Rihanna Readies For Her Island Def Jam Debut Release, 'Music Of The Sun' on August 16, 2005

NEW YORK (Island Def Jam) - Burning up the Hot 100 charts, 17-year-old Barbados-born Island Def Jam recording artist, Rihanna, begins her journey to the top of charts with her debut single, 'Pon De Replay', this week's No 1 most added single on the R&R Pop chart. 'Pon De Replay' is the lead single from Rihanna's upcoming album, Music Of The Sun, scheduled for release on August 16th.

The single has exploded at radio, garnering 54 adds bringing the total to over 60 multi-format major market stations blasting the summer smash. 'Pon De Replay' is this week's No 2 Greatest Gainer on the Rhythmic T40 Monitor, leaping from 25 bullet to 17 bullet and is the No 1 Greatest Gainer at Pop Monitor entering at 31 bullet. On the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, the single jumps from 40 bullet to 18 bullet. On Hot 100, Rihanna is already over 40 million in audience, over 4000 spins, an increase of over 1500 spins in one week!

The video, directed by X, who has shot legendary videos for Sean Paul and Wayne Wonder, will debut on BET and MTV in July. Directed in Canada, the clip is the perfect visual demonstrating the energy and youthfulness of the track.

Rihanna's debut album promises to have all the ingredients that make musical magic. And like her influences Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey, Rihanna is a talented songwriter who has co-written much of her album. "Music is in my D.N.A.!" exclaims the bright eyed singer.
Her first single "Pon De Replay" is sure to mash up dancehalls worldwide with Rihanna's soul stirring vocals demanding the DJ to play her song again and again 'til it touches every single person within earshot. With tracks featuring both Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel, Rihanna is guaranteed to supply some serious heat for both radio and clubs nationwide.