Rap-Up.com || Video: Rihanna – ‘Russian Roulette’

Rihanna earns her R rating in the deadly video for “Russian Roulette.” The bloodthirsty clip for the first single off her fourth album has the makings of a movie, complete with drama, suspense, and murder. Actor Jesse Williams (“Grey’s Anatomy”) plays the pop star’s love interest. Rihanna deploys her lethal weapon, director Anthony Mandler, once more.

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80 Comments

100% NIKEHEAD
November 13th, 2009 at 9:44 am
The video is incredible. The underwater scene is the highlight of this video. This video explains the whole Rated R theme perfectly!
Sarah
November 13th, 2009 at 9:57 am
@100% NIKEHEAD, YOU HAVE TO BE OUT OF YOUR MIND TO THINK THIS IS INCREDIBLE. I CANT BELIEVE ABC WILL ACTUALLY BE SHOWING THIS ON TV. THIS IS TOO MUCH RIHANNA TALKING ABOUT “SHE WANTS TO BE A ROLE MODEL” WHAT PARENT IN THERE RIGHT MIND WOULD WANT THERE CHILD TO LISTEN TO THIS SONG AND SEE THIS VIDEO.
BIBI
November 13th, 2009 at 9:58 am
THIS VIDEO IS TRASH !
100% NIKEHEAD
November 13th, 2009 at 10:04 am
@Sarah, thats why this album isnt for kids maybe they should go listen to miley cirus or something.theres your answer lol
DRiko
November 13th, 2009 at 10:23 am
OMG !! Is So Biautiful !! OMG is A Trash Woman Rihanna !! I love HER !! French Fan
anny
November 13th, 2009 at 10:24 am
PERFECT!
DRiko
November 13th, 2009 at 10:25 am
OMG is a biotiful videos !! i love HER FRENCH FAN
Taijmonae Parker
November 13th, 2009 at 10:28 am
it shows her growth as an artist alot more creativity i like it
BIBI
November 13th, 2009 at 10:30 am
@100% NIKEHEAD, lmao she doesnt have no fans over the age of 21 ! Get REAL !
Dee87
November 13th, 2009 at 10:32 am
@Sarah…thats y the is Rated R A-whole…Not PG 13. Have ur kids listen to the Jonas brothers girl.
Rap*
November 13th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Amazing video. She goes hard when it comes to videos all the time.
Giselle
November 13th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing!
100% NIKEHEAD
November 13th, 2009 at 10:41 am
@BIBI, No sh*t einstein. Thats why the young ones should listen to a disney singer and other acts, this is rated R not pg!
cj
November 13th, 2009 at 10:43 am
good video.. The wait is over and im that too happy anymore about the album the hype is over.. I hope its good i pre-order damn..
Rick
November 13th, 2009 at 10:45 am
I LOVE IT!!! Also, yes Rihanna does have fans over the age of 21….WTF u talking about?
Lewis92
November 13th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Worst song ever… And she’s ugly in this clip. Her hair is awful.
B-Rad
November 13th, 2009 at 10:49 am
This video shows the growth of Rihanna so many ways. The concept behind it is incredible. And no this album is not for little kids. She’a a grown woman now, so her fans should be as well. The album is Rated R. Not PG-13, so is now in a position to speak about real issues that effect her directly without having to sugar-coat anything because of her young audience. ART PERFECTION!!!
meg
November 13th, 2009 at 11:04 am
love it!!!
mitch
November 13th, 2009 at 11:05 am
FUCKING LOVED IT
SHE IS BRILLIANT ON A WHOLE
MITCHELL MURRAY, RIHANNAS NUMBER ONE BRITISH FAN!!:D
Burmy
November 13th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Amazon and CDUniverse say it’s getting a Parental Advisory sticker, but iTunes says it’s not…Who’s right and who’s wrong?

As much as I want the old Rihanna back, I’ve almost given up right now…She’s on that new ish, I’m still like “How come?”…Guess if I want her old ish, I should just buy her old album…
TOKYO
November 13th, 2009 at 11:08 am
4/5 STARS

SHE OUTDID HERSELF YET AGAIN, AND HAVE THE NET BUZZING YET AGAIN

LEAVE IT TO RIHANNA TO SHUT THE WORLD WIDE WEB DOWN
Burmy
November 13th, 2009 at 11:09 am
P.S. I will forever consider “Music of the Sun” her best album…
me again
November 13th, 2009 at 11:10 am
BOOOOOO!!!!!! IT COULD HAVE BEEN GOOD .. BUT HER ACTING SUCKED… I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO HAVE A TURNING POINT LIKE BEYONCE “IF I WERE A BOY” BUT IT DIDNT… HEY IF IT WORKS FOR HER.. THEN GOOD FOR HER
Taijmonae Parker
November 13th, 2009 at 11:17 am
@BIBI, huh wtf r u talkin about she has fans over 21 get a damn clue thats y her last album was so big
Anthony
November 13th, 2009 at 11:17 am
LOL @ Rihanna trying to be Ladyn Gaga. Try harder next time sweetheart.

