For Rihanna fans who've been awash in pretty much all-black everything since the release of "Rated R," the "Rude Boy" video, with its rainbow hues, is like an overdose of skittles. It's almost like coming out of a deep, dark cave to the dizzying sights and sounds of Times Square. But it's a beautiful thing, seeing Rihanna wine her waist and revive her Caribbean side, which she used to launch her career with her debut single "Pon De Replay."
Contrary to what others may say, the "Rude Boy" video isn't a rip off of M.I.A.'s "Boyz" video. While yes, the two do share similarly explosive colors and striking visuals, it's because they are both rooted in dancehall culture and aesthetics. Undoubtedly, this culture is far more native to Rihanna, since she was born and raised in the Caribbean island of Barbados, so can all the Rihanna-swaggerjacked-M.I.A. rants please.
The iconic Caribbean visuals, colors and patterns do the bulk of the heavy lifting in this video. There's no storyline here to figure out, just pure island energy. With nothing more than a few simple vignettes (Rihanna playing the drums, Rihanna wearing a fringed skirt, Rihanna flirting with a rude boy, Rihanna trapped in a zebra room, etc.) Rihanna titillates, teases and entertains throughout the video as she calls out for her rude boy. In a breath of fresh air, Rihanna finally loosens up and actually dances. It's not pop star-style choreographed dancing, but rather raw, freestyle hip wining and floor sweeping. What Rihanna is serving is more tasty and rich than Kelis' milkshake and frankly, we could use a few more rounds of it.
Watch the video for Rihanna's "Rude Boy" below.
That zebra room looks like an eery carnival of one, but it provides a nice reprieve from the other overwhelmingly colorful scenes. PETA will also undoubtedly write Rihanna a thank you letter for opting for the fake lion and zebra instead of the real things. Also, the return of Rihanna's long hair actually didn't work all that well. (Maybe it was the dull color?) Rihanna is one of the few ladies who just look far more alluring and seductive with short hair. With long hair her beauty is hidden behind the mop. Not everyone needs to rock the lace front.
Going back to her roots is a smart way to hit the pause button on the dark theme of the "Rated R" era. That's not to say that it was a mistake, but it's clear that her fans are looking for a little more of the "Good Girl Gone Bad"/"A Girl Like Me" Rihanna and this video is a worthy compromise. The only thing that would make the "Rude Boy" song and video even better, would be if it had included a dancehall dance break with Rihanna dutty wining all over the place. Make 'em sweat, gyal!
