Rockstar 101

Last updated

"Rockstar 101" is a grunge-crunk and hip hop song which lasts for three minutes and fifty-eight seconds. [8] [9] [10] It features an "aggressive" guitar solo from Slash, according to Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly . [11] Rihanna uses her lower register and "heavy" modulation to perform the most of the song, and she "growls" the lyric "The only thing I'm missing is a black guitar". [9] Rihanna "struts her stuff" as she insists that she is a "big shit talker" as she proclaims that "I'll never play a victim/ I'd rather be a stalker". [10] Sean Fennessey for Spin thought that when Rihanna sings the line "Got my middle finger up, I don't give a fuck", it sounded as though she had never sworn before due to how she preciously mewls the word 'fuck'. [12]

Critical reception

"Rockstar 101" received mixed responses from music critics. Brian Linder for IGN praised the song, writing that it "actually works" despite sounding disjointed at first. [13] Emily Tartanella of PopMatters defined "Rockstar 101" as a "brilliant bit of bravado" during her review of Rated R, [14] while Ailbhe Malone for NME wrote that Rihanna sings with "swagger" on the track, which was something that she has Hova to thank for. [15] Jon Pareles for The New York Times simply highlighted a line from the song, "I never play the victim". [16] Neil McCormick for The Daily Telegraph thought that "Rockstar 101" was one of the few songs on the album to retain the "vaguest leftover hints of her warm Caribbean vocal flavouring". [10] Ann Powers for the Los Angeles Times was critical of Slash's inclusion on the song, and she described it as an "afterthought". Powers wrote "she can definitely get by without that ultimate rock phallic symbol", a reference to Slash. [9] Pitchfork 's Ryan Dombell felt that "Rockstar 101", alike "Russian Roulette" and "The Last Song", were "instantly-dated missteps from a bygone era when a Slash feature was cool". He further wrote that "Rockstar 101" and "G4L" were "harder to justify considering their mindless boasts and torpid production". [17] The song was met with a negative review from The Guardian 's Alex Petridis, who wrote "At one extreme, the resemblance of 'Umbrella''s chorus to that of a stadium rock ballad seems to have encouraged Rihanna to cut out the middle-man and just start making stadium rock: cue the awful widdly-woo guitars of 'Rockstar 101' and 'Fire Bomb'". [18]

Chart performance

"Rockstar 101" made its first chart appearance on the United States' Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, where it peaked at number two; it stayed on the chart for 14 weeks. [19] The song peaked on the US Hot Digital Songs chart at number 28, spending seven weeks on the chart. [20] It subsequently peaked at number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and spent five weeks on the chart. [21] It also peaked at number 10 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs chart. [22] "Rockstar 101" debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number 50 on August 22, 2010; it peaked at number 24 two weeks later for one week, and remained on the chart for six weeks. [23]

Music video

In the music video still, Rihanna is shown to be nude and covered in black body paint, wearing only a spiked crown and chains, designed by jewelry designer Fannie Schiavoni. Screenshot of Rihanna's music video Rockstar 101.jpg
In the music video still, Rihanna is shown to be nude and covered in black body paint, wearing only a spiked crown and chains, designed by jewelry designer Fannie Schiavoni.

Background

The director Melina Matsoukas filmed the music video for "Rockstar 101" in April 2010; [24] she had previously directed the videos for Rihanna's singles "Hard" and "Rude Boy". [25] [26] This video was edited by Nabil Mechi from Murex, who previously edit videos for "SOS" and "Umbrella". [27] On May 19, 2010, Rihanna released a 30-second sneak-peek preview of the video on the internet, [28] whilst the full video premiered on May 25, 2010 through the high-definition music video website Vevo. [29]

Synopsis

According to Jayson Rodriguez of MTV, the video is "a mix of goth bondage-esque voyeurism, complete with Rihanna's gyrating moves and a raging band that features Travis Barker on the drums". [29] Shortly after the video was released, Slash said that he was "flattered" that Rihanna had impersonated him in the video, saying "The video is way better with her being me than with me being me ...all things considered, it brings an element of sexuality to it that I probably wouldn't have been capable of. I think it's hot. Everything works out the way it's supposed to." [30]

