"Rude Boy" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, taken from her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009), that was released as the third single from the album on February 9, 2010, through Def Jam. It was written by Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen under their stage name Stargate, Ester Dean, Makeba Riddick, Rob Swire and Rihanna, and produced by Stargate and Swire. "Rude Boy" is an up-tempo song and incorporates elements of ragamuffin, pop and R&B.
The song received mixed to positive reviews from critics; some called it is the highlight of the album, but others criticized Rihanna's "monotone" and "icy" vocal performance. "Rude Boy" peaked at number one the US Billboard Hot 100 in its fourth week for five consecutive weeks, and was Rihanna's sixth US number one single. It was a commercial success globally, peaked at number one in Australia and attained top five positions in Germany, Hungary, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.
Music video[]
Main article: Rude Boy (music video) "Rude Boy"'s accompanying music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas, used greenscreen techniques and featured props that included a stuffed lion and zebra. Rihanna performed the song live for the first time at the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam in South Beach, Miami, and later on The Ellen Degeneres Show and Alan Carr: Chatty Man. "Rude Boy" was also featured on the set lists of Rihanna's Last Girl on Earth Tour and Loud Tour.