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Iconic. Legendary. Out of this world. Inspiring. Empowering. Fabulous. I could go on and on, but these are just the first words that come to mind when I think about Riri (which is about 20-80X a day). Beyond her impressive vocal reach, effortless fashion sense, captivating stage presence, and overall badassery, Rihanna is also a symbol of body confidence and positive sexuality in our society. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or occasional admirer, here are 20 things you didn’t know about Rihanna. Â
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1. Okay, so this one is sort of a cop-out but just to give some background worthy of our island queen, here it goes:
Rihanna was born in Barbados on February 20, 1988 (20 facts– Feb. 20th…get it?). Named Robyn Rihanna Fenty, she grew up in a small parish with two younger brothers. Her early childhood was influenced by aggressive headaches and the divorce of her parents when she was 14.
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2. When Rihanna was younger she was a member of the Army Cadets as a part of a sub-military programme. Imagine your first day at training and f$#*ing RIHANNA IS YOUR DRILL SERGEANT *dies*
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3. Riri’s middle name “Rihanna” is Arabic and means “Sweet Basil”. Yea you sweet girl, you real sweet ;)
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4. Barbados made February 22nd Rihanna Day. Screw Valentine’s Day I’m spending my money on a trip to the Caribbean every spring.
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5. In 2015, Rihanna was officially named the first artist in history to achieve 100 million of their singles digitally streamed or downloaded.
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6. On her U.K. concert series, Riri actually banned audience members from bringing umbrellas, fearing they would hurt themselves trying to replicate her dance moves during “Umbrella”.
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6. The island queen currently has 25 tattoos in counting. Her first ink was of a music note on her foot, and in 2012 she got her iconic tattoo of Isis on her chest. The Egyptian goddess was chosen as a tribute to her grandmother. Other tats include “1988” on her right ankle, a cross over her left collarbone, and “rebelle fleur” on the left side of her neck.
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7. Rihanna was supposed to be the Maid of Honor at Katy Perry’s marriage to Russel Brand, but Ri couldn’t be bothered from taking a break recording her album Loud.Â
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8. Before her shows, sometimes Rihanna sneaks into the crowd. Under the cover of oversized sunglasses and a hoodie, she likes to get a feel for the audience and the energy of the room.
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9. Another pre-performance ritual, Riri also takes time to suck on lozenges and steam her vocal chords. Then she takes a watered down shot to ease her nerves. (Goals is to take any sort of shots with Rihanna honestly IDC if it’s Taaka and that’s saying something).
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10. Once while getting a bikini wax she was recognized, midway through the waxing she was asked to sign an autograph! Now Rihanna makes sure that her waxers don’t know her;  “every time I get a wax I specify the lady is old and speak Russian and no English”.
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11. Rihanna was signed to Def Jam Records when she was just 16.
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12. The fashion icon doesn’t like Mexican, Chinese, Japanese or Indian food…and now suddenly neither do I?
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13. In 2014, Instagram accidentally flagged Rihanna’s account for her saucy snaps. The account was suspended for a brief time but Ri took the chance to take break from the social media site. The world went dark for six months until the Barbadian star made her return.
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14. Rihanna won her first Grammy when she was 19 for her song “Umbrella.” She now holds 8 Grammy awards.
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15. Ri has graced the cover of eight Vogue issues, including US Vogue and her most recent shoot for Vogue Arabia, where she pays homage to the Egyptian queen Nefertiti.
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16. Saturday Night Live has presented Rihanna as their performer 5 times — twice in 2012 alone.
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17. The Bajan beauty became the first woman to receive the Shoe of the Year award for her collaboration with Puma.
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18. Mariah Carey, Bob Marley, and Madonna are some of Ri’s biggest musical influences.
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19. The star has mentioned witnessing an exorcism as a child at a local church in Barbados.
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20. After Gillette’s Venus Breeze awarded her the “Celebrity Legs of a Goddess”, Rihanna insured her legs for $1 million dollars. We don’t blame you Ri, we really don’t.
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So there you have it! 20 interesting facts about our girl –now go out there and be her biggest #2 fan (number 1 taken by me of course)!
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