Chart queen Rihanna recently opened up in an interview with the U.K.’s The Mail On Sunday, recalling growing up on the island of Barbados, where she began hanging out and drinking at a fairly early age.

Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the singer says she watched her mother struggle to keep the family afloat while her father experimented with drugs and ultimately left. At 14, Rihanna formed a band with two other girls and began hanging out.

“I’d go out and get drunk, but that’s what teenage girls do in Barbados,” the 19-year-old told the tabloid. “The country’s pretty laid-back about the legal age for drinking. But I never went too over the top. I wasn’t exactly in Amy Winehouse mode. I’d seen what alcohol and drugs had done to my dad and I wasn’t going to follow in his footsteps. I knew my limits when I was a kid and I still do.”

Rihanna added that now when she goes out, it’s for the music and dancing.

“I might have a few drinks, but I don’t get tipsy too easily. I don’t ever get to the point where I want to throw up, can’t stand up straight or say things I’m likely to regret in the morning,” she said.

Rihanna is currently ruling the pop charts with the tune “Disturbia” while her “Take A Bow” remains on the urban and urban adult charts.

Chart queen Rihanna recently opened up in an interview with the U.K.’s The Mail On Sunday, recalling growing up on the island of Barbados, where she began hanging out and drinking at a fairly early age.
Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the singer says she watched her mother struggle to keep the family afloat while her father [...]

Behind the scenes of Rihanna’s August 2008 In Style Magazine cover photoshoot with E! News Live and Extra. Photos and video clip:

Behind the scenes of Rihanna’s August 2008 In Style Magazine cover photoshoot with E! News Live and Extra. Photos and video clip:

Essence Communications, Inc. and iClips Network, L.L.C. today announced a partnership to present live video streaming of the 2008 Essence Music Festival on essence.com and iclips.net.

The live video stream will be comprised of musical performances from the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this Fourth of July Weekend, as well as interstitial programming including celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

This first-time broadcast of the 14th Annual Essence Music Festival inaugurates a three-year deal with iClips to expand the Festival’s footprint online.

In addition, select performances will be available on-demand on essence.com and iclips.net at the conclusion of the Festival.

Viewers can register at Essence.com and iClips.net from July 4-6 to access the iClips player and launch the video streaming event.

“Essence Communications is pleased to partner with iClips to smartly extend the Essence Music Festival footprint to the Web,” said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications, Inc., “By creating a live streaming experience, the Essence Music Festival — already the nation’s largest annual celebration of Black music and culture – is poised to reach fans all over the world with fantastic performances and backstage highlights.”

“iClips has always been a huge fan of this event and the Essence brand. We are ecstatic about the opportunity in bringing the Essence Music Festival to a worldwide audience over the Internet. Furthermore, the stellar line-up, the great city of New Orleans, and the fantastic backdrop that the Superdome Venue creates could not be any more spectacular,” Nate Parienti, Co-Founder of iClips was quoted as saying.

The 14th annual Essence Music Festival will celebrate another momentous year in New Orleans this July 4, 5 and 6 with the biggest names in entertainment. Performing on the mainstage at the Louisiana Superdome: Kanye West; Mary J. Blige; Chris Brown; Rihanna; Chris Rock; Keyshia Cole; Jill Scott; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly; Morris Day & The Time; LL Cool J; J. Holiday; Musiq; plus, a star-studded celebration of living legend Patti LaBelle featuring original LaBelle members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx; Angie Stone; Ledisi; Chrisette Michele; Ruby Amanfu; and more!

Broadcast Schedule
All scheduled times are CST.

Friday, July 4: 7pm CST

Saturday, July 5: 6pm CST

Sunday, July 6: 5pm CST

Essence Communications, Inc. and iClips Network, L.L.C. today announced a partnership to present live video streaming of the 2008 Essence Music Festival on essence.com and iclips.net.
The live video stream will be comprised of musical performances from the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this Fourth of July Weekend, as well as interstitial programming including celebrity [...]

Rihanna’s entire appearance on FNMTV:

Rihanna’s entire appearance on FNMTV: