It's been 6 years since rihanna dropped “Work.” Look back at our story celebrating one of her biggest musical risks. 💿
,” among a host of other needless commentary. But her patois was a lyrical risk that the Bajan artist was willing to take and no stranger to. The very first words she uttered on her debut single, “Pon de Replay,” was: “Come, Mr. DJ, song pon de replay,” and she would later go on to include patois and Caribbean parlance into singles like “Man Down” and “Rude Boy.” “Work” functioned as a pivotal return to her regional heritage sensibilities through language.
But what made the song particularly standout was the way it invoked the jams and bashment parties of every Caribbean youth’s past.
Even in selecting the fashion for “Work,” her nods to particular moments in dancehall style iconography stand out. Draped in a Rasta-colored netted dress , as well as bold statement rings, strappy gold, leg-wrapping sandals, and a sharp, blunt bob, Rihanna channeled the dancehall attire of the '90s. Dancehall queens often use their dance and outfits as an extension of their sexual prowess, agency, and expression.
If “Work” shows us anything, it’s Rihanna’s commitment to carving her place as an artist willing to break the rules. Boldly going against what’s expected to enhance her artistry, she has shown time and time again that some risks are worth taking. The self-proclaimed bad gal has always been at the helm of propelling performance, fashion, culture and music. Her work, work, work, work, work, work has not gone unnoticed.