Is this a flashback video from the 90s? No, it’s actually Rihanna’s new video to her 4th single released from her most recent album, Rated R, entitled “Rude Boy.”
I’ve been a fan of this song since I first heard the album (mainly because it brought back the more playful, less dramatic Rihanna conveyed throughout the rest of her album), so I was ecstatic to see a video released for it. At first glance, though, I wasn’t a fan of the video concept. It reminded me too much of the “Baby Got Back” video mixed with a crazy MIA-ish type vibe, and it almost seemed to jock Beyonce/Lady Gaga’s outrageous “Video Phone” concept from late last year. It also lacked any real depth to me. However, it got my attention after re-watching a few times over. Why? This video features a funkedelic mashup of vibrant colors, sexy striptease dancing (which we haven’t seen from the Barbados native since she busted a move in the vid for her first single, “Pon De Replay” back in 2005), not to mention eye-catching fashion selections. However, it is Rihanna and I would expect nothing less since she has managed to establish herself as a rightful modern-day fashion icon. Now, I personally do not know anyone who would even dare to wear matching Fred Flintstone-esque polka-dotted crop top/cropped pants, nor African-inspired body art unitards. And don’t get me started with the frilled Jamaican-colored miniskirt. (Really?!?) But if there is one person to pull it off, it is Rihanna.
Hate on her all you want, but this fashionista never ceases to push the limits with style. The beehive earrings at 2:26 complement the sassy beehive ‘do and stand out as much as her outfit, and she is definitely rockin’ the multicolored, tailored one-shoulder dress as she bangs the drums in the beginning of the video. And, did anyone notice the previously spotlighted FreshMaven-endorsed Carrera shades Miss Fenty stunts at 2:11? Props to her for that! She really could’ve done without that hideous rainbow-sequined baseball cap, though.
Needless to say, it’s also refreshing to see RiRi getting back to her more playful side. This sexy vixen has been through quite a lot since the Chris Brown debacle this time last year, and it seems she’s throwing herself full steam ahead into her career and not looking back. (Side note: anyone else see the “video guy” at 1:19 and do a double take after mistakenly seeing C. Breezy from the side angle?) All in all, I appreciate this video. Despite the lack of true substance as a whole, Rihanna definitely explores her creative artistry through her audacious wardrobe choices in this video. To that, I say, “Bravo!”
