"I want to give people a taste of the Caribbean, and show them the fun side of me." - Rihanna was quoted saying this, after the release of her album Music of the Sun. Rihanna has rocked the entertainment world with her contributions to pop music, and is often described as a traditional dancehall singer. Rihanna was born on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados. Her father Ronald Fenty, is of African-Irish origin, and her mother Monica Fenty, is of Guyanese ancestry. Her birth name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Rihanna has two younger brothers Rorrey and Rajad Fenty. Rihanna was a talented child, who later in life, went on to win a beauty and talent contest. In her early teens, Rihanna got involved in music and formed a girls' music group with two of her friends. She was lucky enough to get her first break at the age of 15, when her friend introduced her to a veteran music composer Evan Rogers from New York, who was vacationing with his wife in Barbados. Rihanna moved to US to start a career in music, and recorded under the guidance of Rogers, and his partner Carl Sturken. Later, Shane Carter, better known as Jay-Z, recognized her talent and had her sign a contract with Def Jam Recordings. Career in Music Rihanna has been musically influenced by famous artists, such as Beyonce Knowles, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Bob Marley. In 2005, Rihanna released her debut album Music of the Sun, which included the single hit Pon de Replay. This single broke all records and peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, as well as the UK charts. The album sold over 500,000 copies in the US, and more than two million copies, worldwide. Her second single If It's Lovin' That You Want, was not as successful as the first, and was at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, and No. 11 on the UK charts. She released her second album, A Girl like Me in 2006, which included the hit song and lead single S.O.S. (Rescue Me). This single peaked at the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100. In the same year, Rihanna also tried her luck in films, and made her acting debut playing a cameo role in Bring It On: All or Nothing. She has also endorsed many companies, including Nike and J.C. Penney. Rihanna released her third album Good Girl Gone Bad in 2007, which featured famous artists like Jay-Z and Ne-Yo. She worked with Justin Timberlake, who co-wrote the lyrics and compiled background music for three songs in the album. The album had hit tracks like Umbrella, Hate That I Love You, and Don't Stop The Music, among others. The album was certified three times platinum by United World Albums Chart. Apart from being a singer, she is also a talented songwriter, and has penned lyrics for many of her own albums. Achievements In 2007, at the MTV Video Music Awards, Rihanna won two awards - Video of the Year, and Monster Single of the Year - for the hit single Umbrella. She was also nominated for five awards, including Female Artist of the Year. In 2008, Rihanna won her first Grammy Award, in the category - Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, for her hit single Umbrella. She has also been nominated in different categories, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, for her hit album Umbrella; Best R&B Song for the single Hate That I Love You, and many more. At the American Music Awards in 2008, Rihanna was nominated for, and won awards in the Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist categories. At the 2009 Grammy Awards, she was nominated for three awards; Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for If I Never See Your Face Again, Best Dance Recording for Disturbia, and Best Long Form Music Video for Good Girl Gone Bad Live. So far, Rihanna has won 45 awards in various categories. Rihanna was to perform live at the 2009 Grammy awards, but canceled at the last moment due to personal reasons. She also faced physical abuse from her former boyfriend Chris Brown, which was the major reason for her absence at the 2009 Grammys. Charity Work Rihanna has been actively participating in many charitable works. In 2006, she started The Believe Foundation to provide aid to terminally-ill children. She also raises huge funds for charities and foundations, by performing at a number of concerts. Rihanna, along with other artists like Timberland and Good Charlotte, have joined hands to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. Rihanna was also chosen as a spokesmodel for Gucci's first UNICEF advertising campaign, wherein a portion of profits were utilized as a charity for children's benefit. Rihanna is also the cultural ambassador of Barbados. Rihanna strongly believes that music is her life and shall forever continue to regale audiences with her music.