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Rockstar 101

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"Rockstar 101"
Single by Rihanna featuring Slash
from the album Rated R
Released May 18, 2010 (2010-05-18)
Format Digital download
Recorded 2009;
Serenity Sound Studios;
(Los Angeles, California, United States)
Genre Rock
Length 3:58
Label Def Jam
Writer(s) Terius Nash, Christopher Stewart, Robyn Fenty
Producer The-Dream, Tricky Stewart
Rihanna singles chronology
"Rude Boy"
(2010)		 "Rockstar 101"
(2010)		 "Te Amo"
(2010)
Slash chronology
"By the Sword"
(2010)		 "Rockstar 101"
(2010)		 "Back from Cali"
(2010)


Rated R track listing

"Rockstar 101" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, taken from her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). The song was released as the album's fourth overall single on June 2, 2010 through Def Jam. "Rockstar 101" was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Rihanna, with production of the song completed by the former two. Musically, the song incorporates elements of rock, whilst the remix EPs of the song draw influence from dance and electronic music. The song also features a solo guitar appearance by guitarist, Slash.

The song was met with a mixed response from music critics, who labelled the song as "aggressive" and criticized the inclusion of Slash on the song, calling it an "afterthought". In the US, "Rockstar 101" failed to perform successfully on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number sixty-four, but managed to peak at number two on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The song also managed to peak at number twenty-four on the Australian Singles Chart.

The song's accompanying music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas and was shot in April 2010. As the video did not feature Slash, Rihanna paid homage to him by dressing in in rock star attire and impersonated his style and personality. The video also featured other scenes where Rihanna was shown to be nude and covered in black body paint, wearing only a crown and chains. The song was performed for the only televised on the ninth season of American Idol on April 7, 2010, and was also included on the set list of the Last Girl on Earth Tour (2010–11).

Contents

Background and composition
"Rockstar 101"
A 23-second sample of the song's chorus, which features Slash playing guitar in the background.
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

In the US, the song was solicited to mainstream and rhythmic radio stations on May 18, 2010[1] and in Australia to mainstream radio on July 19, 2010.[2] The song was remixed by a multitude of DJ's and other artists, and was released as an EP entitled "Rockstar 101: The Remixes", which consisted of fourteen remixes of the song, and was released via iTunes on July 13, 2010.[3] The remixes also appeared on a second EP released exclusively by Masterbeat.com, entitled "Rockstar 101 Remixes".[4] The EP consisted of twelve different remixes and was released on June 2, 2010.[4] The song was co-written and co-produced by Terius Nash and Christopher Stewart, who had previously written Rihanna's second single from Rated R, "Hard".[5] "Rockstar 101" features a guitar performance by British-American musician and songwriter and former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, Slash.[6] Musically, "Rockstar 101" incorporates elements of rock,[7] while the "Rockstar 101: The Remixes" EP are dance and electronic music adaptations of the song.[3]

Response

Critical reception

Rihanna performing "Rockstar 101" on her Last Girl on Earth Tour, which features Rihanna with a black guitar in front of her, which is stylistically reminiscent of particular scenes shown in the music video.

Ann Powers of Los Angeles Times wrote that "Rihanna puts on her tough voice [for the song], settling into her lower register with a fierce frown. 'The only thing I'm missing is a black guitar,' she growls in the Dream-and-Stewart produced 'Rockstar 101', her heavy modulation making clear that she can definitely get by without that ultimate rock phallic symbol. Slash's presence, playing one, feels like an afterthought".[7] "Rockstar 101" was met with a mixed response by music critics, with Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly described Slash's guitar performance in the song as "aggressive".[8] Emily Tartanella of PopMatters defined the song as a "brilliant bit of bravado" during her review of Rated R.[9] However, Bill Lamb of About.com expressed discontent regarding "Rockstar 101" being chosen as a single, saying that "it's one of the weaker songs on Rated R", adding that it "seems destined to end the streak of three consecutive top 10 pop hits from the album". Furthermore, he said: "Within the context of Rated R, the intensely chilly, distant feel of the song works, but it is difficult to see "Rockstar 101" endearing itself to a wide spectrum of pop fans listening to the radio".[10] Ryan Dombell of Pitchfork Media labelled the song as being slow-moving and slumberous, writing "The similarly chest-thumping "Rockstar 101" and "G4L" are harder to justify considering their mindless boasts and torpid production."[11] Jon Pareles of The New York Times commented on the lyric "I never play the victim," which is linked to how Rihanna was allegedly involved in a domestic violence case against her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.[12]