Although Slash is featured on "Rockstar 101", he does not appear in the music video. Instead, Rihanna pays homage to him by impersonating him by presenting herself wearing a skull-laden top hat, wig, leather jacket, dark glasses and toothpick: [29] Rihanna can be seen strumming a guitar Slash's style. [29] Rihanna is seen in eight different scenes and settings, one of which showed an almost nude Rihanna covered in black body paint wearing only a spiked crown and jewelry chains, which were created by designer Fannie Schiavoni. [31] In other scenes, Rihanna smashes a black electric guitar and can be seen wearing an outfit made from parts of a guitar. Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker makes a cameo appearance and is featured as one of the drummers in Rihanna's rock band. [32]

Live performances

Rihanna performing "Rockstar 101" on the Last Girl on Earth (2010-11) Rihanna in Last Girl on Earth Tour 16-04-6.jpg
Rihanna performing "Rockstar 101" on the Last Girl on Earth (2010-11)

Rihanna first performed "Rockstar 101" on American Idol on April 7, 2010. [33] She wore a black PVC catsuit and was accompanied on stage by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt; the set design included flame throwers and a video screen which showed guitars, lightning bolts and skulls. [33] [34] [35] At one point, the singer picked and played up a black Gibson Flying V guitar. [33] Larry Carroll for MTV wrote that the extent of Rihanna's ability to play the guitar was limited to playing it with one finger on one of the strings. However, he complimented Rihanna's overall performance, writing that her shoulder pads were "nearly as huge as her presence". He went on to write that she "half-sung, half-spoke" the song. [33] A reviewer for MTV UK agreed with Carroll, writing that "halfway through the performance [Rihanna] donned a 'black flying v guitar' although we're not sure you could say she 'played' it!" [36] Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone praised Rihanna's performance, writing "if the introductory rules of rock stardom are 'teach thyself to pick slide,' 'tight clod' and 'pyro!' then Rihanna has been paying attention in her 'Rockstar 101' classes after all". [35]

Writing for About.com, Bill Lamb was critical of Rihanna's decision to perform "Rockstar 101" on American Idol. He commented that previous media reports had indicated that the singer would be debuting a different album track, "Te Amo", which was released as the fifth single from Rated R. [37] Lamb thought that "Rockstar 101" was one of the "weaker" songs on the album, and predicted that it would be "destined to end the streak of three consecutive top 10 pop hits from the album". [37] While he wrote that the "intensely chilly, distant feel of the song works" within the context of Rated R, Lamb was unsure of whether or not it would appeal to the masses on radio. [37] The song was included on the set list of the Last Girl on Earth (2010–11). Clay Cane for BET wrote that Rihanna "deserves a round of applause for doing something different, straying away from being a standard pop tart". [38] "Rockstar 101" is also included on Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour (2013). [39]

Track listings

"Rockstar 101"
Rihanna - Rockstar 101.png
Single by Rihanna featuring Slash
from the album Rated R
ReleasedMay 18, 2010 (2010-05-18)
Recorded2009
Studio
  • Serenity Sound (Los Angeles, California)
  • The Boom Boom Room (Burbank, California)
  • Triangle Sound (Atlanta, Georgia)
Genre
Length3:58
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Rihannasingles chronology
"Rude Boy"
(2010)
"Rockstar 101"
(2010)
"Te Amo"
(2010)
Slashsingles chronology
"By the Sword"
(2010)
"Rockstar 101"
(2010)
"Back from Cali"
(2010)

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the inlay cover of Rated R. [1]

Recording

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications and sales for "Rockstar 101"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [44] Platinum1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Rockstar 101"
RegionDateFormat(s)VersionLabelRef.
United StatesMay 18, 2010Original Def Jam [3]
June 2, 2010Digital downloadThe remixes (Masterbeat.com edition) [5]
July 13, 2010The remixes (iTunes Store edition) [6]
AustraliaJuly 19, 2010Contemporary hit radioOriginal [4]
United KingdomJune 29, 2012Digital downloadThe remixes (Amazon edition) Mercury [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Since U Been Gone</span> 2004 single by Kelly Clarkson

