Music of the Sun

Music of the Sun, Rihanna's debut album, arrived on August 29, 2005, via SRP Records and Def Jam Recordings. The Barbadian singer had been discovered in her home country by producers Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers, who helped her cut demos that eventually reached Jay-Z, then Def Jam's CEO. After hearing "Pon de Replay," Jay-Z invited her to audition, and she signed on the spot. The album blends dance-pop, dancehall, and R&B with touches of reggae, soca, and Latin pop, reflecting her Caribbean roots. Across 14 tracks, she works with producers like Stargate and Poke and Tone, and features guest spots from Kardinal Offishall, J-Status, and Vybz Kartel. Critics gave it mixed reviews, but it debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200 and went Platinum in the US. Its lead single, "Pon de Replay," became a global hit, peaking at number two on the Hot 100. The album set the stage for her follow-up, A Girl Like Me, and her first tour, Rihanna: Live in Concert. [edit]