RiRi Is Still Hot... Kind Of...

After a long year full of domestic disputes, tabloid headlines, and rumors flying constantly, R&B singer Rihanna seems to have moved past the bad reports. On November 23^rd, the Barbadian singer is releasing her comeback album “Rated R,” which will feature a much more edgy, almost angry sound. Rihanna’s promotional video for “Wait Your Turn” was released just in time to amp up the hype for the album, but doesn’t get the viewer too excited.

The video, shot in black and white, features Rihanna in four different outfits: an ugly gray trench-coat-mini-skirt with an eye patch and knee high boots; An all black hooded leotard type thing complete with a corset and plenty of bling; A cheap imitation of a Salt N’ Pepa ensemble featuring a waist long fur coat, tube top, and even more gold bling; And torn jeans with a ratty leather and fur jacket. To top it off, Rihanna’s makeup is heavy, while her hair is styled in a kind-of-cute, kind-of-trashy mullet hawk. Throughout the four minutes Rihanna is on the screen, she sings to the camera while walking across a busy highway bridge, a church, the top of a building, and, of course, the streets, yo. The lack of color and a storyline mirrors of another, more successful R&B songstress (all the singles ladies, put your hands up!).

“Wait Your Turn,” is much darker compared to RiRi’s other singles and the video reflects this feeling. Rihanna is out alone at night, dressed in dark clothes, grabs her crotch in a “fuck you” manner, and in one scene seems to be puffing from a cigarette. As for the camera effects, the drastic light changes and extreme shaking creates a slight headache. Following the tragic events of this year, you would think Rihanna had something more to say in her come back video. Or, maybe, she did and no one realized it.

Rihanna’s “Wait Your Turn” is a kind of catchy song, with a kind of cool music video. The whole package is not very lyrically, musically, or artistically original, but it’s not lame either. “Wait Your Turn” is still kind of hot, but you can only go so far with “kind of.” But, Rihanna, you do deserve applause no matter how so-so your music may be. Lets face it; At least you don’t have five years probation, six months of community service, and a tainted career to deal with.