I’m a big fan of Rihanna’s music and style, but I was very disturbed when I received her new CD as an early Christmas present.
The album is appropriately titled Rated R because teenagers, especially impressionable girls, should not be exposed to this CD.
The CD’s booklet includes many disturbing pictures, including several topless and semi-nude photos and a spread of Rihanna striking several poses with devil horns. On the first page, there is a pic of Rihanna with a bag wrapped tightly around her head with the nostrils stuffed.
Another page pulls out the phrase: “I lick the gun when I’m done…” and another page screams, “I’m such a f—king lady”.
Then there’s the actual music that sets the atmosphere for suicide and gun violence, especially the album’s first release “Russian Roulette” and “G4L”.
You won’t find the catchy and inspirational tunes like “Umbrella” and “Take a Bow” from Rihanna’s 2007 Good Girl Gone Bad album on Rated R, which can be renamed Girl Goes Over The Edge.
Rihanna has gone too far to prove her toughness after enduring domestic violence at the hands of her ex, singer Chris Brown.
After listening to most of the CD and uploading it onto a Mac and IPod, my friend and I were equally disturbed and agreed that the “gift” should be returned.
I’m very disappointed that Rihanna, a talented and beautiful artist who considers herself to be a role model for young women, would put out such a disturbing album that can inflict all sorts of damage on her fans.

By Teneshia LaFaye
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