So the buzz is on for Barbados’ own songbird Rihanna. Clearly not one to sit on her laurels looking pretty, the multi-talented Barbadian has just announced the release of the ‘Rihanna’ book – a ‘visual autobiography’ charting the 31-year-old artist’s life with a multitude of photos. “Over 5 years in the making…happy to finally share this collection of incredible memories,” stated the entertainer on her Twitter account during the Monday, October 7 formal announcement. She also expressed “thanks to all of the photographers & artists that contributed” and global publisher, Phaidon, for working with her to publish her ‘first piece of art in a new industry.’

A promotional video on @badgalriri Instagram indicated the book would show her ‘evolution through the pictures.’ The video teased photos of her participation in Barbados’ Crop Over Festival, performing, recording in the studio, fashion shoots, and socializing with friends and family. Fans can pre-order through special Phaidon website therihannabook.com. There are different editions of the 504-page book with 1,050 color images. Costs range from $150 for the regular version to $111,000 for a special Ultra Luxury Supreme limited edition version that comes with “Stoner,” a 2,000 lbs, 42 inches high by 40 inches wide custom marble pedestal created in collaboration with The Haas Brothers. Apparently, the 10 Ultra Luxury Supreme versions with “Stoner”, one of which rapper Cardi B won at auction during Rihanna’s recent charity Diamond Ball, have already sold out.

Photo credit to Phaidon/therihannabook.com 

According to a statement on the website, “From her Barbados childhood to her worldwide tours, from iconic fashion moments to private time with friends and family, the book showcases intimate photographs of her life as an artist, performer, designer, and entrepreneur. Many of these images have never before been published.”

With her recently launched luxury brand Fenty under the LVMH fashion label, Beauty and lingerie line Savage X Fenty, along with her perfumes, Rihanna is proving herself to be a very savvy businesswoman with a keen eye for tapping the right markets and using her celebrity status as a singer to springboard into multiple business ventures. To celebrate her newest creative venture, a ticketed book launch party, hosted by Rihanna and Phaidon, was schedule to take place at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City on October 11.