Barbadian-born pop superstar Rihanna created history last week as the only Caribbean-born artist named on the Top 10 list of Billboard Magazine’s “Greatest of All-Time Hot 100 Artists” chart.
The Top 10 list — which includes The Beatles, Madonna, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston — is based on performance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart from its inception on Aug. 4, 1958, through Nov. 6, 2021.
Jamaican Reggae singer Richie Stephens was among the first to send a heartfelt congratulation to the Bajan singer via his IG page. Rihanna was recently named a national hero in Barbados.
“I am happy that our Caribbean Queen Rihanna was honored by Billboard Magazine as one of the Top 10 artists of all times on their Top 100 Artist Chart,” Stephens posted.
The “Take Me Away” singer has good reason to celebrate Rihanna’s historic achievement. Her single “Work,” which was the lead single on her 2016 GRAMMY-nominated album, “Anti”, sampled Stephens’ “Sail Away” riddim, which earned him a Pop award at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Hollywood in 2017 and an R&B award at the 30th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul (R&B) Music Awards in Beverly Hills, CA.
In London, Stephens received the award for “Song of the Year” and “Digital Sales of the Year” by ASCAP for his contribution to “Work”, which was among the top ASCAP songs on the 2016 year-end charts.
“Riri is an exceptional talent,” said Stephens, referring to Rihanna. “I am forever indebted to her for the four ASCAP international awards I received in 2017.”
“Work” is one of 14 number one songs, including “Umbrella”, “Love The Way You Lie”, “SOS”, “Take A Bow” and “’Diamonds” by the pop superstar to have graced the Top 100 Billboard Chart in the 63 years that the charts have been compiled.
Rihanna has also had 31 Top 10hit songs. The 33-year-old music superstar has quietly become a legitimate business mogul since launching her brand Fenty Beauty.
In August, she achieved billionaire status once again, making her the richest musician in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$ 1.7 billion – second only to Oprah as the wealthiest female entertainer – according to Forbes Magazine.
