Needed Me

Last updated

"Needed Me"
Needed Me cover.png
Single by Rihanna
from the album Anti
ReleasedMarch 30, 2016 (2016-03-30)
Studio Westlake Recording Studios, (Los Angeles)
Genre Electro-R&B
Length3:11
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) DJ Mustard
Rihanna singles chronology
"Work"
(2016)		"Kiss It Better" / "Needed Me"
(2016)		"This Is What You Came For"
(2016)
Music video
"Needed Me" on YouTube

"Needed Me" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her eighth studio album, Anti (2016). It was written by Rihanna, Brittany Hazard, Charles Hinshaw, Derrus Rachel, the producer DJ Mustard, and the co-producers Twice as Nice and Frank Dukes. Roc Nation and Westbury Road sent "Needed Me" to US urban contemporary radio on March 30, 2016, together with "Kiss It Better". Afterwards, Def Jam sent "Needed Me" to contemporary hit radio. "Needed Me" is a "mellow" dubstep-influenced electro-R&B song, that contains a downtempo and loose production with synthetic sounds and hard heavy trap beats. The song's lyrics discuss romantic rejection.

Contents

In the United States, the song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming Rihanna's 29th top 10 single on the chart, spending sixteen weeks in the top ten and later becoming the singer's longest-charting hit. The song's accompanying music video was directed by film producer Harmony Korine and premiered on April 20, 2016, in celebration of 420. The video is set in Miami and depicts Rihanna with a gun, riding on a motor bike, before attending a strip club where she kills a man. Rihanna performed "Needed Me" during the Anti World Tour. The song received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 59th ceremony.

Writing and production

On September 15, 2014, American producer DJ Mustard confirmed that he and Rihanna had collaborated on a song for the singer's eighth studio album, Anti: "We haven't got our club record just yet but we have a ballad that I really like and that she likes too." [1] DJ Mustard worked on fifty songs in an attempt for them to be included on Anti, "Needed Me" was one of the last songs that he worked on. Speaking about the writing and production process Mustard stated "I was at the studio and I was like "I don’t want to go, I don’t feel like going, I’ve done so many songs, she's not going to like it’... The next day they told me she liked it. It was great that I had a team (Twice as Nice) that could take me and actually get it done because if it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't have went. There would have been no ‘Needed Me’." [2]

"Needed Me" was written by Dijon McFarlane, Rihanna, Nick Audino, Lewis Hughes, Khaled Rohaim, Te Whiti Warbrick, Adam Feeney, Brittany "Starrah" Hazzard, Charles Hinshaw and Derrus Rachel. It was produced by DJ Mustard with co-production done by Twice as Nice & Frank Dukes. [3] "Needed Me" was recorded at the Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles. The vocal recording and production was done by producer Kuk Harrell while Blake Mares served as a recording and production assistant. "Needed Me" was mixed by Manny Marroquin at Larrabee Studios in Universal City, California and was assisted by Chris Galland & Ike Schultz. The song was mastered by Chris Gehringer at the Sterling Sound Studios in New York City. [3]

Release

On March 29, via her official Twitter account the singer confirmed that "Needed Me" alongside "Kiss It Better" would be released as follow up singles and impacted radios on March 30, 2016. [4] She also revealed the artwork for both singles, with "Needed Me" having Rihanna wearing a giant pair of jeans and "Kiss It Better" having a close-up of Rihanna's face. [5] Initially served to urban stations, following the single's success, Rihanna's former label, Def Jam (with whom she parted ways in 2014), confirmed they would be pushing "Needed Me" as an official single at pop radio. [6] On May 31, 2016, Rihanna released five official dance remixes for the song: R3hab remix, Salva remix, W&W remix, Attlas remix and Cosmic Dawn Club Mix. [7]

Composition and lyrical interpretation

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Needed Me"
"Needed Me" was described as a dubstep-flavored electro-R&B song featuring heavy beats and a "grinding" bassline.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Needed Me" is a "mellowish" dubstep-flavored electro-R&B song [8] with "trippy, trappy production", [9] and a length of three minutes and five seconds. [10] The song is written in the key of G minor with a tempo of 111 beats per minute. [11] Rihanna's vocals span from F3 to C5 in the song. Her vocals throughout the verses consist of tuplets. [12] Instrumentally, "Needed Me" features "heavy bass triggers", [13] a "pulpy, throbbing beat" [14] and a "buzzing, grinding bassline." [15] It starts with Mustard's signature line "Mustard on the beat", before transforming into a "swirling, airy, atmospheric production" with "distorted, high-pitched vocal sample." [16] Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph described the track as a downtempo song with synthetic sounds, elements of electro, and a loose, casual vocal. [17] Lyrically, the song touches upon themes of romantic rejection, [17] with the singer talking "about a lover who obsessively lusts after her," and expected their relationship to advance much further than a one night stand [9] which can be seen in the lyrics: "Didn't they tell you that I was a savage? / Fuck your white horse and a carriage / Bet you never could imagine / Never told you, you could have it / You needed me". [17]

