We're Addressing the Great Debate: Rihanna vs. Beyoncé

Sure, “Pon de Replay” and “S.O.S” helped put Rihanna on the map, but it wasn’t until “Umbrella” that she became the pop diva the world needed! The 2007 hit song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and remains one of the singer’s biggest hits to date.

The year is 2008. Beyoncé has already earned mainstream success with smash hits “Deja Vu” and “Dangerously In Love.” But one iconic black and white music video showcasing Bey’s dancing and singing skills forced all eyes back on her forever. The “Single Ladies” dance craze took over the world and even had Kanye West snatching the mic from Taylor Swift to remind everyone Beyoncé “had one of the best videos of all time.”

The Carters have solidified themselves as a power couple and one of the richest romantic duos in the music business. They first met when she was 18 years old, and after collaborating on hits like “Crazy in Love,” “’03 Bonnie & Clyde,” and “That’s How You Like It,” they tied the knot in 2008. Now, the married couple of 16 years has transformed their love for music to business.

In 2005, Rihanna auditioned for Def Jam Recordings, where Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter was the CEO. After her contract ended, Rih signed to Jay’s label Roc Nation and was allowed her to own her masters. The duo has multiple hit songs together like “Umbrella,” “Talk That Talk,” and “Run This Town.” Their friendship has stood strong over the years, with Hov even enlisting Rihanna to perform during the Super Bowl.

The Bajan singer broke the internet when she performed at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime show. Although she hasn’t been active in the music industry for years, the power of Rihanna’s catalog can’t be denied. She performed hits like “Diamonds” and “Umbrella” all while announcing her second pregnancy to the world. Talk about being a mother!

In 2013, the Texas singer shut down the Super Bowl to perform her biggest hits of the time. Destiny’s Child reunited on stage, and we can’t forget how this performance was so lit that even a blackout happened right afterwards, although ABC reported that Bey’s show wasn’t the direct cause.

Many people don’t remember Coldplay was the actual headliner of Super Bowl 50. Instead, everyone remembers when Beyoncé and Bruno Mars crashed the stage and absolutely crushed it! Bey debuted her Black empowerment anthem “Formation,” giving nods to the Black Panther Party and Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl performance look.

In 2013, Rih was making major moves to lead up to her business takeover. She trademarked her last name “Fenty,” and five years after that, Fenty Beauty was born!

2024 marks seven years of Fenty Beauty, and with the brand worth more than $2.8 million according to Business Insider, it’s clear Rihanna’s vision has come to life. Fenty Beauty was designed “so that women everywhere would be included,” according to the singer. With over 40 different foundation shades, Rihanna singlehandedly inspired other top makeup brands to diversify their shade range and cater to all women.

We all know Bey is a trendsetter, but in 2013, she took it to a whole new level with the release of her surprise album, “Beyoncé.” The self-titled album dropped on a Friday, and up until that point, albums were typically released on Tuesdays. That all changed with the Queen, however. According to Vox, it took seven months of negotiations, but in 2015, the record industry decided it will release albums across the world on Fridays. And this Beyoncé standard still stand strong today!

Beyoncé first launched Ivy Park in 2016 as an athleisure brand, but over the years, the company has transformed into a full blown fashion line. The name “Ivy” is inspired by Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. “Park” comes from Parkwood Park in Houston, where Beyoncé is from. During Bey’s last tour, looks from Ivy Park were showcased by dancers and even the Queen herself.

When you mention Rihanna, you have to recognize her impact on the fashion world. The modern-day “it girl” has established herself as a leading lady of fashion and a well-respected icon. Her most iconic looks start on the red carpet but they even translate to her signature tattoos and make-up skills. No wonder why the “Work” singer made her way into the fashion and make-up world!

With almost 30 years in the industry, Beyoncé has more amazing fashion moments than people like to give her credit for. The singer has been on every red carpet imaginable, and her tour costumes are enough to prove that Bey is a fashionista in her own right. She’s known for her custom performance leotards, iconic honey blonde hair, and her daring and stunning looks.

Life for Badgal RiRi has changed drastically over the years. She went from nearly filing bankruptcy in 2009 to being worth $1.4 billion, according to Forbes. Her business endeavors with music and Savage x Fenty, Fenty Beauty, and Fenty Skin have solidified her as legendary, and now she has the wallet to prove it!

According to Forbes, Bey’s net worth is about $800 million. If you add her worth to her husbands, the Carters’ combined net worth comes to $3 billion. With brands like Cécred, Ivy Park, and Sir Davis under her belt coupled with her historic touring income and one-of-a-kind award record, can anyone really be shocked?

The Carter family is regarded as one of the most powerful families of this generation. Jay and Bey first welcomed their first born daughter, Blue Ivy, in 2012. And in 2017, the couple gave birth to twins Sir and Rumi Carter. Blue is now 12 years old and even starting to embrace her mother’s spotlight. She made her acting debut with “Mufasa: The Lion King,” in addition to touring with her mother in 2023 and recently performing during Bey’s halftime show on Wednesday (Dec. 25, 2024).

In 2022, the world cheered with excitement after Rihanna announced she and her rapper boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, were expecting their first son. Shortly after RZA Athelston Mayers was born, Rih took to the Super Bowl stage to announce her second pregnancy. Riot Rose was born in 2023. Adorable is an understatement to describe the family of four!

After stepping off the NFL halftime stage, the Queen doesn’t plan to sleep anytime soon. She teased the date “Jan. 14, 2025,” and fans everywhere are scrambling to figure out what’s next from Beyoncé. Could it be a tour? Or will she announce the final project from her three-act album series? We’ll just have to wait and find out!

While Bey is gearing up for something big, Ms. Fenty continues to pave her own business path. She’s already announced new drops for Savage X and Fenty Beauty, perfect for the holiday season. Best believe there’s more in store for the billionaire business woman!