Rihanna

Barbados, 2003–now

Barbadian singer and entrepreneur (b. 1988, Robyn Fenty). Across a decade of chart dominance she moved fluidly between dance-pop, R&B, dancehall and EDM ('Umbrella', 'We Found Love', 'Work'), becoming one of the best-selling artists of all time before turning to fashion and beauty.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Rihanna and 1 artist Rihanna influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Rihanna?

• Madonna — Rihanna has named Madonna as her model of longevity and reinvention, saying she wanted to become 'the black Madonna'.
• Michael Jackson — Michael Jackson is among the artists Rihanna cites as a foundational influence.

Which artists did Rihanna influence?

• The xx — The R&B end of the xx's influences, against the Cure and Pixies at the other.