Many critics considered it a kiss-off track. [18] [19] Forrest Wickman of Slate noted that lyrics stand for reversing stereotypical gender roles. [16] In the other hand, Erin Macleod of NPR Music stated that the song's lyrics were metaphors for anti-colonialism. Macleod picked up on the track's lyrics such as "Didn't they tell you that I was a savage?, Fuck ya white horse and ya carriage", and stated that the phrases seem to be that of a conversation between two lovers but could possibly be speaking against the larger narrative of colonialism. [20] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times declared that, on "Needed Me", she sings "about using men for sex and disposing of them like tissues," [14] while Adam R. Holz of Plugged In (publication) added that Rihanna "obscenely and explicitly brushes off a clingy guy by demeaning his prowess in bed." [21] For Bianca Gracie of Idolator, the singer displays as "a confident, self-empowered woman who can throw away immature men as quickly as she changes her lipstick." [22]

Critical reception

"Needed Me" was met with widespread critical acclaim. David Sackllah of Consequence of Sound considered it the best song on the album, calling it "the ultimate kiss-off to an ex" and "masterful." [19] Idolator's Bianca Gracie praised the song for being an "addictive track [that] has all the potential to become every female's anthem." [22] Considering an album highlight, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times explained that "Rihanna has always shined when at her most assertive," and praised her singing for being "reserved and cool." [14] Safy-Hallan Farah and Eve Barlow, writers of Spin , were positive towards the song, with Farah considering it an obvious highlight and Barlow regarding it as an "upgraded 'Rated R'-era swag." [23] Patrick Ryan of USA Today praised the song's lyrics and Rihanna's attitude, stating that "Needed Me is also a raw and refreshingly defiant confessional by Rihanna. This is the empowering pop star we've been missing." [24] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian also praised its lyrics, labelling them "great". [25] Troy L. Smith of Cleveland was positive, praising "the stellar production" and "Mustard's forceful synths [that] take center stage on a soaring hook." [26]

Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone enjoyed the song's flow, while also adding that it "sounds like our collective fantasy of Rihanna." [18] Forrest Wickman of Slate stated that "Needed Me" was a departure from DJ Mustard's usual production style and compared it to the work of Drake on his 2013 album Nothing Was the Same . [16] Jessica McKinney of Vibe declared that "It's for the #Navy members who need a beat to gets them up and moving as well as for the others that would rather not move at all, choosing instead to sit back with hands lifted and sing to the chorus or ad-libs." [13] Amy Davidson of Digital Spy called it an "all about female empowerment, and if she sounds indifferent, it's because she's too busy not giving a damn about some "faded f**k" feeling jaded after being the latest guy she's cast aside." [27] Emily Mackay of NME praised the song's trip hop groove, noting Rihanna's vocals as chilling continuing to praise the "chilly, mature Rihanna that speaks, not the nudge-nudge romper of ‘S&M’." Mackay also noted that "the warning of 'Don’t get it twisted' also echoes ‘Flawless’ from Beyoncé's self-titled 2013 album, already a hard comparison not to draw." [28]

In a less favorable review, Jordan Bassett of NME called it an "airy, forgettable R&B that's not quite worthy of Rihanna." [15] Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph thought it was "more atmosphere than actual song." [17] Chris Gerard of PopMatters criticized her vocals for being "inexplicably slurred [...] dreary and tired," adding that the song was "third-rate at best compared with most of Rihanna's prior work." [8] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine found it to be "frustratingly familiar territory." [29]

Accolades

Billboard ranked "Needed Me" at number 9 on their "100 Best Pop Songs of 2016" list: "We already knew that Rihanna was a savage -- her supreme self-confidence and total lack of f---s to give have made that abundantly clear over the years. But in case you missed the memo, "Needed Me" is the perfect reminder, pairing nihilistic razor-sharp lyrical barbs with a bass-heavy down-tempo beat that could almost be confused with a pained love song—but only if you weren't paying attention. The way she eviscerates a former lover ("Don't get it twisted / You was just another n---a on the hit list") is delivered so casually and with so much barely-concealed contempt that it can't even be called cocky; she's just stating the truth, and if you haven't caught on by now there's no hope left for catching up." [30] Pitchfork would later list "Needed Me" on their ranking of the 100 best songs of 2016 at number 88. [31] In the annual Village Voice's Pazz & Jop mass critics poll of the year's best in music in 2016, "Needed Me" was ranked at number 21, tied with Ariana Grande's "Into You" and Miranda Lambert's "Vice". [32]

Commercial performance

"Needed Me" became Rihanna's 29th Hot 100 top 10 hit, tying her with Michael Jackson for the third-most Hot 100 top-tens. Michael Jackson1 1988.jpg
"Needed Me" became Rihanna's 29th Hot 100 top 10 hit, tying her with Michael Jackson for the third-most Hot 100 top-tens.