Chart performance

The explicit version of "Rockstar 101" made its first chart appearance on the US Bilboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, debuting at number thirty-nine on June 19, 2010, and reaching a peak of number two on July 31, 2010.[13] Two weeks later on August 14, 2010, the clean version of the song, which did not feature Slash, also peaked at number two, with both versions staying on the charts for twenty-four weeks.[13] The song also managed to peak at number sixty-four on the US Billboard Hot 100 on August 28, 2010, staying on the chart for five weeks,[13] as well as peaking at number twenty-eight on the US Billboard Digital Songs on the same day, managing to stay on the chart for six weeks.[13] In Australia, "Rockstar 101" debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number fifty on August 22, 2010.[14] The song managed to peak at number twenty-four for one week, and spent a total of six weeks in the top-fifty singles chart.[14] In South Korea, the "Rockstar 101" (Chew Fu Teachers Pet Fix Extended) remix version debuted at number 61 on the International Chart.[15] The following week, the remix version fell to number 69, before exiting the chart.[16]

Promotion

Music video

In the music video still, Rihanna is shown to be nude and covered in black body paint, wearing only a spiked crown and chains, designed by jewellery designer Fannie Schiavoni.

The music video for "Rockstar 101" was shot in April 2010[17] and was directed by Melina Matsoukas, who had previously directed the videos Rihanna's previous singles, "Hard" and "Rude Boy".[18][19] On May 19, 2010, Rihanna released a 30 second sneak-peak preview of the video on the internet,[20] whilst the full video premiered on May 25, 2010 through the high-definition music video website VEVO.[5] According to Jayson Rodriguez of MTV News, the video is "a mix of goth bondage-esque voyeurism, complete with Rihanna's gyrating moves and a raging band that features Travis Barker on the drums."[5] Shortly after the video was released, Slash said that he was "flattered" that Rihanna had impersonated him in the video, saying "The video is way better with her being me than with me being me ...all things considered, it brings an element of sexuality to it that I probably wouldn't have been capable of. I think it's hot. Everything works out the way it's supposed to."[21]

Although Slash is featured on the song, he doesn't appear in the music video for "Rockstar 101", instead, Rihanna pays homage to him by impersonating Slash's style and personality by presenting herself wearing a skull-laden top hat, wig, leather jacket, dark glasses as well as using a toothpick.[5] Rihanna is also seen strumming a guitar in the style of a rockstar and reminiscent of how Slash presents himself playing his guitar.[5] In total, Rihanna is seen in a total of eight different scenes and settings throughout the duration of the video, including being almost nude and covered in black body paint wearing only a spiked crown and wrapped in chains, which were fabricated by famous jewellery designer Fannie Schiavoni.[22][23] In other scenes, Rihanna smashes a black electric guitar, wears an outfit consisting of parts of a guitar, as well as featuring an appearance by Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who is featured as one of the dummers in Rihanna's rock band.[24]

Live performances

Rihanna performed "Rockstar 101" for the only televised performance on a pre-recorded performance on the ninth season of American Idol on April 7, 2010, and was joined on stage by Portuguese guitarist and singer-songwriter Nuno Bettencourt[25] The performance saw the television screens on stage showing images of lightning bolts and skulls, whilst Rihanna was wearing a black leather catsuit.[25] Later in the performance, Rihanna picked up a black Gibson Flying V guitar and started to play the instrument, reminiscent to what Rihanna was later shown doing in the music video for the song.[25] The song was also included on the set list of the Last Girl on Earth Tour (2010–11).[26]