"Since U Been Gone" is a song recorded by American singer Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). The song, which was written and produced by Max Martin and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, was released as the lead single from Breakaway two weeks before the album was released. It is an uptempo pop rock and power pop power ballad that infuses electronic sounds with a mixture of a soft and loud pop rock sound. Martin originally wrote "Since U Been Gone" with Pink in mind, but she turned it down. It was then given to Hilary Duff, but she rejected the song because she could not reach its higher notes. The song was finally given to Clarkson after Clive Davis convinced the writers to give it to her. Clarkson decided to add heavier guitars and harder drums to the song after noticing that the demo had an obvious pop sound. Lyrically, the song is written from a woman's point of view where she expresses her sense of relief with the end of her troubled relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Behind These Hazel Eyes</span> 2005 single by Kelly Clarkson

"Behind These Hazel Eyes" is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). It was written by Clarkson with the song's producers Max Martin and Dr. Luke. The song was released on April 12, 2005, as the second single from the album. Clarkson considered "Behind These Hazel Eyes" as one of her favorite songs and she once intended to name Breakaway after the song. "Behind These Hazel Eyes" is an uptempo song that incorporates crunchy guitars which are pulsated with driving beats and anthemic choruses; it narrates Clarkson's broken relationship with her ex-boyfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rihanna</span> Barbadian singer, actress, and national hero of Barbados (born 1988)

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, actress, and songwriter. She is widely regarded as one of the most prominent singers of the 21st century. After signing with Def Jam in 2005, Rihanna soon gained recognition with the release of her first two studio albums, Music of the Sun (2005) and A Girl Like Me (2006), both of which were influenced by Caribbean music and peaked within the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. Her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), incorporated elements of dance-pop and established her status as a major icon in the music industry. The chart-topping single "Umbrella" earned Rihanna her first Grammy Award and catapulted her to global stardom.

<i>A Girl Like Me</i> (Rihanna album) 2006 studio album by Rihanna

A Girl Like Me is the second studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on April 10, 2006, by Def Jam Recordings. For the production of the album, Rihanna worked with Evan Rogers, Carl Sturken, Stargate, J. R. Rotem, and label-mate Ne-Yo, who wrote the album's second single. A Girl Like Me is a pop and reggae album influenced by Rihanna's Caribbean roots. The album also incorporates elements of dancehall and rock, as well as ballads, which music critics were ambivalent towards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unfaithful (song)</span> 2006 song by Rihanna

"Unfaithful" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her second studio album A Girl like Me (2006). It was written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith with the song's producers Stargate. The song was released by Def Jam Recordings on May 1, 2006, as the second single from the album. "Unfaithful" is a pop and R&B ballad and was inspired by the music of American rock band Evanescence. Originally titled "Murderer", the single speaks about a woman who regrets cheating on her partner.

<i>Good Girl Gone Bad</i> 2007 studio album by Rihanna

Good Girl Gone Bad is the third studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on May 31, 2007, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Rihanna worked with various producers on the album, including Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Neo da Matrix, Timbaland, Carl Sturken, Evan Rogers and Stargate. Inspired by Brandy's fourth studio album Afrodisiac (2004), Good Girl Gone Bad is a pop, dance-pop and R&B record with 1980s music influences. Described as a turning point in Rihanna's career, it represents a departure from the Caribbean sound of her previous releases, Music of the Sun (2005) and A Girl like Me (2006). Apart from the sound, she also endorsed a new image for the release going from an innocent young woman to an edgier, more mature look.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shut Up and Drive</span> 2007 single by Rihanna