"Needed Me" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 91, with 28,781 copies being shifted on the week of February 20, 2016. [33] It kept on climbing the following weeks, until it reached the top-forty on the week of April 30, 2016, becoming her 43rd top 40 single and made her the eleventh artist with most top 40 hits. [34] "Needed Me" entered the top-twenty on the week of May 21, 2016, climbing from number 22 to number 13, and placing at number 5 on Streaming Songs. [35] The following week, on the week of May 28, 2016, "Needed Me" rose to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Rihanna's 29th Hot 100 top 10 hit, tying her with Michael Jackson for the third-most Hot 100 top 10s, trailing only behind Madonna (38) and the Beatles (34). [36] On the issue dated June 18, the song rose to number eight, [37] the following the song dropped to number nine before rising to number seven in the issue dated July 2, 2016; ultimately, the song spent 16 non-consecutive weeks in the top 10 without ever reaching the top five, surpassing the record previously held by Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes", which spent fifteen weeks in the top 10 while only peaking at number six. [38] [39] "Needed Me" became Rihanna's longest-charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100 as of the issue dated 3 December 2016, spending 42 weeks on the chart, surpassing the 41-week chart run of "We Found Love". It ultimately left the chart on the issue dated 24 December 2016, after 45 weeks. [40]

On the July 30-dated issue, "Needed Me" climbed to number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, after remaining seven weeks at number three. It also became her 10th track to reach the top two positions on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "Needed Me" spent eight consecutive weeks at number two before finally hitting the top spot on that chart on the issue dated September 24, 2016, becoming Rihanna's sixth leader on the chart. [41] According to Nielsen's mid year report in July 2016, "Needed Me" was the ninth most streamed song of the year, with a total of 146,364,000 audio streams. [42] On the issue dated August 20, 2016, "Needed Me" topped the Hot Dance Club Songs chart, becoming Rihanna's fourth chart topper of the year on that chart (after "Work", "This Is What You Came For", and "Kiss It Better") and her 27th overall. [43] As of January 2021, "Needed Me" has accumulated over one billion streams and 1,212,000 downloads in the United States. [44]

In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 90, following the song's video release, on the week of April 28, 2016. After spending ten weeks fluctuating on the charts, the song made its climb to number 38 on the week of July 14, 2016, becoming her 43rd top-forty single. [45] In France, "Needed Me" was Rihanna's lowest peak with a single, reaching number 94, before being released as a single. After being released, the song went as far as number 154 on the week of April 23, 2016. [46] In Australia, the song debuted at number 48, where it remained for two further weeks until it left the charts. [47] It became her lowest charting single in the country, along with its parent single, "Kiss It Better". [47] In New Zealand, "Needed Me" reached number 14 as its peak position, becoming her 41st top-twenty single. [48] In Germany, "Needed Me" became her lowest charting single, peaking at number 57. [49]

Music video

The music video was directed by filmmaker Harmony Korine. HarmonyKorine07TIFF.jpg
The music video was directed by filmmaker Harmony Korine.

In March 2016, media outlets reported that Rihanna was filming the music video for "Needed Me" during her Anti World Tour. The reports featured photos that saw Rihanna topless outdoors and images of Rihanna dressed in a backless bronze leather jumpsuit while riding on the back of a motorcycle. [50] On April 20, 2016, Rihanna posted three video stills onto her official Instagram, and announced that the song's official music video would be released later that day in celebration of 420. The same Instagram stills revealed that the music video was directed by filmmaker Harmony Korine. [51]

The video is set in a "gritty" area of Miami and features appearances from gun carrying and bike-riding characters. The video moves on to feature tattooed strippers in slow motion with low lit candle lighting. Rihanna, meanwhile, plays the action anti-hero, smoking and staring out into the distance from the patio of her luxurious pad, in a sheer cover-up. Later, she slowly makes her way through the grungy strip club with a pistol, setting her sights on one unlucky tattoo-heavy guy getting a lap dance—and kills him. [52]