Your time is OVA.
sosicc_witswagga
November 13th, 2009 at 11:35 am
i love the song and the video is coo i like it better then i like chris brown crawl video thats jus my opinion….
cubevision
November 13th, 2009 at 11:40 am
rihanna is fuckin weird…probably the least talented superstar in the world right now…i honestly don’t know how she sells so many records
AAA
November 13th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
ok im not madd at this she did a good job , and i jus got to sau CHRISS U killed that CRWAL VIdEO , so amazing
kristine
November 13th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Wow, i think i actually like the song now.
DAMN YOU RIRI<3
Dani
November 13th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
chick is so freakin weird!
Jeff
November 13th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I feel sorry for her younger fans.
wtf
November 13th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
is this what you call badass..smh at the level of creativity and lowering of standards just to call someone great..

this was beyond boring and the acting is so bad..someone should have gotten her an acting tutor..her gma interview was much better!!
rockwitu
November 13th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

AT THE REACHING. LADY GAGA JUST CAME INTO HER OWN.

RIHANNA HAS ALREADY PROVEN HERSELF AND IS THE AMERICAN SWEETHEART IT GIRL .

WHERE IN RIHANNA DO YOU HATERS SEE GAGA INFLUENCE ?

YOU’RE JUST MAD B/C RIHANNA GOT YOU CHECKING FOR HER REIGN THAT JUST WON’T LET UP. LMFAOOOO

THIS VIDEO IS PURE HEAT, THEATRICAL AT ITS BEST.

THIS IS NOT SOME CIRCUS ACT JUST FOR HYPE AND BACKGROUND NOISE. RIHANNA

SHUT IT DOWN RIHANNA
MAKE THEM HATE YOU MORE
miss L
November 13th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
idont really like it,..For those that didn’t understand the concept of the “Crawl” video: His heart is visible, and that means, he’s bearing his soul. It also could be a parallel to people see through fame and realize that Chris is human. The cold weather is symbolic of the world and and the industry. Right now the world is still cold and calculating. Cassie represents the situation, rihanna, and where he now. The desert represents the fact that in some instances he feels deserted and the end with him dancing with the child represents him as his former self, and taking the steps to become a better man. ;
Terrell Johnson
November 13th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
@BIBI, How do you figure she doesn’t have fans over 21. I’m sure people who are over 21 bought Good Girl Gone Bad considering that it was on the Billboard Charts over a year…
Zach
November 13th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
@Sarah, I must ask, when did she say she wants to be a role model? For children? Because i’m pretty sure she doesn’t. Role model for young woman. If you actually listened, you would know that.
tell'em
November 13th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
This is great. Very dark and fits the song. The video is nowhere near as violent as some are trying to make out to be. There’s not one scene where the gun is actually pointed at someone while other artists have had people die on the screen (ie Lady Gaga – Paparazzi). Lol @ that clown saying Rihanna has no fans over 21. Over 12 million solo albums ALL sold to people under 21….REALLY?? LMAO, the haters are delusional.
LaMont
November 13th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Well done! I can’t hate!!
Rihannalicious
November 13th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Just shut up.You are all jelous about her.I mean who didn’t like the video.It’s brillant! The wait is ova and she will rock the world.Don’t worry about it guys ;) You know what i’m saying.If u can’t understand,just try to understand it kids! It’s amazing.And she works very hard.The fans are okay,but the others-Just RESPECT! Okay? Hope u understand it.
Taijmonae Parker
November 13th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
omg w/lady gaga n rihanna n beyonce comparisious please itz old i like all 3 artist n they all bring something 2 the table. stop it already it enough room in the game 4 all 3 cuz the same people who buys beyonce albums buy lady gaga’s and rihanna thats y their world superstars
alicia's a homewrecker
November 13th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
RiRi do your thang!
louis!
November 13th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
okay obv rihanna is not copying lady gaga if anything she is coping rihanna because first off lady gaga never did a slow ass disturbin song like this
and second rihanna did this much long ago with disturbia
gaga is just a wannabe legend . shes very creative and original ill give her that but shes trying to hard to be someone whos remembereddd
booksmart234
November 13th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
*yaawwn*
NoHater
November 13th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
i really dont approve the message of this song! but you can def see the groth as an artist.
Nicky
November 13th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
The video explains how indestructible Rihanna is.

