On February 20, one of the most famous women in the world, Rihanna, turned 37! That’s amazing but what’s even more exciting is that, according to insiders, Rihanna is finally planning her big return to music after an eight-year break. However, fans shouldn’t expect the same old RiRi—motherhood has changed her, and in her own words, she feels ashamed of the person she used to be. But what exactly does she mean by that? Find out all the details in our exclusive article!

Scandal! Rihanna Came to Court with Her Children

As TMZ reported, Rihanna's civil partner A$AP Rocky faces 24 years in prison for using a firearm back in 2021. But the unexpected appearance of his civil wife Rihanna in the courtroom with their two young sons became one of the most discussed topics.

@TURBO/BACKGRID

Some believe that the singer wants to show the court that her children could be left without a father if A$AP Rocky receives a prison sentence. The Daily Mail notes that many social media users condemned Rihanna, saying that the babies are too young to be in such a stressful courtroom environment. However, the singer has never been afraid of others' opinions since childhood and has always done what she believes is right – we will tell you about this right now!

Barbadian Roots and a Tough Childhood

To truly understand this extraordinary woman, we need to look at her early years. Even back then, she was bold and unique—just like she is today. But Rihanna's childhood was far from easy. Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Barbados, she grew up in a seemingly normal family. 

@photosofrihanna/Instagram.com

Her mother was an accountant, and her father worked as a warehouse supervisor. However, behind closed doors, serious problems were brewing. As TMZ reported, Rihanna’s father struggled with alcoholism and crack addiction, which deeply affected the entire family. When Rihanna was just 14, her parents divorced—a life-changing event for any teenager.

Secret Headaches and the Desire to Be "Normal"

Since childhood, Rihanna suffered from severe headaches but never wanted anyone to know something was wrong. "I never expressed my feelings. I always kept it all inside," she revealed in an interview with Biography. 

@photosofrihanna/Instagram.com

Instead of complaining, she tried to stay strong and avoid attention. However, the pain didn’t stop, and her parents eventually took her to a doctor—where they received a shocking possibility. The doctor suspected brain cancer. That diagnosis left everyone speechless.

Endless Medical Tests

Rihanna underwent countless medical examinations but no doctor could pinpoint the exact cause of her pain. Fortunately, cancer was ruled out but the headaches remained a mystery.

@photosofrihanna/Instagram.com

According to Biography, the most unusual part of this story is that after her parents' divorce, Rihanna’s excruciating headaches started to fade away. Could it have been a severe stress response to the family turmoil?

Smashing a Bottle Over Her Brother’s Head

As the eldest child, Rihanna often had to help her mother take care of her younger brothers. But in later interviews, she openly admitted—she never really enjoyed babysitting. Her brothers were wild troublemakers, and most arguments were settled the old-fashioned way—fighting.

@photosofrihanna/Instagram.com

One day, things got out of control, and in a fit of anger, Rihanna smashed a glass bottle over her brother’s head. Their mother was furious. Luckily, he wasn’t seriously hurt but this incident hinted at a pattern—Rihanna didn’t always keep her emotions bottled up. How did this impact her future relationships? We’ll explore that next.

What Was Rihanna Selling?

When she wasn’t babysitting (or fighting) with her brothers, Rihanna was busy working. Despite her parents’ divorce, she remained in touch with her father, and together, they sold clothes on the streets of Barbados. 

@photosofrihanna/Instagram.com

Yes, from a young age, Rihanna was hardworking and determined to earn her own money. This is where her passion for fashion first began. But instead of a career in fashion, Rihanna unexpectedly chose a different path—music. But before making it big in music, she had to prove she was the most beautiful girl in school!

All Eyes on Her!

It was 2004…No one had heard of "Pon de Replay" yet but Rihanna was already stealing the spotlight. She won her school’s beauty pageant, earning the title of Miss Combermere—not just for her looks but for her incredible performance of Mariah Carey’s "Hero." What a plot twist!