Aisha Harris of Slate stated that the accompanying video for "Needed Me" was inspired by Korine's film Spring Breakers , a sentiment also echoed by Jamieson Cox of The Verge , [53] with Harris also noting that "it's difficult to tell if this video is trying to say anything particularly meaningful or is just an example of empty exploitation. Maybe it's a bit of both, but one thing is for sure: It's impossible to look away from." [52] Adelle Platon of Billboard called it "a badass clip", [54] while Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone noted it to be reminiscent of her "Bitch Better Have My Money" video and named it "violent" and "dark". [55] Patrick Ryan of USA Today placed the music video at number one on his list of "6 music videos that prove Rihanna is a 'Video Vanguard'". Speaking on the video Ryan stated that "Rihanna creates indelible characters in each of her videos", but praised the ones that came from the "ANTI era" which he described as being a " gun-toting, DGAF ice queen: half-naked, smoking a joint oceanside one minute, before sauntering into a strip club to mow you down the next. With Spring Breakers director Harmony Korine at the helm, Needed Me explores the hazy, sordid underbelly that this version of RiRi inhabits, with visuals so eye-poppingly WTF that you can’t look away from the carnage." [56]

Live performances

Rihanna included and performed "Needed Me" on the Anti World Tour. [57] Josh Duboff of Vanity Fair praised the "Needed Me" performance, noting that it "came alive more in the live setting than [it] do[es] on the album, perhaps due to Rihanna's evident passion in selling [it]." [58] On August 28, 2016, "Needed Me" was part of the third medley Rihanna performed at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, along with "Pour It Up" and "Bitch Better Have My Money". [59]

Track listing

Dance Remix EP [7]
No.TitleLength
1."Needed Me" (R3hab Remix)3:19
2."Needed Me" (Salva Remix)3:59
3."Needed Me" (W&W Remix)3:25
4."Needed Me" (Attlas Remix)4:23
5."Needed Me" (Cosmic Dawn Club Mix)5:21

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Rihanna's official website. [3]

Locations
Personnel

Charts

Certifications

‹See Tfd›

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [98] Platinum70,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [99] 2× Platinum120,000‡
Canada (Music Canada) [100] 7× Platinum560,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [101] Platinum90,000‡
France (SNEP) [102] Platinum200,000‡
Germany (BVMI) [103] Gold200,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [104] Platinum50,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [105] Platinum30,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [106] 2× Platinum100,000‡
Portugal (AFP) [107] 2× Platinum20,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [108] Platinum60,000‡
Sweden (GLF) [109] 2× Platinum80,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [110] 2× Platinum1,200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [111] 9× Platinum9,000,000‡
Streaming
Greece (IFPI Greece) [112] Gold1,000,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
United StatesMarch 30, 2016Urban radio
  • Roc Nation
  • Westbury Road
 [4]
May 24, 2016 Contemporary hit radio Def Jam [6]
VariousJune 1, 2016 Streaming (Remixes)
  • Roc Nation
  • Westbury Road
 [113]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If It's Lovin' that You Want</span> 2005 single by Rihanna

"If It's Lovin' That You Want" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her debut studio album, Music of the Sun (2005). It was written by Samuel Barnes, Scott La Rock, Makeba Riddick, Jean-Claude Oliver, Lawrence Parker, and produced by Poke & Tone. It was released on August 16, 2005, as the second and final single from the album. The lyrics revolve around "basically telling a guy, 'If it's lovin' that you want, you should make me your girl because I've got what you need".

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

"SOS" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, and included in her second studio album, A Girl like Me (2006). It was released on February 14, 2006 through Def Jam Recordings as the lead single of the album. "SOS" was written by J. R. Rotem and E. Kidd Bogart, with additional credit assigned to Ed Cobb for inspiration built around a sample of Soft Cell's 1981 recording of "Tainted Love". This song was written by Cobb in 1965, later influencing the creation of "SOS". Production of the dance-pop song was handled by Rotem. Critical reception of "SOS" was generally positive, with the majority of music critics praising the inclusion of the "Tainted Love" sample. Some critics compared "SOS" to Rihanna's debut single, "Pon de Replay".