"Shut Up and Drive" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). It was written and produced by Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers, and features an interpolation of the 1983 song "Blue Monday" by the British band New Order, whose members Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert received songwriting credits. Released as the album's second single, the song was solicited to United States radio stations on June 12, 2007, and was physically released on August 27, 2007 in the United Kingdom. "Shut Up and Drive" is a new wave song which heavily incorporates 1970s and 1980s musical styles. Lyrically, it contains multiple references to cars and car parts including the '57 Cadillac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rihanna videography</span>

Barbadian singer Rihanna has released four video albums and appeared in 62 music videos, 12 films, 13 television programs, and several television commercials. In 2005, Rihanna signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings and released her debut single "Pon de Replay", taken from her first studio album Music of the Sun (2005). Like its lyrical theme, the music video for the song was inspired by disco and dance; it was directed by Little X. Three separate videos were released for "SOS", the lead single from her second studio album A Girl like Me (2006), all of which contained various dance sequences. The same year, American director Anthony Mandler directed the accompanying music video for the second single "Unfaithful", which featured Rihanna in a dangerous love triangle with her lover and her husband. "Unfaithful" was Rihanna's first collaboration with Mandler; they later worked together regularly. Also in 2006, Rihanna played herself in the third installment of the Bring It On film series, entitled Bring It On: All or Nothing.

<i>Rated R</i> (Rihanna album) 2009 studio album by Rihanna

Rated R is the fourth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 20, 2009, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Recording sessions for the album began in March 2009 and took place at recording studios throughout United States and Europe. Rihanna, together with Antonio "L.A." Reid and The Carter Administration, was the executive producer of the album and worked with various record producers, including Chase & Status, Stargate, The-Dream, Ne-Yo, and Brian Kennedy. The record featured several vocalists and instrumentalists, including Young Jeezy, will.i.am, Justin Timberlake and Slash, who played the guitars in "Rockstar 101".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russian Roulette (Rihanna song)</span> 2009 single by Rihanna

"Russian Roulette" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). It premiered on radio stations worldwide on October 20, 2009, and was released as the album's lead single on October 26 by Def Jam Recordings. Written and produced by Ne-Yo and Chuck Harmony, "Russian Roulette" is a pop and R&B ballad that contains dark, morbid, and tense atmospheric elements in its composition. Lyrically, the single is about an abusive romantic relationship that ended abruptly. Music critics noted the lyrical theme to be a response to the domestic violence case between Rihanna and her former boyfriend, singer Chris Brown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hard (song)</span> 2009 single by Rihanna

"Hard" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). The song features a guest verse from American rapper Young Jeezy, credited only as "Jeezy" on the album. The artists co-wrote the song with its producers, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. "Hard" was sent to radio by Def Jam Recordings on November 10, 2009, as the second United States single from Rated R. It is a hip hop song and features military horns, hissing synthesizers, sharp beats and piano chords.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Te Amo (Rihanna song)</span> 2010 single by Rihanna

"Te Amo" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). The song was written by Rihanna, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, James Fauntleroy II, with production helmed by Eriksen and Hermansen under their production name Stargate. "Te Amo" impacted radio in Italy on May 28, 2010, and was released via digital download on June 8, 2010, in Australia, Italy and New Zealand, as the album's sixth and final single. "Te Amo" incorporates elements of music of Latin America and conveys Rihanna's struggles as the object of another woman's desires.

"Stupid in Love" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). The song was written by R&B singer Ne-Yo and pop producer duo StarGate, with the duo also handling production. Ne-Yo served as the assistant producer, and Makeba Riddick as vocal producer. It was written two days before Rihanna and then boyfriend Chris Brown's altercation on the night of the 2009 Grammy Awards, which occurred on February 8, 2009. The lyrical content, which describes an abusive relationship, led Ne-Yo to describe the song as a "premonition".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We R Who We R</span> 2010 single by Kesha

"We R Who We R" is a song by American singer Kesha from her first extended play (EP), Cannibal (2010). The song was released as the EP's lead single on October 22, 2010. It was written by Kesha, with Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Ammo. Production of the song was completed by Dr. Luke, Blanco, and Ammo. In the wake of news that bullying and harassment had led to multiple suicides of gay youth, Kesha wrote the song in hopes that it would become a pride anthem. The song is intended to inspire people to be themselves, and as a celebration of anyone deemed quirky or eccentric.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California King Bed</span> 2011 single by Rihanna

"California King Bed" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was written and produced by Andrew Harr and Jermaine Jackson, of the American production duo the Runners, with Priscilla Renea, Alex Delicata and Rihanna. The song was chosen to be a single from the album through Twitter, and it was released as the album's sixth single on May 13, 2011, by Def Jam. "California King Bed" is a rock and R&B power ballad.

<i>Loud</i> (Rihanna album) 2010 studio album by Rihanna

Loud is the fifth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 12, 2010, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. The album was recorded between February and August 2010, during the singer's Last Girl on Earth tour and the filming of her first feature film Battleship (2012). Rihanna and L.A. Reid were the executive producers of Loud and worked with various record producers, including Stargate, Sandy Vee, The Runners, Tricky Stewart and Alex da Kid. The album features several guest vocalists, including rappers Drake, Nicki Minaj and Eminem, who is featured on the sequel to "Love the Way You Lie", titled "Love the Way You Lie ".

<i>Talk That Talk</i> 2011 studio album by Rihanna

Talk That Talk is the sixth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 18, 2011 by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Talk That Talk was recorded during the Loud Tour between February and November 2011. It was originally planned to be a reissue of her previous studio album Loud (2010). As executive producer, Rihanna enlisted a wide range of producers including Alex da Kid, Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, No I.D., and Stargate to achieve her desired sound. Following in the same vein as Loud, Talk That Talk is a dance-oriented pop/R&B crossover album that incorporates elements of hip hop, dubstep, electronic and house music. The album also contains subtle dancehall influences while its lyrical content and themes revolve around a nihilistic, romantic, and lascivious lover.

<i>Loud Tour Live at the O2</i> 2012 video by Rihanna

Loud Tour Live at the O2 is the second live long-form video by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on December 13, 2012 by SRP and Def Jam Recordings. The DVD and Blu-ray Disc release feature her concert at The O2 Arena in London, England as part of the Loud Tour (2011), in support of her fifth studio album Loud (2010). Directed by Nick Wickham and produced by Ciarra Pardo and Emer Patten, it was filmed during the last three shows in London.

<i>Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded</i> 2008 studio album (reissue) by Rihanna

Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded is the reissue of Barbadian singer Rihanna's third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). It was first released digitally in selected countries on June 2, 2008, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Launched to mark the first anniversary of the original album, Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded features three newly recorded songs and a DVD showing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Rihanna's worldwide tour, the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour (2007–2009). For the new material, she worked with past collaborators Ne-Yo, Stargate, and C. "Tricky" Stewart, as well as Brian Kennedy, Mark Endert, Mike Elizondo, Mark "Spike" Stent and Maroon 5.

"Cold Case Love" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). It was written and produced by The Y's. Following Chris Brown's assault on Rihanna, she started working on the sound of her new album. Timberlake, who co-wrote "Cold Case Love", labeled the sound of Rihanna's new project as a step forward for the singer. In February 2010, Rihanna admitted that the song's lyrics are about her complicated relationship with Brown.

