20 Years Ago Rihanna Got First Billboard #1 with this Song Meant for Someone Else
When it comes to Rihanna, she is a rare gem in the landscape of music. With over 60 million albums and 215 million digital tracks sold, 8 Grammys earned, and an impressive 14 #1 Billboard Hot 100 songs, the Barbadian native already has a legacy that many musicians aspire to achieve.
Speaking of her #1s, today marks a special moment for Rihanna, as it was 20 years ago when she bagged her first chart-topper. While those with a long memory may be ready to celebrate "Pon De Replay," allow me to stop you, as "Pon De Replay" peaked at #2 and that was in 2005.
"SOS" Topped the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2006
"SOS" was released on February 13, 2006, as the lead single for Rihanna's second studio album, A Girl Like Me. It was what some today would call a "slow burn," because it took until May 13 before the single climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for three weeks and eventually became certified triple platinum. The dance/pop track was written by Jonathan Rotem, Evan Bogart, and Edward Cobb. Zeroing in on Cobb's role, his classic pop hit "Tainted Love" was heavily sampled for the Rihanna single.
"SOS" Was Given to Christina Milian First
Rotem explained in a VLAD TV interview that after Jay-Z and Jay Brown, the respective CEO and EVP of Def Jam at the time, heard "SOS," Brown decided he wanted the track for pop sensation Christina Milian. Rotem heard that Milian ultimately passed on the song, and it went to Rihanna instead. The rest is history. Personally, I wonder if Milian hadn't rejected the song, whether her recording it would have had the same impact as Rihanna's rendition. But as it is now, you can listen to classic Milian songs like "Dip It Low" and "Say I."
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 3:25 AM.