@photosofrihanna/Instagram.com

But the most surprising part? According to the Daily Mail, Rihanna entered the contest on a dare. Even more shocking—her military training helped her win! But how?

Military Training—Wait, What?!

Before her music breakthrough, Rihanna underwent military training! In Barbados, she was a cadet in an army program. How did this help her later in life? For starters, it taught her how to balance books on her head while walking—a skill that came in handy during beauty pageants!

@uberfacts/x.com

Looking back, it seems like everything Rihanna did was a puzzle piece that built her future persona—discipline, public performances, and, of course, her passion for music. But Rihanna was never the type to stay in the background.

From a Girl Group to Global Fame

At just 15, Rihanna was already chasing success. She formed a girl group with two classmates, thinking they were on the path to stardom. 

@rihannaimpact/x.com

But when they auditioned for producer Evan Rogers, it became clear—there was only one true star among them. "The moment Rihanna walked into the room, it was like the other two girls disappeared," Rogers later told the Daily Mail.

A Risky Move—Leaving Everything for the U.S.

Less than a year later, at just 16, Rihanna left Barbados behind and moved to the U.S. to work on her demo album. "When I left Barbados, I never looked back," she told Rolling Stone. 

@Jim Spellman/WireImage 

She put everything on the line, leaving behind her family, friends, and even school—she never finished high school. Education was no longer a priority—music consumed her entirely. And soon, the world would know her name.

The Historic Meeting with Jay-Z

In 2005, Rogers arranged an audition for Rihanna at Def Jam Records. She was nervous: "I was standing in the lobby shaking," she recalled in an interview with MTV. But the moment she started singing, her fear disappeared. Jay-Z was so impressed that he immediately offered her a contract.

@TeamOfRihanna/x.com

"I was looking into everyone's eyes while singing, and at that moment, I was fearless," Rihanna admitted. However, later, shocking details about the signing of that contract and her work with Jay-Z surfaced… but back then, Rihanna didn’t tell anyone because she knew—this was her chance for success.

The Breakthrough: "Pon de Replay," "Unfaithful," and "SOS"

Just eight months after signing the contract, in August 2005, Rihanna released her debut single, "Pon de Replay." The track soared to the second spot on the Billboard chart, making her the next rising star in pop music. 

@Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

This was followed by the album Music of the Sun, and in 2006, her second album, A Girl Like Me, featuring the hits Unfaithful and "SOS." The latter became her first U.S. No. 1 single. Rihanna's career was skyrocketing so fast that it was hard to believe. From the outside, everything seemed perfect but in reality, the young Rihanna was going through something terrifying…

The Scandal of the Year: What Was Rihanna Hiding?

Last year, the music industry was shaken by a sensational revelation. It all started with the scandal surrounding P. Diddy, which led many media outlets to recall his friend, Jay-Z… 

@TeamOfRihanna/x.com

Allegedly, he, too, was an abuser and a very complicated person. Rihanna’s ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, made alarming statements about the beginning of her career and her ties with Jay-Z. If his words are true, then behind Rihanna’s dazzling success lies a dark and disturbing story.

"Bought" for Half a Million?

According to TMZ, Brown claimed that Rihanna’s path to fame was far from a fairytale. He alleged that Jay-Z “bought” 17-year-old Rihanna from her father in Barbados for $500,000. 

@Jason Merritt/FilmMagic 

If this is true, then her rise to fame was more of a transaction where she was treated as a commodity rather than a young artist chasing her dream.

A Video No One Paid Attention To

Amid P. Diddy’s arrest, a 17-year-old video of Rihanna resurfaced, where she spoke about shocking details of her early career. At the time, her words aired and were quickly forgotten. 

@flickr.com

But now, with the industry facing multiple exposés, that footage has taken on a whole new meaning. What exactly did she reveal? We’ll tell you right now.