She avoids being killed by the gas chamber, by a car, by animals and lastly by bullets.

They try to kill her and fail. However, her partner, who you see was disguised in the chamber, ends up losing Russian Roulette in the end.

Rihanna prevails and metaphorically, she wins in the relationship.

This is what you call EPIC AND ARTISTRY!!!!!!!!!
Burmy
November 13th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
@Nicky,

I woulda likely been there, yelling “We don’t want to hurt you. We just want to expel the demon that’s taken control so you can go back to your positive, sweet-natured self! THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU! THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU! THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU!”
Manny
November 13th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
wtf not only does this song suck, the video does just the same. its trash.
youjigz
November 13th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
@Nicky, You put it perfectly. Glad there are still some people that can see the metaphors in art!

And what people have to realize is that Rihanna doesn’t come up with these concepts it is all marketing none of what you see necessarily reflects the true Rihanna if you get to know her personally. She is a pop star and much like actors and actresses Pop stars play a part for the sake of the music they make. The media tells you and her collaborators tell you that she wanted a darker album blah blah. BS, DEF JAM and LA REID and the rest of the team wanted a darker album. It fits well with someone who has just gone through this epic personal drama that was so public.

I’m only 20 and even I can see that lol. By the way I am one of those under 21 fans video was great!!
xox
November 13th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
i dont get it.. and i hate oprah because she only works with people who are in her circle “rich”..
prezzywalsh
November 13th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
@Nicky, OMG….Nicky, well said!….i just saw the video, i’m still in awwwm, this girl is so talented. the vid just add so much more meaning to the song. i fully understand the song now. i had some misconceptions, and they were cleared up in the vid. WOW…i cant believe it, it was so gooooood!…go RiRI!!!!!!!!!!
prezzywalsh
November 13th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
WOW…i LUUUV this vid, makes me even luv the song even more. So cleverly done, its not for the average mind, it challenges ur brain, its not a little silly video. its a deep video for a deep song. Get ‘em RiRi!!!!!!
David Boateng
November 13th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
@Sarah, well if u knew anything about the new album u would no that its getting a parent advisory label which means its not intended for little disney kids like u cuz the record labels no ppl like u would have nightmares aftr horrifying vid (sarcasm)lol.
Cameo
November 13th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
This is amazing… incredible. It was captured so well.
Kidd
November 13th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
in 3:29 it looks like she’s having flashback of the incident with chris brown
test123 RT
November 14th, 2009 at 1:31 am
@David Boateng, the album could or could not get a pa sticker, the only song i have heard the album that cotains swearing is hard and i have heard all of the songs . rihanna has gone along way since good girl gone bad . making scary r rated videos . doesnt mean it will come with a pa label . i hope itunes is right. but this album has more piano driven tracks than the other album and has not electro pop funk songs like her last one . i am more interested in chris browns project because its more fun than dark .
test123 RT
November 14th, 2009 at 1:33 am
@BIBI, bullsh*t its the drakest horrifying video from her and it looks pretty good
test123 RT
November 14th, 2009 at 1:34 am
@Lewis92, bullshit
becca
November 14th, 2009 at 2:01 am
@test123 RT, i totally agree with yu
cubevision
November 14th, 2009 at 5:13 am
@test123 RT, rihanna is shit end of
Rihannito
November 14th, 2009 at 5:20 am
the vid is epic the best video eveeeeeeeeeer
Melissa
November 14th, 2009 at 5:55 am
I’m with @Sarah.

I’m not going to lie, AESTHETICALLY the video is superb. Morally? Not so much. A lot of irresponsibility on behalf of herself and Def Jam. @100%NikeHead has a point as well. It’s moments like these that require leaders, parents, guardians and role models to think for themselves and the youth that they are responsible for.

