Stargate Explain The Creation Of Rihanna’s “Diamonds”

Stargate, the gentlemen behind Rihanna‘s biggest hits - try “Don’t Stop the Music,” and most recently, “Diamonds” - did a little interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where they discussed what it’s like to work with, y’know, everyone who matters in the music industry, and specifically Rihanna, the #UNAPOLOGETIC Bajan banger to rule them all. Predictably, there’s a story behind that hypnotic Sia-penned megahit - but it wasn’t conceived as a radio smash.

rihanna gets sexy on 'complex' magazine covers: see the shoot

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As Stargate producer Tor Erik Hermansen explains: “When we wrote "Diamonds" with Benny Blanco…we collaborated with him for a couple of weeks trying to come up with material for Rihanna. And we were basically trying to come up with big records, and making big up-tempo pop records and then after a couple weeks of that, we just decided, ‘Today we're not trying to make a big hit record. Today we are going to make something that we love and that's a little bit darker, a little bit slower, and a little bit more emotional, and that's when we made the track for “Diamonds.”‘

But the radio-courting wasn’t central to the composition of that song: “A few days later Sia came in and wrote the lyrics,” Hermansen explained. “When we made that song we basically made it for ourselves. We didn't try to make a hit. The song goes out, and it becomes huge, and that becomes rewarding in a sense that when we feel something, the public feels it as well, and it's nice to be reminded of that.”

The process sounds pretty #UNAPOLOGETIC to us.

[via The Hollywood Reporter]

Rihanna Rolls An Expensive Joint On “Diamonds” Single Artwork

Rihanna has never been subtle about her affection for cannabis culture - she’s been photographed wearing marijuana-themed sweaters, hats and assorted swag, not to mention smoking suspicious-looking cigarettes in Instagram photos - but she’s taking it to the next level in the cover artwork for her new single “Diamonds,” released today via her official fansite. The photo shows Rihanna’s hands (identifiable because of her tribal tattoo) pinching a rolling paper full of diamonds: a more valuable substance than what papers frequently contain, and arguably more intoxicating.

The single artwork is an audacious move from the Bajan superstar, but at this point, Rihanna’s propensity for courting controversy shouldn’t come as a surprise. (This is, after all, the same artist who brought us the lyrical gem, “Suck my cockiness/Lick my persuasion.”) “Diamonds” is set to begin blazing up radio and iTunes on Wednesday, September 26 - and according to one listener who’s previewed the track, it’s a “classic.” Read on for details after the jump.

rihanna sports a marijuana-friendly sweatshirt

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Hip-hop producer Pop Wansel, who has worked with Nicki Minaj and Kanye West, tweeted yesterday that he was impressed by the record, writing:

This fuckin Rihanna “Diamonds” record thooooo!?!?!?? Smhhhh @itsbennyblanco!!! Wait until you guys hear this shiiiiittttt!!! #classic

- Pop Wansel (@PopWansel) September 23, 2012

Tagging Benny Blanco in the tweet all but confirms what’s been rumored for awhile - that the track was at least partially helmed by the “Teenage Dream” hitmaker. The Prophet Blog reports that Sia was also involved, while a press release confirms that Ri’s frequent collaborator Stargate had a hand in the song’s production as well. Sounds like a smash to us.

How do you feel about Rihanna’s “Diamonds” single artwork? Sound off in the comments, or let us know on Facebook or Twitter!