Track listing

  • Rockstar 101 Remixes (Masterbeat.com)[4]
  1. "Rockstar 101" (Dave Aude Radio) – 4:18
  2. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Pop Rock Radio) – 3:58
  3. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Rockin Radio) – 3:57
  4. "Rockstar 101" (Loose Cannons Black Guitar R-Licks Radio) – 3:46
  5. "Rockstar 101" (Chew Fu Teachers Pet Fix Extended) – 4:28
  6. "Rockstar 101" (Chew Fu Teachers Pet Fix Extended) – 4:28
  7. "Rockstar 101" (Dave Aude Club) – 7:52
  8. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Pop Rock Mix) – 7:37
  9. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Rockin Club Mix) – 7:51
  10. "Rockstar 101" (Loose Cannons Black Guitar R-Licks Extended) – 5:54
  11. "Rockstar 101" (Dave Aude Dub) – 6:44
  12. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Power Dub) – 7:20
  1. "Rockstar 101" (Chew Fu Teacher's Pet Fix) – 3:51
  2. "Rockstar 101" (Chew Fu Teacher's Pet Fix) – 3:51
  3. "Rockstar 101" (Dave Aude Radio) – 4:18
  4. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Pop Rock Radio) – 3:58
  5. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Rockin Radio) – 3:57
  6. "Rockstar 101" (Loose Cannons Black Guitar R-Licks Radio) – 3:46
  7. "Rockstar 101" (Chew Fu Teachers Pet Fix Extended) – 4:28
  8. "Rockstar 101" (Chew Fu Teachers Pet Fix Extended) – 4:28
  9. "Rockstar 101" (Dave Aude Club) – 7:52
  10. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Pop Rock Mix) – 7:37
  11. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Rockin Club Mix) – 7:51
  12. "Rockstar 101" (Loose Cannons Black Guitar R-Licks Extended) – 5:54
  13. "Rockstar 101" (Dave Aude Dub) – 6:44
  14. "Rockstar 101" (Mark Picchiotti Power Dub) – 7:20

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Rated R.[27]

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[14] 24
South Korea Gaon International Chart[15] 61
US Billboard Hot 100[13] 64
US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[13] 2

Radio and release history

List of radio and release dates with formats and record labels
Country Date Format Label
United States May 18, 2010[1] Mainstream and rhythmic radio Def Jam Recordings
June 2, 2010[4] Digital Remixes (Masterbeat.com)
July 13, 2010[3] Digital Remixes (iTunes Store)
Australia July 19, 2010[2] Mainstream radio

