Rihanna is Elle's cover girl for June and it is the second time the magazine has featured her in a year. Back in the day, when I worked at the magazine, they always believed that putting a black woman on the cover would mean death at the newsstand. That thinking hasn't really gone away but maybe being an "It" girl helps—even for a black girl. And Rihanna's definitely an "It" girl.
The Bajan beauty popped on the scene 3 years ago but caught fire last year with that little ditty (as my grandmother used to say) "Umbrella." It is still a catchy song but is it a career maker? Will folks be playing it 20 years from now? And if I went to see her in concert would she be singing to a track while dazzling me with dance moves? I saw Amerie once and she was dancing so hard that she actually forgot to sing at times. I also caught a bit of Ciara's act at The Essence Music Festival last year and the only thing I remember about her performance was her dancing. But I digress...
I believe in this age where appearance is paramount and videos do so much to sell artists, Rihanna is hot because she is easy on the eyes. Fans want to look like her, dress like her who cares if she can really sing.
I do. And it makes me wonder whether an artist like say, Stephanie Mills, would have had a chance if she were released today. Stephanie's power was, and still is in her voice, but her looks were more average than knock-out. Then again, a good stylist can do wonders for even an average-looking sister. Real singers still get signed today, but they don't share the same kind of success as those elevated to style icon. Chrisette Michelle has promise but I have a feeling she is going to end playing the small venues instead of the arenas. And wouldn't it be a powerful thing if the words of India.Arie resonated just as much as Beyonce. I say, why can't they have it all too.
">Rihanna's Umbrella
