!!!”
On her Twitter/X profile, Papa Bear’s mom only had more love to give her longtime friend. “There’s only one holiday in #GagCity and that’s #QUEENRih birthday,” Minaj tweeted. “Dear Rih, Thank you. Love always, – an immigrant,” she added, referencing their shared bond of originally hailing from outside of America. It’s unclear if they have plans to collaborate again in the future, but the Barbz would surely like to see it.
Rihanna’s Navy was happy to help her celebrate her 36th birthday this week, and they’ve only grown more enthused since her beau, ASAP Rocky, confirmed that a new album is on the way. It’ll mark the mother of two’s first effort since 2016’s ANTI, and the music industry’s long been waiting to witness what this era will be like for her creatively. Read more about what Rocky had to say at the link below, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.
.” As with most things Papa Bear’s mom shares online, this is under public scrutiny for several reasons.
(@KmaFr_) 
Jay Jay (@holynoapostle) 
(@iammumus)