References

  1. ^ a b "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239#210. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  2. ^ a b "Rihanna – Rockstar 101 – Issue 796". The Music Network. Peer Group Media. http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-releases/singles/2010/07/19/issue-796/Rihanna--Rockstar-101/. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  3. ^ a b c d "Rockstar 101: The Remixes – Rihanna". iTunes (US). Apple Inc.. 2010-06-13. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rockstar-101-the-remixes/id380334929. Retrieved 2011-08-11. 
  4. ^ a b c d ""Rockstar 101 Remixes" – Masterbeat Exclusives | News | Rihanna | Artists | Def Jam". Island Def Jam. 2010-06-02. http://www.islanddefjam.com/artist/news_single.aspx?nid=7066&artistID=7366. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  5. ^ a b c d e Rodriguez, Jayson (2010-05-25). "Rihanna Channels Slash In 'Rockstar 101' Video". MTV. Viacom. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1639954/rihanna-channels-slash-rockstar-101-video.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-08-09. 
  6. ^ Lamb, Bill (2010-05-25). "Rihanna's Riveting "Rockstar 101" Video Released". About.com. The New York Times Company. http://top40.about.com/b/2010/05/25/rihannas-riveting-rockstar-101-video-released.htm. Retrieved 2011-08-09. 
  7. ^ a b Powers, Ann (2009-11-23). "Album review: Rihanna's 'Rated R'". Los Angeles Times (Eddy Hartenstein). http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/album-review-rihannas-rated-r.html. Retrieved 2009-11-23. 
  8. ^ Greenblatt, Leah (2009-11-18). "Rated R (2009)". Entertainment Weekly (Time division of Time Warner). http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20320917,00.html. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  9. ^ Tartanella, Emily (2009-12-10). "Rihanna: Rated R". PopMatters. http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/117320-rihanna-rated-r/. Retrieved 2009-12-12. 
  10. ^ Lamb, Bill (2010-04-07). ""Rihanna Debuts "Rockstar 101" Single on American Idol – A Dud?"". About.com. http://top40.about.com/b/2010/04/07/rihanna-debuts-rockstar-101-single-on-american-idol-a-dud.htm. Retrieved 2011-08-11. 
  11. ^ Dombell, Ryan (2009-12-02). "Rihanna Rated R". Pitchfork Media. http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13740-rated-r/. Retrieved 2011-09-04. 
  12. ^ Pareles, Jon (2009-11-22). "New CDs". The New York Times (Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr.). http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/arts/music/23choice.html?ref=music. Retrieved 2011-09-04. 
  13. ^ a b c d e f "Click to PlayRockstar 101 [Explicit Version – Rihanna"]. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. http://www.billboard.com/song/rihanna/rockstar-101/15596622#/song/rihanna/rockstar-101/15596622. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  14. ^ a b c "Rihanna feat. Slash – Rockstar 101 – Song". Australian Singles Chart. ARIA. 2010-08-22. http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Slash&titel=Rockstar+101&cat=s. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  15. ^ a b "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: 2010.05.23 - 2010.05.29)". Gaon Chart. http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon?nationGbn=E. Retrieved 2012-01-24. 
  16. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: 2010.05.30 - 2010.06.05)". Gaon Chart. http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon?nationGbn=E. Retrieved 2012-01-24. 
  17. ^ "Rihanna Shoots 'Rockstar 101' Video, Rehearses with Travis Barker". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-04-12. http://www.rap-up.com/2010/04/12/rihanna-shoots-rockstar-101-video-rehearses-with-travis-barker/. Retrieved 2010-07-08. 
  18. ^ "Rihanna's 'Rude Boy' video director responds to criticism". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-02-25. http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/25/rihannas-rude-boy-video-director-responds-to-criticism/. Retrieved 2011-08-09. 
  19. ^ Herrera, Monica (2010-02-11). "Rihanna Sizzles In New 'Rude Boy' Music Video". Billboard. Nielssn Media. http://www.billboard.com/news/rihanna-sizzles-in-new-rude-boy-music-video-1004067020.story#/news/rihanna-sizzles-in-new-rude-boy-music-video-1004067020.story. Retrieved 2010-11-22. 
  20. ^ "Rihanna Rockstar 101 Preview Hits The Web". MTV UK. Viacom. 2010-05-19. http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/rihanna/news/222352-rihanna-rockstar-101. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  21. ^ Anderson, Kyle (2010-05-25). "Slash Is 'Flattered' That Rihanna Channels Him In 'Rockstar 101'". MTV. Viacom. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640020/20100525/rihanna.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  22. ^ Russo, Lily (2010-05-27). "Rihanna's rockin Fannie Schiavoni's chains!". Grazia (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore). http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2010/05/27/rihannas-rockin-fannie-schiavonis-chains.htm. 
  23. ^ "Guns N' Rih-ses". The Sun (News International). 2010-05-26. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/music/2986703/Rihanna-takes-inspiration-from-Guns-N-Roses-wardrobe.html. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  24. ^ "Rihanna manages to outdo herself with raunchiest video yet as she goes naked for Rockstar 101". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers Ltd). 2010-05-26. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1281547/Rihanna-goes-naked-Rockstar-101-raunchiest-video-yet.html?ito=feeds-newsxml. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  25. ^ a b c "Rihanna Performs Rockstar 101 On American Idol". MTV UK. Viacom. 2010-04-08. http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/rihanna/203070-rihanna-performs-rockstar-101-on-american-idol. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  26. ^ "Rihanna lights up the Netherlands with electrifying performance and SEVEN costume changes". Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers Ltd. 2010-04-19. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1267260/Rihanna-lights-Netherlands-dazzling-display--Belgian-fans-left-disappointed.html. Retrieved 2010-04-10. 
  27. ^ Rated R (Compact Disc). Rihanna. Def Jam Recordings. 2010. p.5. 56061727. 

External links

Book icon Book: Rated R (Rihanna album)
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