"Sign the Contract or Jump from the 29th Floor"

According to TMZ, Jay-Z allegedly held 16-year-old Rihanna at the Def Jam Records office for 12 hours, pressuring her to sign a contract. In a 2005 interview on The Tyra Banks Show, Rihanna admitted that she had no other choice. 

@knowyourcelebrities/facebook.com

"There are two ways to leave this room: through the door with a signed contract or through the window. And we're on the 29th floor," she recalled the producer's words. At the time, the phrase seemed like a joke but now, in light of recent industry scandals, people view it very differently.

Parties, Influence, and Questionable Relationships

According to TMZ, Chris Brown continued to shed light on Rihanna’s past, claiming that after moving to the U.S., she found herself in a world of exclusive parties and powerful industry figures. He hinted that her relationship with Jay-Z went beyond mentorship… The Mirror even suggested that there may have been something more between Rihanna and Jay-Z. 

@hauteliving.com

According to an insider, “Jay-Z’s connection with Rihanna was obvious. He would drop the most important meetings to answer her calls,” revealing that the rapper allegedly had a separate phone just for communicating with Rihanna.

Was Beyoncé Jealous?

According to Cosmopolitan and insiders, it’s no surprise that Beyoncé was allegedly furious with Rihanna—after all, the pop diva had every reason to be jealous of her husband’s protege. Not only was Rihanna younger but also incredibly sexy… Cosmopolitan reported that insiders claimed Beyoncé’s jealousy toward Rihanna was fueled by these exact factors. 

@people.com

For years, there were rumors but no official confirmation ever came. Rihanna always called Jay-Z her mentor and never spoke about any deeper relationship… What truly happened remains known only to them but as the saying goes—there’s no smoke without fire.

Rihanna’s Iconic Track Was Meant for… Britney Spears!

Despite all the behind-the-scenes struggles that no one knew about at the time, Rihanna continued to conquer the stage no matter what. In 2007, she released the single Umbrella, featuring Jay-Z, which became a breakthrough in her career. 

@csoundcloud.com

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. for seven weeks and remained number one in the UK for ten consecutive weeks. Interestingly, the track was initially offered to other artists, including Britney Spears but ultimately, Rihanna got it—and it became her signature hit.

The Success Continues!

After Umbrella, Rihanna kept delivering hit after hit. Songs like Don't Stop the Music, Disturbia, and Only Girl (In the World) dominated global charts, solidifying her status as a pop icon. 

@flickr.com

Her unique style and ability to blend different musical genres attracted even more fans. And while Rihanna shined on stage, she had some rather unusual pre-show rituals that helped her stay in the zone…

Rihanna’s Unexpected Rituals

Creative people often have their own special rituals before performances. Rihanna, for instance, prefers to take a sip of alcohol—whether it’s liqueur or vodka—to get energized and ready for the show, according to TMZ. But that’s not all! 

@chilledmagazine.com

After her concerts, she reportedly returns to her dressing room, undresses, and walks around for a while, cleansing her energy and preparing for the next day.

Rihanna Might Be Closer to You Than You Think!

A little alcohol isn’t the only part of Rihanna’s pre-show ritual. According to The Things, she sometimes disguises herself as an ordinary fan, puts on a hoodie, and blends into the crowd before her concerts to feel the atmosphere and get in the right mood for her performance. 

@dailymail.com

At that moment, her fans have no idea that their idol might be standing right next to them! So, if you’re going to a Rihanna concert—keep your eyes open!

A Love for… Weed?

After her concerts, Rihanna also enjoys unwinding. According to TMZ, she has never tried to hide the fact that she occasionally smokes marijuana. In fact, paparazzi have caught her in the act multiple times. But when it comes to harder substances—she draws a firm line. 

@thecut.com

Rihanna has emphasized that cocaine has never and will never be part of her life. Her father’s struggle with addiction made sure of that from an early age.

Perfect on Stage but Troubled in Her Personal Life

On stage, Rihanna’s career was soaring. In 2011, she released her album Talk That Talk, with the lead single We Found Love, which became an international hit and won a Grammy for Best Short-Form Music Video. 