<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. Described as a "deft mixture of island rhythms, contemporary R&B, and balladry", A Girl Like Me is a pop, reggae and R&B album influenced by Rihanna's Caribbean roots. The album also incorporates elements of dancehall, dub-pop, hip hop, club, dance and rock music as well as ballads, which music critics were ambivalent towards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umbrella (song)</span> 2007 single by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z

"Umbrella" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released worldwide on March 29, 2007, through Def Jam Recordings as the lead single and opening track from her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). Its featured artist, American rapper Jay-Z, co-wrote the song with its producers Tricky Stewart and Kuk Harrell, with additional writing contributions coming from The-Dream.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disturbia (song)</span> 2008 single by Rihanna

"Disturbia" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded (2008), a re-release of her third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). It was written by Andre Merritt, Chris Brown, Brian Kennedy and Rob. A!, with the production of the song helmed by Kennedy. The song was released as the third single from the reloaded edition of the album, and seventh overall. "Disturbia" was sent to US contemporary hit radio on June 17, 2008, and was released as a CD single in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Live Your Life (T.I. song)</span> 2008 single by T.I.

"Live Your Life" is a song by American rapper T.I., featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna, from T.I.'s sixth studio album, Paper Trail (2008). It was released as the seventh single from the album on September 8, 2008. The song's lyrics speak of T.I.'s rise to fame and optimism of the future. It also gives dedication to the American troops fighting in Iraq. The song both samples and interpolates the 2003 song "Dragostea Din Tei" by O-Zone.

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

"Rude Boy" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, taken from her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). It was released as the album's fourth overall and third international single on February 5, 2010, through Def Jam. Rihanna co-wrote the song with Ester Dean, Makeba Riddick, and producers Rob Swire and Stargate. "Rude Boy" is a clubby midtempo reggae, dancehall and R&B song which incorporates elements of raggamuffin. The song received mixed to positive reviews from critics; some have called it the highlight of the album, but others criticized Rihanna's "monotone" and "icy" vocal performance. However, opinion of the song has improved over time, and several critics have retrospectively ranked it as one of the strongest releases in her discography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S&M (song)</span> 2011 single by Rihanna

"S&M" is a song by the Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was released on January 23, 2011, as the fourth single from the album. American songwriter Ester Dean wrote "S&M" in collaboration with the producers Stargate and Sandy Vee. Backed by bass beats, a keyboard and guitars, it is an uptempo Hi-NRG and Eurodance track with lyrics about sexual intercourse, sadomasochism, bondage, and fetishes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Found Love</span> 2011 song by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris

"We Found Love" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her sixth studio album, Talk That Talk (2011). The song features Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, whose 2012 album 18 Months also includes the track. "We Found Love" premiered on September 22, 2011, on the Capital FM radio station in the United Kingdom, and was made available to download on the same day as the lead single from Talk That Talk. "We Found Love" is an uptempo electro house song, with elements of dance-pop, techno and Europop. The song's lyrics speak of a couple who "found love in a hopeless place".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamonds (Rihanna song)</span> 2012 single by Rihanna

"Diamonds" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was written by Sia together with its producers, Benny Blanco and Stargate. The song premiered on September 26, 2012, during the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and was digitally released the following day as the lead single from Unapologetic. "Diamonds" is a mid-tempo pop, electronic and R&B ballad that features heavy synthesizers, orchestral sounds and electronic rhythms. The song's lyrics serve as a departure from the themes of unhealthy relationships that were on Rihanna's previous singles contrasted to the song's portrayal of lovers as "diamonds in the sky".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stay (Rihanna song)</span> 2012 single featuring Mikky Ekko

"Stay" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It features guest vocals by Mikky Ekko and was released as the second single from the album on December 13, 2012. "Stay" was co-written by Ekko and Justin Parker. The song's lyrics speak of temptation and the inability to resist true love. Music critics were generally positive in their opinion regarding the balladry and most described it as a standout track on the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FourFiveSeconds</span> 2015 single by Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney

"FourFiveSeconds" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna, American rapper Kanye West, and English musician Paul McCartney. It was written and produced by McCartney, Kanye West, Mike Dean, Dave Longstreth and Noah Goldstein with additional writing from Kirby Lauryen, Ty Dolla Sign, Dallas Austin, Elon Rutberg and Rihanna. Previewed by West at the iHeartMedia Music Summit on January 21, 2015, it was digitally released on January 24. "FourFiveSeconds" is a folk-pop and soul song with an instrumentation consisting of an acoustic guitar, organ and bass guitar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitch Better Have My Money</span> 2015 single by Rihanna

"Bitch Better Have My Money" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was written by Rihanna, Bibi Bourelly, producer Deputy, co-producer Kanye West, and additional producers Travis Scott and WondaGurl. The song was digitally released on March 26, 2015, through the iTunes Store. "Bitch Better Have My Money" is a trap song and represents a notable musical departure from the previous single, "FourFiveSeconds".

