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Rihanna Answers Her Fans' Questions!

Originally posted: August 2005

Pulling inspiration from the dancehall and reggae that are embedded in the rich musical culture in Barbados, Rihanna has fused it with a fresh R&B/soul sound that’s taking the world by storm.

Rihanna took time out of our her busy schedule of chart-topping success and newly-found pop star status to answer her fans burning questions in ARTISTdirect’s "Ask the Artist" feature!

1. Jennifer Ramirez from London asked:
How old were you when you started your music career?

Rihanna: "I've been signing ever since I can remember, when I was six I told my mom that this is what I wanted to do."

2. Princess from Oakland, California asked:
Who inspired you as a singer?

Rihanna: "Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston."

3. Beth from Erie, Pennsylvania asked:
I was just wondering how you learned how to dance so well.

Rihanna: "Dancing was always part of my culture growing up in Barbados! When I shot my 1st video I worked really hard with my choreographer to perfect the routines!"

4. Sarah-Jayne from Belfast, Ireland asked:
Hi, I was just wondering what does "Pon de Replay" mean?

Rihanna: "Pon de Replay is asking the DJ to play the song."

5. Simon from Detroit, Michigan asked:
How did you get signed to Def Jam?

Rihanna: "I'd been developing my music and working with 2 producers (Evan Rogers & Carl Sturken) for a little over a year and they sent my music to Def Jam. Met with Jay-z and his team.... And the rest is history!"

6. Jacob from Miami, Florida asked:
Do you have a boyfriend?

Rihanna: "Nope."

7. Tyjuan Jeffries from Long Beach, California asked:
What do u look for in a guy?

Rihanna: "Confidence, a great personality, and someone who can make me laugh."

8. Tevin from Norwalk, CT asked:
Hey Rihanna, I heard that you said that you wanted to be an actress, what movie roles would you consider, and what actors and actresses would you like to work with?

Rihanna: "I'd love to try my hand at acting... It'd be great to work with Terrence Howard and Jessica Alba."

9. Dainer from Jamaica asked:
How do u keep that figure, tell me the recipe.

Rihanna: "I spend a lot of time at rehearsals and performing."

10. Michael Martinez from Bronx, New York asked:
Did anyone ever try to bring you down and stop you from accomplishing your dreams? If so, how did you handle it?

Rihanna: "There will always be people who don't accept everything you do. I never focused on that, I have a great team of family and friends who have always encouraged and supported my dreams!"

11. Lalisha from Puerto Rico asked:
With which artist would you like to work?

Rihanna: "Kanye West."

12. Joanne from Chicago asked:
What would be your quote for young people trying to succeed like you did?

Rihanna: "Never give up on your dreams! Keep working, stay positive!!!"

Plus: Read our editor's exclusive interview with Rihanna!