lonnie

And that's all fine. It's valid criticism, and I get it. But we shouldn't act as though there's not contextual information: it being a Jay Z concert, the songs performed, her personal circumstances, etc, that are going to affect the kind of performance that was going to be given. As you said, this isn't the first performance that's wanting from her. I personally have dragged some performances from her and have been among those who said she should improve because she can. Literally not a single person has said she shouldn't be critiqued. All I did was state the other conditions surrounding the performance.

I think she performs it because it's a hit and because it's a laid back song and given the context of it being a Jay Z concert, it made sense. I don't know what people were expecting from the performance, even with studio version of BBHMM it's not like she was doing vocal acrobatics there. I just think that some people had in mind a concert return for Rih having lots of energy, vocal belting, and fireworks etc etc when that wouldn't make sense for a Jay Z concert. I mean even Beyonce who is known for her theatrics was pretty laid back given her usual performances, especially that first night. Not boots on the ground journalism oh wow

Wow this HIGH praise from a legendary producer. Oh Anti the album that you will always be

Also the fact that the Freddie Mercury inspo thing came from The Sun, of all sources, should have been a sign. I wonder if her team reached out and had it taken down and that's why it was deleted. Also I think we should be realistic about the tour if those tickets do ever go up. She's probably going to do a lot less dates because she has small kids now. I think she should organize it around time, even if it takes longer with more breaks in between legs. The last thing we want is that the era exhausts her to the point of another very long hiatus.

Just saw that: Going to take Omar consistently talking about the new music as a sign

I think her going on stage was a good thing. Coming back after ten years when she's dedicated much of that time to her kids and family and businesses and all the changes she's had physically and emotionally since then is bound to come with enormous pressure. The pressure only got bigger the longer she stayed away from music. She's setting herself up for a lot of criticism both from people who didn't really care about her and would like to see her fail as well as fans who waited a long time and will go after her if they're not satisfied with the era. At the end of the day she's only human. A platform like the concert is a good way for her to find her footing and regain the courage to be on a big stage again. Rihanna has talked about her stage fright since 2007, and that a good part of the persona she has on stage and in public is made of "faking it till you make it". I think she did well despite everything considered, should she have sung more of the parts to the songs? Yes. Should she have had more energy to the performance? Yes. But she sounded just fine and her voice isn't gone at all like some people were sure it was. She sounds just the same as she did ten years ago. But I don't know what exactly some of y'all were expecting from a random Jay Z appearance, I was surprised that she performed more than just Run This Town.

She was there because she wanted to. It's fine if you didn't like the performance (it clearly had its flaws) but there's no need for made up narratives.

Y'all truly are hateful towards this woman and for no reason

Well Friend of Mine did sound like something we'd never expected (derogatory) so I get that

You remember when she said it wouldn't sound like anything we expected a couple of years ago? Maybe this is it? She probably had a couple of rock and alternative songwriters pitch things and the rumors circulated. But this being The Sun, well we'll see.

What was this about?

I know I may be delusional (and I don't care) but I actually think we might just be making it out of this drought soon. This appearance, plus Omar talking about the album, plus that Netflix interaction with the documentary possibly having a home there has me thinking that we're actually on the verge of something

They hate Rihanna more than they love Beyoncé. Hateful obsession is bound to bring out more passion in that weird way I guess. Anyway we have her on stage finally who gives a **** what a couple of them think

Mind you they said I was talking out of my ass when I questioned their obsession. I don't think there's another celebrity they stay perched for like this it's insane

She actually went on stage tonight omg Yeah I'm believing she's coming this time around. There's just too many things to ignore