Rihanna's Music of the Sun: If It's Good Music that You Want, Make Rihanna Your Girl!

You have to wonder what it was about then-16 year old Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty that impressed Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella CEO Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter so much. Was it her surprisingly strong soprano? Her naturally striking good looks? Her impressive footwork on the dance floor? Her charming, girl-next-door personality? Or a combination of all of the above? Whatever it was, her dynamic made such a strong impression on Mr. Carter that when she auditioned in his NYC office, he signed her to a 7-album record deal with Def Jam on the spot!

Keep in mind, Def Jam is one of the premier record labels in the industry and they don’t just sign anybody. There’s dozens of singers and groups, both R&B and hip-hop, that would kill for a chance to be on the roster. So for a 16-year-old unknown from Barbados to ink a deal with them is an impressive feat in itself. Not to mention a 7-album record deal - something that is both a blessing and a curse. While such a contract seems to hint at the possibility of longevity in this cutthroat business, a lackluster debut could also result in the contract being broken faster than bones at a Jets game. But with the release of her debut album, Music of the Sun, Rihanna sounds as if she’s taken the first step towards a long and prosperous career.

She blasted onto the scene, and straight to the top of the charts, with her energetic ode to dancehall grooving, Pon De Replay. The infectious beat pulsating out your speakers and straight down your spine; Rihanna’s accented soprano sounding hypnotic against the groove and burning the catchy hookline onto your brain. And while the album doesn’t reach such energetic heights as this tune again, by no means is the rest of the project a tedious or pedestrian listen.