Rihanna whips up a storm

Four years ago, like thousands of others across the world, Rihanna was a 15-year-old schoolgirl with dreams of music stardom. But for Rhianna, the dream was destined to come true, and it started with a life-changing case of being in the right place at the right time.

Music producer, Evan Rogers, was on holiday in Rihanna's native Barbados with his wife in 2003. A friend introduced them and, spotting the ambitious teen's talents right away, Evan helped her record some music samples and send them off to various recording studios, including American rapper Jay-Z's label, Def Jam.

After belting out Whitney Houston's 'For the Love of You', Rihanna was signed to the label.

"It took me two minutes to see she was a star," Jay-Z said of the singer.

The respect was mutual. Thrilled at being signed by the young tycoon, who is dating R+B beauty Beyoncé Knowles, Rihanna said: "I think I am signed to the greatest label on earth. Everyone from the artists, to the staff, to senior executives have been incredibly supportive.
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"I always say that without Def Jam, all of my successes would not be possible. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like I am signed to a label but more like a family."

Now, at 19, Rihanna has gained international pop star status with her numerous chart-topping hits and movie appearances.