Work (Rihanna song)

Background and release

Rihanna announced the track as the lead single for Anti via social media, including a public message on Twitter. The recording marked another high-profile collaboration between Rihanna and Drake, whose guest vocal contribution is prominent in the track's arrangement. From its release, the song was positioned as the opening commercial statement for the album cycle.

Composition and style

Musically, "Work" blends contemporary R&B and pop with clear dancehall and Caribbean influences. The production favors sparse instrumentation and syncopated percussion, allowing the vocal phrasing, patois-inflected lines and repetitive hook to occupy the foreground. Lyrically the song explores flirtation and the uncertain dynamics of a romantic relationship, using repetition and conversational lines to build a memorable refrain.

Music video and visuals

The music video adopted a nightlife and club-oriented aesthetic that complemented the song's rhythmic emphasis. Visual choices emphasized atmosphere, choreography and a relaxed intimacy rather than a linear narrative, reinforcing the song's island-tinged identity and its place within Rihanna's evolving visual style.

Reception and legacy

Critics and listeners largely praised Rihanna's vocal delivery and the track's production, while some commentary noted the lyrical simplicity. The single became a major commercial success: it reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and charted strongly in many international markets. In the United States the single was certified multi-platinum; by June 2017 it had been awarded a sextuple-Platinum certification for combined sales and streams.

Awards and recognition

"Work" received significant industry recognition, including nominations at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The nominations underscored the song's crossover impact in pop and urban music categories.

Live performances and cultural impact

The song was included in promotional performances and in concert setlists during the album cycle. Its blend of mainstream pop structure with dancehall rhythms has been cited as an influential moment in bringing Caribbean-inflected sounds to broader radio and streaming audiences.

• Artist: Barbadian singer Rihanna
• Featured artist: Drake
• Album: Anti
• Release date: January 27, 2016
• Initial availability: iTunes and other digital stores
• Promotion and announcement via Twitter
• First-day radio impact tracked by Nielsen music
• Further song details: song information