Unapologetic

Unapologetic is the seventh studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released on November 19, 2012, through Roc Nation and Def Jam Recordings. The project blends R&B with pop, electronic, and hip hop textures, reflecting a more personal and emotionally direct approach. Lyrically, the album explores love, heartbreak, resilience, and defiance, a thematic thread echoed in the title.

The album features guest appearances on select tracks, including Chris Brown on Nobody’s Business and Future on Loveeeeeee Song, with other songs emphasizing intimate balladry and club-ready production. The lead single Diamonds achieved international success, followed by Stay, a ballad performed with Mikky Ekko. The project was promoted with several additional singles and performances that highlighted Rihanna’s vocal versatility and stylistic range.

Reception to Unapologetic was generally positive, with critics praising its cohesiveness and Rihanna’s vocal performances. The album earned the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014, marking a notable industry recognition for Rihanna.

Commercially, Unapologetic performed well, debuting at or near the top of the US Billboard 200 and reaching high positions on charts in multiple countries. It has been certified multi-platinum in several markets, reflecting strong global sales and streaming activity over time.

Legacy and analysis commonly note the album as a synthesis of Rihanna’s strengths—powerful ballads, assertive anthems, and sleek production—while positioning Unapologetic as a defining release in her discography for its candid, unapologetic thematic stance.