Rihanna, the newest member of Def Jam Recordings, has DJ’s all over the world “turning the music up.” With her recently released album, Music of the Sun, she has undoubtedly become a top R&B sensation.

Growing up in St. Michael, Barbados, it never occurred to Rihanna that one day she would be among some of the top music idols. Before moving to the US in 2005, Rihanna lived a simple life on her home island where she attended high school. This 17-year-old boasts a powerful singing voice that goes way beyond her years. It's no wonder that all it took was a quick audition with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, for the Caribbean princess to book a recording contract with the multi-million dollar record company.

"We were there until 4:30 in the morning closing the deal. Every time I signed my name I was just smiling," said the excited star.

Rihanna’s foreign culture works to her advantage. This vast knowledge of the Baja culture and music gives Rihanna a unique twist. With influences from dancehall and reggae embedded in all of Rihanna’s music, her CD brings a new, fresh spin to R&B.

"It's like a gumbo or a stew," explains Rihanna. "My music is mostly Caribbean beats mixed with R&B.”

Rihanna’s debut album has all the ingredients to make musical magic. Her first single "Pon De Replay" has hyped up clubs worldwide with Rihanna’s soulful, Baja vocals demanding the DJ to play her song again and again turning it up each time until club goers can’t get enough. With tracks featuring both Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel, Rihanna is guaranteed to become a music mogul.