<i>Anti</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Rihanna

Anti is the eighth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on 28 January 2016 by Roc Nation and Westbury Road. Rihanna started recording in 2014 after departing from Def Jam Recordings, who had released all of her albums since her 2005 debut. As executive producer, Rihanna recorded Anti with producers including Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy, Brian Kennedy, Timbaland and No I.D., at studios in Canada, the United States and France. SZA and Drake contribute guest vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love on the Brain</span> 2016 song by Rihanna

"Love on the Brain" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released as on 27 September 2016 by Westbury Road and Roc Nation as the fourth single from her eighth studio album, Anti (2016). Written by Joseph Angel, Rihanna, and its producer Fred Ball, "Love on the Brain" is a 1950s-and-1960s-inspired doo-wop and soul ballad. The production incorporates an orchestra consisting of guitar arpeggio, organ, and syncopated strings. The lyrics are about the highs and lows of a toxic love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work (Rihanna song)</span> 2016 single by Rihanna featuring Drake

"Work" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna featuring Canadian rapper Drake, from Rihanna's eighth studio album Anti (2016). It was released on January 27, 2016, by Westbury Road and Roc Nation as the lead single from the album. The song was written by Rihanna, Drake, Jahron Brathwaite, Monte Moir, Rupert Thomas, Allen Ritter, and Matthew "Boi-1da" Samuels, the latter of which produced the track while Kuk Harrell and Noah "40" Shebib were additional producers. Incorporating elements of dancehall, reggae, pop, and R&B, "Work" contains an interpolation of Alexander O'Neal's "If You Were Here Tonight" (1985). Written in the English-based creole languages of Jamaica and Barbados, its lyrics are about fragile relationships and yearning for intimacy.

"Sex with Me" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her eighth studio album, Anti (2016); it is one of three bonus tracks included on the deluxe edition. She wrote the song in collaboration with PartyNextDoor, Chester Hansen, Boi-1da, Frank Dukes and Vinylz, and it was produced by the latter three. Kuk Harrell was also enlisted as Rihanna's vocal producer. On February 3, 2017, Rihanna released a five-track EP which included remixes of "Sex with Me" by MK, Salva, John Blake, Addal and DEVAULT.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiss It Better</span> 2016 single by Rihanna

"Kiss It Better" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her eighth studio album, Anti (2016). It was written and produced by Jeff Bhasker and Glass John, with additional writing by Teddy Sinclair and Rihanna. The song was serviced to radio stations in the United States on March 30, 2016, together with "Needed Me". "Kiss It Better" is a synth-rock and R&B ballad, which features influences from the 1980s and 1990s-music ballads. The song's lyrics focus on a destructive relationship that the singer finds irresistible. It also deals with themes of mending broken fences and getting back together with a lover.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Is What You Came For</span> 2016 single by Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna

"This Is What You Came For" is a song by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on 29 April 2016, through Columbia Records and Westbury Road. American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, initially credited with the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg, wrote the song with Harris, who produced with Kuk Harrell. Rihanna and Harris had previously collaborated on her sixth studio album, Talk That Talk, which included the international chart-topper "We Found Love" and US top five single "Where Have You Been", the former of which was written and produced by Harris. He played the final version for Rihanna at the 2016 Coachella Music Festival. It was also played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final after the conclusion of the match.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lift Me Up (Rihanna song)</span> 2022 single by Rihanna

"Lift Me Up" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on October 28, 2022, by Westbury Road, Roc Nation, Def Jam, and Hollywood Records, as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the 2022 superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song marks Rihanna's first solo music output since her 2016 studio album, Anti. An R&B ballad, "Lift Me Up" was written by Rihanna, Nigerian singer Tems, Ryan Coogler, and produced by Ludwig Göransson.

