Rihanna
ListenPon de Replay · 2005
Rihanna — “Pon de Replay,” official music video, remastered in HD.
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2005 · Def Jam Recordings / SRP Records
Pon de Replay
Rihanna made her first demos around school holidays. The teenager from Barbados travelled to work with Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken, recording the songs that would bring her to Def Jam—including “Pon de Replay.” [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0114 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Rihanna |
| Release | 2005 · United States |
| Label | Def Jam Recordings / SRP Records · DEFR 16306-1 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl promo |
| Issue | US promotional issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | M |
Release history and significance
In 2005, Rihanna recalled that completing the demos took a year because she could record only during summer and Christmas breaks. The four-song CD led to an audition for Jay-Z and L.A. Reid in New York. She remembered shaking in the lobby before singing for them. [1]
The meeting ended with a record deal, signed in the early hours of the morning. Three months of album work followed. Rihanna said “Pon de Replay” was chosen from several possible first singles because it felt right for the summer. [1]
This US promo presents the radio version and instrumental on both sides. Vada Nobles is credited as producer, with Rogers and Sturken as co-producers. The repeated program suited the practical demands of radio and club use during her debut campaign. [2]
Market context
Discogs reports sales for this US promo from US$1.81 to US$19.99, with a median of US$4.20, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
US twelve-inch promotional single in a sealed company sleeve. Both sides contain the radio version, listed at 3:34, and the instrumental, listed at 4:06. [2]
Condition
The disc and sleeve were described as Mint at acquisition, with the company sleeve sealed.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller GrooveMastersMusicUS on 15 June 2026.
Sources
- Dale Kawashima, Special Interview (2005): Rihanna Talks About Her Debut Hit “Pon de Replay,” SongwriterUniverse. 20 August 2005. Rihanna’s account of the demos, audition and first single.
- Discogs, Rihanna — Pon De Replay, release 3066657. Edition reference and sales figures consulted 14 September 2026.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.