It’s been over a decade since we first heard that haunting, trap-heavy bassline and those four iconic words. You know the ones. But honestly, when people joke about how Rihanna still got my money, they aren't just quoting a 2015 anthem. They are describing a legitimate economic phenomenon.
I was looking at the latest Forbes data for early 2026, and the numbers are wild. Even after a weirdly rocky 2025 where her net worth took a $400 million dip due to some flat sales in the Chinese market, she is still sitting on a cool **$1 billion**. Think about that. Most artists release an album every two years just to keep the lights on. Rihanna hasn't dropped a full-length studio project since Anti in 2016, yet the cash register just... keeps... clicking.
The Viral Origin of a Financial Threat
So, where did the phrase actually come from?
Most people point to "Bitch Better Have My Money," but if you're a real fan, you know the vibe started even earlier with "Pour It Up." In that song, she literally repeats "I still got mo' money" sixteen times. It wasn't just a lyric; it was a warning.
By the time "BBHMM" dropped, it wasn't just music. It was personal. See, back in 2012, Rihanna almost went bankrupt. Her accountant at the time, Peter Gournis, allegedly gave her such bad advice that her $11 million stash dwindled to $2 million in a single year. She sued, they settled, and then she made a music video where she literally kidnaps an accountant’s wife.
When we say Rihanna still got my money now, it's usually because we just walked out of Sephora with three new Fenty Gloss Bombs we didn't need. Or maybe you just saw the charge for a Savage X Fenty VIP membership on your bank statement. She shifted from asking for her money back to making sure we’re the ones handing it over.
Why Fenty is the Real "Money" Maker
Music is basically a side hustle at this point.
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The real engine behind that $1 billion valuation is Fenty Beauty. It’s easy to forget how much she disrupted the industry. Before 2017, "inclusive" meant having three shades of beige. Rihanna launched with 40 shades of foundation. Now, in 2026, that number has expanded, and every other brand is still playing catch-up.
She owns 50% of Fenty Beauty in partnership with LVMH. That’s the big leagues. We’re talking about the same group that owns Louis Vuitton and Moët. When you buy a lipstick, you’re basically funding the most successful pivot in entertainment history.
Breaking Down the 2026 Portfolio:
- Fenty Beauty: Still the crown jewel, despite "flat" sales recently. It's valued at roughly $2.8 billion.
- Savage X Fenty: She holds about a 28% stake here. Even with leadership changes—like when CEO Hillary Super jumped ship for Victoria's Secret—the brand remains a beast in the lingerie world.
- Fenty Hair & Skin: These are the newer kids on the block, and while they haven't hit the "Beauty" heights yet, they keep the ecosystem closed. If you use her soap, you probably use her shampoo.
The $400 Million "Dip" Nobody Should Worry About
Last year, the headlines were kind of dramatic. "Rihanna’s Net Worth Drops 29%!" Yeah, okay.
Going from $1.4 billion to $1 billion sounds like a disaster until you realize she still has a billion dollars. The dip happened because the beauty market in China got tough and the valuation of Savage X Fenty adjusted after some internal restructuring.
But here’s the thing about the Rihanna still got my money sentiment: she doesn't need to be at the top of the charts to be the "richest." She’s currently the second-richest female musician on Earth, only trailing Taylor Swift. And Taylor has to stay on tour for three years straight to keep that lead. Rihanna is currently at home in Barbados or L.A., probably ignoring the "R9" memes, while her equity grows.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Wealth
Everyone thinks it’s just about "selling out." It's not.
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It's about ownership. Most celebrities sign licensing deals. They "front" a brand for a flat fee and maybe a tiny percentage of royalties. Rihanna didn't do that. She built companies. When Fenty Beauty wins, she wins as a founder, not just a face.
I've talked to brand strategists who call this the "Rihanna Blueprint." It’s the reason why every influencer now has a skincare line, but 99% of them fail within eighteen months. They don't have the "Navy"—her fanbase—and they don't have the actual product quality that she insisted on from day one.
The "R9" Tax: Will She Ever Release Music Again?
"Bitch better have my money" takes on a new meaning when fans realize they are the "bitch" in the equation. We are the ones paying the "R9 tax" by buying her shoes and skincare while we wait for an album that might never come.
Honestly? She doesn't have to.
Her music catalog still brings in between $40 million and $70 million a year just in streaming and licensing. Every time "Umbrella" or "Work" plays in a grocery store or a movie trailer, she gets paid.
Your Move: Navigating the Fenty Economy
If you're feeling like Rihanna still got my money and your bank account is hurting, there are ways to engage with the brand without going broke.
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First, stop the "subscription creep." Savage X Fenty is great, but those monthly VIP charges add up if you aren't actually buying new sets every month. Take five minutes to audit your "Member" statuses.
Second, look at the "Fenty Effect" in other brands. Because she forced the industry to be inclusive, you can now find high-quality, 50-shade ranges at drugstore prices from brands like Nyx or Elf. You don't have to pay the luxury tax to get the shade match anymore—she literally paved the way for the cheaper options to exist.
Keep an eye on LVMH's quarterly reports if you're into the business side of things. It’s the best way to see if she’s planning another expansion (like Fenty Home, which has been rumored for years).
Ultimately, she isn't just a singer anymore. She’s a diversified conglomerate. Whether she drops a new song tomorrow or stays "retired" from the studio for another decade, one thing is certain: she’s going to keep getting that money.
Actionable Insights for the "Rihanna Economy":
- Audit Your Subscriptions: Check your Savage X Fenty membership status today. If you haven't "skipped the month" by the 5th, you're being charged $59.95. Those credits don't expire, but the cash leaves your pocket immediately.
- Compare Ingredients: Fenty Skin is amazing, but many of the active ingredients (like Niacinamide and Barbados Cherry) can be found in mid-tier clinical brands if you're on a budget.
- Monitor LVMH Stock: If you want to actually make money off the Fenty empire instead of just spending it, watch the LVMH (MC.PA) performance. Since she doesn't have a solo IPO, this is the closest way to invest in her business success.