After living through music's most publicized case of domestic violence, Rihanna could have taken her music in any number of directions. She could have been shy or wounded or introspective, or even silent about the matter. Instead, she comes out unflinchingly fierce, not wasting any time feeling sorry for herself. On "Rockstar 101" she says flatly, "I never play the victim/I'd rather be a stalker." And believe me, this is a girl you don't want to mess with. On "G4L" (Gangsta for life), she sings, "I lick the gun when I'm done/'Cause I know that revenge is sweet." She lets her guard down momentarily on "Stupid in Love," but only to berate herself. "My new nickname is 'You Idiot'/That's what my friends are calling me/When they see me yelling into my phone." Though Rihanna has continually proved she can be a huge crossover act, this record is not for the average radio listener. There is no sugar-coating, no pop sheen. And in spite of this (or maybe because of it) Rihanna is easily one of the most compelling acts in hip-hop.