Brittany Spano, Senior writer at Rolling Stone and adjunct instructor at NYU, shares her expertise on Rihanna's impact in pop music. The discussion dives into Rihanna's challenging upbringing and journey to fame, highlighting her reggae roots and the evolution that led to hits like 'Umbrella.' They also debate Jay-Z's guest verse, pondering its controversial status in his career. Spano and the host explore underrated tracks from Rihanna's discography and celebrate her lasting influence in shaping contemporary music.
Rihanna's evolution from a rising star to a cultural icon showcases her profound impact on contemporary music and fashion.
The podcast debates the quality of Jay-Z's guest verse on 'Umbrella', questioning its merit in the context of his career.
Brittany Spano's insights lead to a discussion about the difficulty of identifying Rihanna's best song amidst her expansive discography.
Deep dives
Launch of Ringer Movies
A new YouTube channel called Ringer Movies has been introduced, featuring movie content fans of The Ringer will enjoy. The channel will host full episodes of popular shows like The Big Picture and The Rewatchables, alongside special live episodes and in-depth explorations of movie history. The channel aims to gather other movie enthusiasts affiliated with The Ringer, promising a mix of fun and insightful content. Viewers can find the channel by searching Ringer Movies on YouTube.
Personal Reflection on Appearance
The speaker shares a humorous yet self-deprecating anecdote about an experience at Taco Bell, highlighting an unexpected encounter with their own reflection. They describe a moment of self-revelation when they realize the disheveled appearance they projected could frighten passersby. This experience leads to a broader discussion about personal awareness, physical presence, and the struggle with self-image after years of working from home. It emphasizes the awkwardness of social interactions and the often-ignored impressions one leaves on others.
Obsession with 'Bed' by J. Holiday
The speaker passionately discusses their favorite song, 'Bed' by J. Holiday, emphasizing its alluring mix of goofiness and sensuality. They express admiration for the song’s playful lyrics and the emotional resonance it holds during walks through New York City. This song becomes a backdrop to their personal experiences, acting as a soundtrack to moments of life in the city. The nostalgia tied to the song highlights its significance in shaping their identity and experiences during that period.
Legacy and Influence of The Dream
A deep dive into the contributions of The Dream reveals his profound impact on pop music, particularly through his work with J. Holiday and Rihanna. The discussion highlights the complexity surrounding The Dream, especially in the light of recent accusations against him. Despite the controversy, his songwriting and production skills are recognized as influential in shaping the sound of the late 2000s and beyond. This complexity signifies the broader challenge of separating the art from the artist in contemporary music culture.
Rihanna's Evolution and Cultural Impact
Rihanna's career is examined, particularly her transformation from a rising pop star to a powerful cultural icon. The speaker reflects on her music's evolution, emphasizing how her unique style and sound differentiate her from her contemporaries. Discussion points include how her artistry paved the way for other female pop stars and how her ventures outside music into fashion and beauty demonstrate her influence. Rihanna's ability to resonate with diverse audiences further solidifies her status as a leading figure in contemporary culture.
Rob celebrates pop icon Rihanna while looking back at her smash hit “Umbrella.” While combing through Rihanna’s expansive career, Rob also discusses whether Jay-Z’s guest verse on “Umbrella” is the worst of his career. Later, Brittany Spano joins the show to answer the difficult question of what song is Rihanna’s best, and much more.