@assets.gcstatic.com

However, despite her professional success, her personal life was far from perfect. To the public, everything seemed fine but behind the scenes, she was enduring some painful experiences…

Rihanna and Chris Brown: A Painful Love Story

Fifteen years ago, Chris Brown and Rihanna were one of the most talked-about couples in showbiz. Young, talented, and successful—their relationship seemed picture-perfect. They appeared on red carpets glowing with happiness, and fans dreamed of their wedding. But in 2009, everything changed when the world discovered the truth about their "perfect" romance.

@getty/bbc.com

"Our relationship was always explosive. We could fight over the smallest thing and then make up as if nothing had happened. But our arguments kept getting worse," Brown admitted in the documentary Welcome to My Life.

That Fateful Night in 2009

February 2009. The night before the Grammys. While in the car, Rihanna discovered a message on Chris Brown’s phone from another woman. It became the breaking point.

@Chris Brown Details Rihanna Assault: She Tried To Kick Me, I Bit Her Arm/audacy/YouTube.com

"She screamed that she hated me, threw my phone, and started hitting me… At some point, I lost control and hit her back," Brown confessed in the documentary. These words are chilling—especially when remembering the photos of Rihanna after that night: a busted lip, bruises, and swelling. According to court documents, Brown didn’t just use his hands—he kicked her too.

"I Regret That Night"

Years later, Chris Brown admitted that he still cannot forgive himself. "I loved her, and I never wanted to hurt her. That was the worst moment of my life," he confessed.

@cnn.com

Their story became one of the biggest scandals in show business. And while both have moved on, that dark episode will forever remain in the memories of their fans.

Court and Consequences

As reported by Daily Mail, after the incident, Chris received five years of probation, 1,400 hours of community service, and public condemnation. His career took a hit, while Rihanna, on the other hand, became a symbol of strength and independence.

@abc7.com

Her album Rated R, released that same year, was filled with dark tracks and personal reflections. It seemed like Rihanna and Chris would never get back together… and rumors even surfaced about her new relationships.

A New Love?

After breaking up with Chris, another rapper entered Rihanna’s life—Drake. However, their relationship was more complicated than a Brazilian soap opera.

@Kevin Mazur/WireImage

According to TMZ, the first rumors of their romance emerged back in 2009 but the stars insisted they were "just friends." Fans were skeptical—Drake's gaze toward RiRi was too affectionate. In 2012, he even dedicated the song Fireworks to her… and then came the legendary nightclub incident!

The Fight Everyone Talked About!

As Daily Mail reported, in 2012, Chris and Drake got into a physical altercation at a nightclub… over Rihanna! The incident took place at a party for Chris Brown’s friend, Teyana Taylor, celebrating her new record deal.

@dailymail.com

During the event, Chris Brown sent a bottle of champagne to Drake’s table as a peace offering. However, the bottle was returned with a note that read: "I'm the f**ing love of your life, deal with it!"* The message hinted at Drake’s relationship with Rihanna, Chris’s ex-girlfriend. What happened next was absolute chaos! Photos from the scene showed shattered glass covering the floor.

A Brutal Brawl

According to various reports, bottles were thrown during the fight, and one security guard was injured. Luckily, the brawl broke out at 4 a.m., when most clubgoers had already left but some visitors were hurt...The photo shows one of them.

@dailymail.com

Interestingly, Brown managed to escape with the help of his security team, while Drake was forced to retreat further into the club.

What Was Really Going on Between Rihanna and Drake?

In 2012, neither Rihanna nor Drake confirmed their romance. It wasn’t until 2016 that the rapper made it official. As TMZ reported, Drake confessed he had been in love with Rihanna since he was 22 and had dreamed of starting a family with her. However, fate had other plans. 

@FameFlynet/digitalspy.com

Their love story came to an end… Was it due to cheating rumors, constant fights, or simply misunderstandings? Or was it because Rihanna rekindled her relationship with Chris Brown?