References

  1. ↑ Lockett, Dee (March 12, 2015). "Everything We Know About Rihanna's Next Album: A Timeline". New York . Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  2. ↑ Au, Christopher Kevin (March 18, 2016). "Interview: DJ Mustard Talks Producing For Rihanna & His $4000 Versace Jacket". Life Without Andy. Archived from the original on September 28, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 "Anti (Deluxe Edition) | Rihanna | Credits". Rihannanow.com. Archived from the original on June 5, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  4. 1 2 "#KISSITBETTER and #NEEDEDME will both be serviced to radio tomorrow morning at 7am EST. #ANTI". Twitter. March 29, 2016. Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  5. ↑ Wass, Mike (March 29, 2016). "Rihanna Unveils "Kiss It Better" And "Needed Me" Single Covers". Idolator. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  6. 1 2 Cantor, Brian (May 21, 2016). "Rihanna's "Needed Me" Gains More Airplay At Pop Radio, "Kiss It Better" Declining". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Listen to Needed Me (Dance Remix) by Rihanna on TIDAL". TIDAL. June 1, 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. 1 2 Gerard, Chris (January 29, 2016). "Rihanna: Anti - PopMatters". PopMatters . Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  9. 1 2 Benjamin, Jeff (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna's 'ANTI' Album: Track-by-Track Review". Fuse. Archived from the original on January 31, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  10. ↑ "ANTI (Deluxe) by Rihanna". iTunes Store (US). January 28, 2016. Archived from the original on October 5, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Key & BPM/Tempo of Needed Me ● Rihanna". Note Discover. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  12. ↑ Audino, Nicholas (July 2016). "Rihanna "Needed Me" Sheet Music in G Minor - Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  13. 1 2 McKinney, Jessica (January 29, 2016). "Review: Rihanna's 'ANTI' Is Gold… If You're Willing To Give It A Try". Vibe . Archived from the original on February 6, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  14. 1 2 3 Caramanica, Jon (January 28, 2016). "Review: Rihanna, Blissfully Adrift, Juggles Styles on 'Anti'". The New York Times . Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  15. 1 2 Bassett, Jordan (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna's Anti : Track-By-Track Review". NME . Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  16. 1 2 3 Wickman, Forrest (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna's Anti: A Track-by-Track Breakdown". Slate . Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  17. 1 2 3 4 McCormick, Neil (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna, Anti, track by track". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  18. 1 2 Spanos, Brittany (February 1, 2016). "Anti - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone . Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  19. 1 2 Sackllah, David (February 1, 2016). "Rihanna – Anti". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  20. ↑ Macleod, Erin (February 9, 2016). "Anti Everything the Culture of Resistance Behind Rihannas Latest Album". NPR Music . Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  21. ↑ Holz, Adam R. "Anti Album Review (2016)". Plugged In (publication) . Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  22. 1 2 Gracie, Bianca (January 29, 2016). "Rihanna's 'ANTI': A Track-By-Track Album Review". Idolator. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  23. ↑ Farah, Safy-Hallan; Barlow, Eve (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna's 'ANTI': SPIN's Impulsive Reviews". Spin . Archived from the original on August 12, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  24. ↑ Ryan, Patrick (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna's 'ANTI:' A track-by-track review". USA Today . Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  25. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna: Anti review – brave, bold … and confused". The Guardian . Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  26. ↑ Smith, Troy L. (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna's 'Anti' is a bold, forceful statement (Album Review)". Cleveland . Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  27. ↑ Davidson, Amy (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna's new album Anti first listen review: Flashes of genius, but a bit of an Anti-climax". Digital Spy . Archived from the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  28. ↑ Mackay, Emily (February 1, 2016). "Rihanna - 'Anti' Review". NME. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  29. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (January 28, 2016). "Rihanna: Anti - Slant Magazine". Slant Magazine . Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  30. ↑ "Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016: Critics' Picks". Billboard. December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  31. ↑ "The 100 Best Songs of 2016". Pitchfork Media. December 12, 2016. Archived from the original on December 13, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  32. ↑ "PAZZ+JOP 2016". Village Voice. January 25, 2017. Archived from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
  33. ↑ Cantor, Brian (February 9, 2016). "Rihanna's "Needed Me" Debuts on Billboard's Hot 100". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  34. ↑ Trust, Gary (April 21, 2016). "Hot 100 Chart Moves: Meghan Trainor's a Triple Threat & Rihanna Roars Into the Top 40". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  35. ↑ Trust, Gary (May 12, 2016). "Hot 100 Chart Moves: Zedd & Kesha Debut With 'True Colors'". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  36. ↑ Trust, Gary (May 16, 2016). "Justin Timberlake Debuts at No. 1 on Hot 100 With 'Can't Stop the Feeling!'". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  37. ↑ Trust, Gary (June 6, 2016). "Drake No. 1 on Hot 100 for Fourth Week, P!nk Hits Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  38. ↑ Trust, Gary (June 20, 2016). "Drake's 'One Dance' No. 1 on Hot 100; Sia, Sean Paul & Kent Jones Hit Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  39. ↑ Trust, Gary (September 18, 2016). "Ask Billboard: Rihanna's (Quirky) Record in the Hot 100's Top 10 With 'Needed Me'". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Hot 100 Chart Moves: 'Needed Me' Becomes Rihanna's Longest-Charting Hit". Billboard. November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  41. ↑ Mendizabal, Amaya (July 22, 2016). "Rihanna Nears Top of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart With 'Needed Me'". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  42. ↑ "2016 NIELSEN MUSIC U.S. MID-YEAR REPORT" (PDF). Nielsen Music. July 7, 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 30, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Billboard Dance Club Songs, August 20, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  44. ↑ Unterberger, Andrew (January 28, 2021). "Rihanna's Anti: Which Tracks Have Been Streamed and Sold the Most?". Billboard . Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  45. ↑ "Needed Me - The Official Charts Company". The Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on July 3, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  46. 1 2 "Rihanna – Needed Me" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  47. 1 2 3 "Rihanna – Needed Me". