The Bridge: Rihanna Is Still Unapologetic
Music journalist Julianne Escobedo Shepherd says Rih always had the swagger to chart her own pop path.
[This edition of my Hit Parade—“The Bridge” bonus series is available to Slate Plus subscribers only. A link to the episode show page is below. To sign up for Plus—and tell Slate that Hit Parade sent you!—visit slate.com/hitparadeplus.]
In this Slate Plus exclusive, Hit Parade host Chris Molanphy welcomes author, music journalist, and Rihanna superfan Julianne Escobedo Shepherd for a chat about Rih’s career and enduring impact on pop. Julianne shares her firsthand experience aboard the infamous “777 Tour” party plane, explores Rihanna’s reggaeton-influenced beginnings and EDM-channeling peak, and considers the legacy of her final album (so far!) Anti.
Also: Chris tests a Slate Plus listener’s music knowledge, gives him a chance to turn the tables with a question of his own, and offers a sneak peek at the next episode of Hit Parade. Slate Plus members can sign up for a chance to be our trivia contestant on a future episode here.
Podcast production by Kevin Bendis.
Content retrieved from: https://slate.com/podcasts/hit-parade/2025/04/rihannas-impact-on-pop-music