Rated R

Rihanna emerged from a traumatic assault in early 2009 with a voice sharpened by anger and pain. The resulting album Rated R dropped on November 20, 2009, marking a stark departure from the bubbly dance-pop that defined her first three records. She stepped into the role of executive producer alongside Antonio "L.A." Reid and The Carter Administration to guide sessions across studios in the US and Europe between March and September of that year.

The sound shifted toward dark rock textures and rhythm and blues undertones while incorporating dubstep elements and gritty production. Young Jeezy appeared on the violent narrative of Russian Roulette, while Slash delivered an iconic guitar solo on Rockstar 101. Justin Timberlake co-wrote and produced the track alongside will.i.am. The project explored themes of revenge and heartbreak without softening its edges for mainstream radio.

Critics noted the mature tone as a significant evolution for the Barbadian star. Commercially the record debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 moving 181,000 copies in its opening week. It climbed into the top ten in over twelve countries worldwide. Six singles released from the LP including Rude Boy which spent five weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart. [edit]