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  48. 1 2 "Rihanna – Needed Me". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  49. ↑ "Rihanna - Needed Me". offiziellecharts.de. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  50. ↑ "Rihanna Spotted Filiming 'Needed Me' Music Video During Miami ANTI World Tour Stop [PHOTOS]". Music Times. March 21, 2016. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  51. ↑ Owen Myers (April 20, 2016). "Rihanna Is Celebrating 4/20 By Premiering The "Needed Me" Video". The Fader . Archived from the original on April 21, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  52. 1 2 Harris, Aisha (April 20, 2016). "Rihanna's Harmony Korine–directed video for "Needed Me" feels a lot like Spring Breakers (VIDEO)". Slate Magazine. Archived from the original on July 19, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  53. ↑ Cox, Jamieson (April 20, 2016). "Watch Rihanna's NSFW video for Needed Me, directed by Harmony Korine". The Verge . Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  54. ↑ Platon, Adelle (April 20, 2016). "Watch Rihanna Hit The Strip Club, Go In For The Kill in NSFW 'Needed Me' Video". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  55. ↑ Spanos, Brittany (April 20, 2016). "Watch Rihanna's Violent, Dark 'Needed Me' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  56. ↑ "6 music videos that prove Rihanna is a 'Video Vanguard'". USA Today . Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  57. ↑ "Rihanna Kicks Off 'Anti World Tour'". Rap-Up . Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  58. ↑ Duboff, Josh (March 28, 2016). "Rihanna's Anti Tour: Subdued, but Still Ready to Party". Vanity Fair. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
  59. ↑ "Rihanna - Needed Me/Pour It Up/Bitch Better Have My Money Medley - 2016 VMA". MTV . Archived from the original on September 9, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
  60. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  61. 1 2 "Rihanna – Needed Me" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved May 28, 2016.
  62. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved May 28, 2016.
  63. ↑ "Rihanna Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  64. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201620 into search. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  65. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  66. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  67. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 26, 2016". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  68. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me". Top Digital Download. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  69. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  70. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  71. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201619 into search. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  72. ↑ "{{{artist}}} – {{{song}}}" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  73. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me". Singles Top 100. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  74. ↑ "Rihanna – Needed Me". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  75. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  76. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  77. ↑ "Rihanna Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  78. ↑ "Rihanna Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  79. ↑ "Rihanna Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  80. ↑ "Rihanna Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  81. ↑ "Rihanna Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  82. ↑ "Rihanna Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  83. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles 2016". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  84. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 2016" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Archived from the original on April 7, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2016.
  85. ↑ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  86. ↑ "Track Top-100, 2016". Hitlisten.NU. Archived from the original on December 30, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  87. ↑ "Classifiche "Top of the Music" 2016 FIMI-GfK: La musica italiana in vetta negli album e nei singoli digitali" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original (Click on Scarica allegato to download the zipped file containing the year-end chart PDF documents) on January 10, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  88. ↑ "Dutch charts portal" (in Dutch). Mega Single Top 100. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  89. ↑ "Top Selling Singles of 2016". The Official NZ Music Charts. Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  90. ↑ "Årslista Singlar – År 2016" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  91. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2016 – hitparade.ch". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  92. ↑ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2016". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 12, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  93. ↑ "Hot 100 Songs - Year-End 2016". Billboard. January 2, 2013. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  94. ↑ "Dance Club Songs - Year-End 2016 | Billboard". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 11, 2016. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  95. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Year-End". Billboard . January 2, 2013.
  96. ↑ "Rhythmic Songs - Year-End". Billboard . December 9, 2014.
  97. ↑ "Decade-End Charts: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. October 31, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
  98. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2016 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  99. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  100. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me". Music Canada . Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  101. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  102. ↑ "French single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique . Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  103. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Rihanna; 'Needed Me')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  104. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  105. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  106. ↑ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2021 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  107. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa . Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  108. ↑ "Spanish single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España . Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  109. ↑ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 41, 2016 | Sverigetopplistan" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  110. ↑ "British single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  111. ↑ "American single certifications – Rihanna – Needed Me". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  112. ↑ "IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Εβδομάδα: 7/2023" (in Greek). IFPI Greece . Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  113. ↑ "Needed Me (Dance Remix) / Rihanna TIDAL". Tidal. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.