G4L

Album: Rated R (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "G4L" stands for "Gangsta For Life." The song finds Rihanna sprouting a series of bad-bitch boasts then purring at the end, "Revenge is sweet."

    This was a quite an image overhaul for Rihanna, who came to America from Barbados on a ray of sunshine and filled her first album with upbeat, playful songs like "Music Of The Sun" and "Pon De Replay." She was just 17 when that album was released.

    She was 21 when she released "G4L" on her fourth album, Rated R. As the album title implies, it's not suitable for sensitive listeners. On one track, Rihanna plays a (hopefully metaphorical) game of "Russian Roulette."
  • This track was produced by London dubstep production duo Chase & Status. Saul Milton, a.k.a. Chase, told BBC's Newsbeat: "This album for her is just about what she likes and what she's into and what she wants."

    Chase & Status are credited as writers along with Rihanna and James Fauntleroy, who contributed to five other tracks on the album as well.
  • 2009 was the year social media erupted - it's when Rihanna and many others got on Twitter. She quickly built an enormous following on Facebook and Twitter that extended her digital presence far beyond the fan sites. In 2011, her fanbase became known as her Navy, after a lyric in this song:

    We're an army, better yet a navy
    Better yet, crazy

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.