OMG, She Went Back!

Ironically, just months after the Drake-Brown brawl, Rihanna got back together with Chris, leaving Drake heartbroken. "I love him. It’s a complicated relationship but no one understands what we’ve been through," Rihanna told reporters. 

@usmagazine.com

As Marie Claire wrote, the singer admitted she forgave her ex-boyfriend because she didn’t want to live with hate in her heart. However, the reunion was short-lived—by 2013, they had officially broken up for good. Later, Rihanna stated she had forgiven Chris but their story was in the past.

New Romances and Scandals

In 2015, rumors about Rihanna and Travis Scott spread across the internet. The two were often seen together but they never confirmed their relationship.

@eonline.com

That same year, Rihanna, serving as Puma's creative director, launched the Creeper sneakers. Travis Scott appeared in the campaign, further fueling speculation. However, the singer denied the dating rumors.Still, another scandal was brewing!

Travis Complained About Rihanna

Later in 2015, blogger Lawrence Schlossman wrote an article for Complex revealing details about their relationship, despite Travis Scott’s request to keep it private. 

@Raymond Hall/GC Images;PatrickMcMullan/AP 

The rapper was reportedly upset, believing Rihanna had merely “used” him. What a difficult story!

DiCaprio: A Fling or Something More?

In 2015, the internet exploded with new rumors—Rihanna was romantically involved with none other than Leonardo DiCaprio! According to TMZ, they spent the night together at a Paris nightclub. No matter how hard the couple tried to hide from the paparazzi, they didn’t succeed!

@snl24.com

While there was no official confirmation, the two were spotted together again at a party in 2016. Fans speculated—had Rihanna tamed Hollywood’s most notorious bachelor? But in the end, it seemed to be nothing more than a flirtation with a few passionate moments.

Secret Billionaire

However, Rihanna didn’t have to stay single for long. In 2017, photos surfaced of Rihanna with a mysterious man. It was later revealed that this was Hassan Jameel – a billionaire from Saudi Arabia and heir to a large family business. 

@MEGA

As reported by Harper's Bazaar, their romance started months before the pictures were published but the couple kept their relationship private… until a lot of promising information about them leaked online!

Everyone Expected a Wedding

This romance turned out to be serious: the singer started appearing less at public events and spent more time on her personal life. Rumors about an upcoming wedding and the possibility of the star being pregnant began to circulate. 

@BACKGRID

Rihanna herself didn’t hide the fact that she dreamed of having children. However, as People wrote, three years later they broke up – and the reasons were extremely unexpected, according to insiders...

Goodbye, Rihanna!

Although Rihanna tried to keep the details of her personal life private, journalists gathered all the rumors and insider comments. 
@TheImageDirect.com

As TMZ wrote, some insiders said the reason for Rihanna and Hassan's breakup was their differing views on life, while others claimed that Jameel’s family didn’t approve of the singer’s revealing style… and this breakup led Rihanna to truly fateful relationships!

"She’s the Love of My Life"

If anyone thought Rihanna would suffer for long after breaking up with Hassan, they were wrong. Soon, the media was flooded with a new wave of rumors! The first gossip about a new romance between Rihanna and A$AP Rocky appeared back in 2020. 

@enews.com

As TMZ reported, the couple was spotted together several times but didn’t rush to make their relationship public. Everything changed in May 2021 when the rapper referred to Rihanna as "the love of my life" in an interview with GQ. And from that moment, everything became even more interesting!

Best Friends Who Became... a Couple

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s love story began with friendship. They collaborated on musical projects, supported each other’s careers, and eventually their relationship grew into something more. 

@Samir Hussein/WireImage

According to Vogue, in December 2020, Rihanna even introduced A$AP Rocky to her family in Barbados. This marked an important step in their relationship, which developed rapidly.

A New Addition to the Family

There was no doubt about the seriousness of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s relationship. Moreover, the couple had spoken multiple times about wanting to have children. 