References

  1. 1 2 Rated R (inlay cover). Rihanna. Def Jam Recordings. 2009. 56061727.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. Lamb, Bill (May 25, 2010). "Rihanna's Riveting 'Rockstar 101' Video Released". About.com. The New York Times Company . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB . May 18, 2010. Archived from the original on September 1, 2009. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Rihanna – Rockstar 101 – Issue 796". The Music Network. Peer Group Media. July 19, 2010. Archived from the original on April 21, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 "'Rockstar 101 Remixes' – Masterbeat Exclusives | Def Jam". Island Def Jam Music Group. June 2, 2010. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Rockstar 101: The Remixes | Rihanna". iTunes Store (US). Apple. July 13, 2010. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  7. 1 2 3 "Rockstar 101 The Remixes (Explicit): Rihanna". Amazon.com (UK). Amazon Inc. June 29, 2010. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  8. Wood, Mikael (December 2, 2009). "Rihanna: Rated R – CD Reviews". The Phoenix . Boston. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2015. a grinding, grunge-crunk collaboration with Slash
  9. 1 2 3 Powers, Ann (November 23, 2009). "Album review: Rihanna's 'Rated R'". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  10. 1 2 3 McCormick, Neil (November 20, 2009). "Rihanna: Rated R, CD review". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  11. Greenblatt, Leah (November 18, 2009). "Rated R (2009)". Entertainment Weekly . Time division of Time Warner . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  12. Fennessey, Sean (November 23, 2009). "Rihanna, 'Rated R' (Def Jam)". Spin . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  13. Linder, Brian (November 23, 2009). "Rihanna - Rated R Review". IGN. Ziff Davis . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  14. Tartanella, Emily (December 10, 2009). "Rihanna: Rated R". PopMatters . Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  15. Malone, Ailbhe (December 3, 2009). "Album review: Rihanna - 'Rated R' (Mercury)". NME . Time division of Time Warner. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  16. Pareles, Jon (November 22, 2009). "New CDs". The New York Times . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  17. Dombell, Ryan (December 2, 2009). "Rihanna Rated R". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  18. Petridis, Alex (November 19, 2009). "Rihanna: Rated R". The Guardian . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  19. "Rihanna Chart History - Dance/Club Play Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  20. "Rihanna Chart History - Digital Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  21. "Rihanna Chart History - Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  22. 1 2 "Rihanna Chart History - R&B/Hip-hop Digital Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  23. "Rihanna feat. Slash – Rockstar 101 – Song". Australian Singles Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  24. "Rihanna Shoots 'Rockstar 101' Video, Rehearses with Travis Barker". Rap-Up . April 12, 2010. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  25. "Rihanna's 'Rude Boy' video director responds to criticism". Rap-Up. February 25, 2010. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  26. Herrera, Monica (February 11, 2010). "Rihanna Sizzles In New 'Rude Boy' Music Video". Billboard . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  27. Mechi, Nabil. "Murex Edit ― Nabil Mechi" . Retrieved 2014-11-18.
  28. "Rihanna Rockstar 101 Preview Hits The Web". MTV. Viacom. May 19, 2010. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Rodriguez, Jayson (May 25, 2010). "Rihanna Channels Slash In 'Rockstar 101' Video". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  30. Anderson, Kyle (May 25, 2010). "Slash Is 'Flattered' That Rihanna Channels Him In 'Rockstar 101'". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  31. Russo, Lily (May 27, 2010). "Rihanna's rockin Fannie Schiavoni's chains!". Grazia . Arnoldo Mondadori Editore . Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  32. "Rihanna Shoots 'Rockstar 101' Video, Rehearses with Travis Barker". Rap-Up . September 25, 2010.
  33. 1 2 3 4 Carroll, Larry (April 7, 2010). "Rihanna Rocks Out 'American Idol' With New Single 'Rockstar 101'". MTV. Viacom . Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  34. "Rihanna debuts latest single 'Rockstar 101' on American Idol". Metro . April 8, 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  35. 1 2 Ganz, Caryn (April 8, 2010). "American Idol' Saves Michael Lynche as Rihanna Teaches 'Rockstar 101'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  36. "Rihanna Performs Rockstar 101 On American Idol". MTV UK. Viacom. April 8, 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  37. 1 2 3 Lam, Bill (April 7, 2010). "Rihanna Debuts 'Rockstar 101' Single on American Idol - A Dud?". About.com. IAC . Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  38. Cane, Cane (August 13, 2010). "Concert Review: Rihanna's Last Girl on Earth Tour". Black Entertainment Television. Viacom. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  39. Stringley, Mick (March 17, 2013). "Rihanna Finds Her Voice as 'Diamonds' Tour Shines In Hartford". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  40. "Rihanna feat. Slash – Rockstar 101". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  41. "Rihanna Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  42. "Rihanna Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  43. "Dance Club Songs – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  44. "American single certifications – Rihanna – Rockstar 101". Recording Industry Association of America.