MySpace and MTV continue to battle it out for the online exclusive music videos and the right to “host” the video. MySpace wins this one. Love these high concept videos. You can feel the torment in this one. Rihanna is all grown up and shows off the goods but kids don’t try this at home.

Rihanna’s new album Rated R to be released November 23.  Check out the photo shoot for her album packaging.

Now this is the Rihanna we all love and appreciate. Album art for her single “Hard.” Remember the days when The Warehouse would sell CD singles for $0.99 and single album art mattered? Not so much anymore but at least we get to see Rihanna doing her thing.

written by Edwin St. Fort

The success of The Blueprint 3 is highly credited to the marketing campaign behind it and to Jay-Z’s loyal fan base. Despite the album being leaked on the internet prior to its official release, The Blueprint 3 sold 476,000 copies in its first week of sales. The achievement help Jay-Z pass Elvis Presley to become the second artist with more No.1 albums in the 50 year history of the Billboard 200. The second week of sales resulted in 301,000 copies being sold dominating the Billboard #1 spot for two weeks straight. A month and a half later, Mr. Carter goes platinum selling nearly 1.3 million copies.

Let’s recap the blueprint to the  marketing campaign that resulted in successful results. The key features to this campaign were strategic partnerships and media coverage. The release became more of an event rather than just another album on the shelf. It built anticipation and sustained momentum unlike many previous releases. To begin the buzz Jay-Z released “D.O.A” creating controversy to obtain the attention of listeners to usher in the following events.

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Here is the album art to Rihanna’s single “Wait Your Turn.” Move that right left arm woman! It’s clear with all the other art and photos for her upcoming release that Rihanna wants to tell the world she is all grown up, dangerous and means business.

Rihanna bears tells all in her first public interview since the CB Incident. Diane Sawyer gets the exclusive which aired yesterday. Could it be coincidence that Rihanna decides to finally speak out just as her new album is about to drop? We think not…instead the label (and RiRi) is getting some major free publicity right before the album launch.

Rihanna x Nokia. We keep saying it…and it keeps happening. As label promotional dollars get smaller and smaller but big time artists continue to be a huge part of pop culture we will continue to see more deals like this. Rihanna and Nokia have officially announced a partnership for the upcoming release of her album “Rated R.”

“I am so excited to partner up with Nokia,” said Rihanna in a statement. “They are doing some really revolutionary things with this album, enabling me to reach more fans than ever before.”

Rihanna will perform in an unidentified London location on Nov. 16, which will be filmed for free streaming via www.nokia.com/rihanna. You can also download Nokia and Rihanna branded apps and an exclusive version of the album with a bonus track, “Wait Your Turn,” in certain global territories.

The deal is a part of a new overall partnership with Nokia and Island Def Jam Music Group so there will be more collaborations like this in the near future. Via: Billboard

Here is the official music video to Rihanna’s newest single “Wait Your Turn.” The eye patch scares me. Turns me on…but scares me. Via: RR and OnSmash

Is Rihanna’s new single and video what you have been waiting for? Another hit single or a dud?

Rihanna will break her silence since the Chris Brown inccident to ABC’s Good Morning America on Thursday, November 5 and on 20/20 Friday, November 6. Perfect way to promote her album which hit stores on November 23.

The official album art for Rihanna’s “Rated R” which is set to release November 23rd. We like the barbed wire better. She looks like Grace Jones meets Mad Max in this. Via: PopEater

If Chris Brown gets some press from us well then Rihanna gets some too. Plus she’s smokin hot. Check these new promo pics for her upcoming album “Rated R” which hits stores November 23rd. More pics after the jump. Via: RealTalkNY

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Major album releases these days are taking a page out of movie marketing with the rise of “teaser” ads and online trailers. Here is the latest by Rihanna which she posted on her Twitter and official website. Yes..”The Wait is Ova.” New album drops November 23rd. We can’t wait to see what other marketing ideas the label will come up with for this one.

Whoever says spinning on the 1’s and 2’s is easy needs to just take a look at this demo video which features the DJ Hero mash up of Rihanna’s “Disturbia” and The Killers “Somebody Told Me.” This clip also features the DJ Hero plus Guitar Hero feature where two people can play the turntables and guitar at the same time.

Rocawear celebrated their 10th Anniversary with a party at their Rocawear showroom in New York City. Attendees included Rihanna, Kevin Lies, Spike Lee, Memphis Bleek and others.

Jay-Z, Kanye West & Rihanna on the set for “Run This Town” video shoot which is directed by Anthony Mandler. “I might wear black four years straight, I might bring back Versace shades” I guess Jay was serious about that line he recited on D.O.A., in this new video he is wearing exactly the fashion trend he wants to set.