@Getty Images

In an interview, the rapper confessed that he dreamed of having a big family. "I think I’ll be a great father," he said in a conversation with Interview Magazine. And their dream came true – in early 2022, it was revealed that Rihanna was expecting a child.

The Birth of Their Firstborn

In May 2022, Rihanna became a mother for the first time! As reported by People, the couple welcomed a son, named Rza Athelston Mayers. The baby’s name is a tribute to the legendary rapper RZA, leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. 

@tmz.com

The star parents enjoyed their first months with their baby, keeping the details of his life private but once again, insiders couldn’t stay quiet!

Full Immersion in Motherhood

According to insiders, A$AP Rocky turned out to be an incredibly caring father and fully supported Rihanna. 

@A$AP Rocky/Instagram.com

The singer completely immersed herself in motherhood but as Elle wrote, she soon hinted at a possible return to music. However, plans unexpectedly changed...

Second Child – a Pleasant Surprise

At the beginning of 2023, Rihanna surprised everyone at the Super Bowl stage: during her performance, she revealed her rounded belly! As confirmed by BBC and CNN, the singer was expecting again. 

@hellomagazine.com

In the summer of 2023, the star family grew once more – their second son was born. According to TMZ, the boy was named Riot Rose Mayers. The choice of the name is connected to symbols of strength and independence, which are important to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.

Radical Changes

Now, Rihanna not only has a successful career but also a real family idyll. But it's not that simple.

@Neil Mockford/WireImage

She has always said she dreamed of having children, and it seems that this dream has not only become a reality but has also significantly changed the singer’s worldview, and she feels ashamed of her past self... details to come right now!

"Did I Really Wear That?"

After becoming a mother twice, it hit Rihanna! In a recent interview with Vogue, the star admitted that she now looks at her revealing outfits from the past with surprise and even feels a bit ashamed of some of her looks. Despite inspiring many women to be confident, the singer now admits that her attitude toward this has changed.

@tmz.com

"This might sound pretty hypocritical but... I’ve done a lot of dumb things in my life. I’ve gone out with exposed nipples, worn underwear that showed under my clothes… But I rethought a lot of things after becoming a mom," she shared in the Vogue interview.

Family Issues

By the way, despite her family life, Rihanna hasn’t always been cordial with her own relatives. The story of her family disagreements with her father, Ronald Fenty, has been going on for several years. In 2019, the singer filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of illegally using her name for business purposes. 

@nme.com

The scandal revolved around the company Fenty Entertainment LLC, which Ronald Fenty founded with his business partner Moses Jocktan Perkins. Rihanna’s lawsuit claimed that her father was misrepresenting his company as being affiliated with her and trying to make deals in her name.

How It All Ended

Ronald Fenty completely denied the accusations. "I have every right to use the Fenty name, and I don’t need Rihanna’s permission," he claimed. Two weeks before the first court hearing, scheduled for September 22, Rihanna unexpectedly filed a statement to drop the lawsuit. Why? 

@dailymail.com

There were no official comments but Radar Online speculates that the conflict was resolved outside of court. It’s possible that the singer decided that a legal battle would only harm the family and her own reputation.

Focused on Herself

Given that, in addition to her creative work and children, Rihanna also has businesses, it’s clear why she didn’t want to get involved in conflicts with her father. In August, Forbes recognized Rihanna as a billionaire, making her the richest female musician in the world. Her main source of income is the cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty, which she co-owns with the French giant LVMH. 

@Kevin Mazur/Getty

It seems that, instead of lengthy court battles, Rihanna chose the strategy of "leaving the past in the past" and focusing on what really matters to her today. Well, now we can only wait for Rihanna’s long-awaited return to the big stage in a new "more modest" image and her new songs! We’ll also keep our fingers on the pulse to see what decision the court will make regarding Rihanna’s husband, who, as TMZ reported, is facing 24 years in prison.