All-in-all, great vid, not made for t.v. tho’. This will be a test for the American community. If this gets #1 on 106th And Park and some spins on MTV or VH1… that says more than enough right there.
Melissa
November 14th, 2009 at 6:01 am
PLEASE . . . people . . . STOP trying to explain art!!! UGH! That’s so frustrating! ART IS RELATIVE, DON’T TRY TO MAKE A “PICTURE PERFECT” EXPLANATION FOR PEOPLE, LET THEM THINK FOR THEMSELVES! GEEZE! Everybody nowadays is always trying to make a point. The point of art is to ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’, not to understand it. Either you’re moved or you’re not. Nobody, the artist or the viewer, CARES about what you think it MEANS… they just want to know if you want to buy it or not. Art isn’t that deep. It’s actually filled with SUPER shallow people who think they’re better than everybody else… lol, have you met those guys?????
buddyreal
November 14th, 2009 at 7:20 am
wowzers..that was deep

@haters…art majority is unexplainable…like tha same reason u posted your comments..lmao

lol @ kidd
JFresh
November 14th, 2009 at 7:26 am
oh rihanna. this video is EVERYTHING! love or hate her, you gotta respect it.
jacq
November 14th, 2009 at 7:32 am
….i smell a few haters…lol

but yea, her album leaked last night & IT’S BANANAS! I was like “oh….so this is where Def Jam was hiding those club bangers! oh you little devils you!”…lol

…i have it, & yea, im STILL gonna buy it..
mizz perfect
November 14th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Rihanna’s video is the “truth be told”. P.S. Whoevever Sarah is need 2 think 2wice b.4 posting any other comment anywhere about Rihanna b.cuz I feel like u r just another hater who’s gone end up in the same situation.
ARIES79
November 14th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
WHY DO PPL SAY THEY ARE TIRED OF RIHANNA BUT KEEP READING HER STORIES? WTF…. I DONT GET IT! I LOVE RIHANNA AND LIKE SEEING HER EVERYDAY. IM GETTING HERS AND GA GA SHYT
yaya
November 14th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
@me again, think again coz dis is Rihanna not Beyonce
Jay2009
November 15th, 2009 at 1:41 am
The video is good, kinda like a movie, but it’s really really dark, that’s not for the same audience that she had for GGGB. Now about the album, I’ve just read that she got “club bangers” PUH-LEASE ! Rated R is booooooring ! c’mon yall, just admit ! Hard, Rockstar, Stupid in love & Rude Boy are cool, the rest is crap, I was waiting a lot more from her.
babygirl
November 15th, 2009 at 2:00 am
This video is vey interesting. the visual effects are amazing. ARIES79, you are right. Why do people who hate Rihanna but yet look her up. All you have to do is ignore her blogs and videos. People like that are usaually insecure.
babygirl
November 15th, 2009 at 2:06 am
why waste time talking about someone you hate. rihanna is beautiful and talented. You can talk all you want she’s not going anywhere. i like her edgy style she looks hotter than ever. shout out to all caribbean people.
jacq
November 15th, 2009 at 8:42 am
@Jay2009
….it seems as if everyone (including you) expect a repeat of the 2007 album, but with it being a success almost 4 years ago why would you wanna repeat that instead of transitioning into something new & possibly “real” since this is the very first album she actually wrote songs for. people always say, “parents won’t like their kids to listen to this.” but i don’t remember rihanna being a disney channel star or being aimed as a singer for kids. it’s just shocking the mentality that most have about music, if it’s not the same thing you were comfortable with then it’s automatically “garbage”….let’s step those cookies up rap-up

p.s.
there ARE club-bangers on here since here in north hollywood, ca her songs are being BANGED in the CLUB. smh.
Eric
November 15th, 2009 at 11:05 am
@Jay2009, She co-wrote a couple of songs on her 1st 2 albums!
vox populi
November 15th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I like the song anyways and the visuals make me appreciate it more. She’s defintely progressed imo. She must’ve had a big influence in the direction of her album cos this is a big risk for a ‘pop’ artist.
No to the Beyonce /Lady gaga comparisons. BTW, Who likes one artist and one artist only. I’ll prbably get Rihanna’s and Lady Gaga’s albums. I can stretch to £20. Plus, if Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montano, Selena Gomez etc did a vid like this, then people can worry. Rihanna, not so much.

Oh, and is Anthony Mandler on Def Jam’s payroll…
shermm
November 15th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
@Facebook User, it was actually on billboard 4 a total of 98 weeks…almost two ful years in the top100 bestest selling album released in 2007
Rihannito
November 15th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
rihanna is the beeeeeest full stop and gaga just a supersta wannabe
Rihannito
November 15th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
and btw for the haters im not gonna replay anyy of their msg
Mary
November 15th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
love it!!

go Riri
test123 RT
November 16th, 2009 at 12:22 am
@cubevision,shes not totally shit , its a good video and its dark its like csi
XxbrezziixX
December 21st, 2009 at 10:03 am
dhisz scary i dont think i wanna beh talkin abtt pullinq dha triggersz ih think dhtasz not for meh so whadd im guna say ihsz rhianna can dew whadd shee want ndd if her album sell dhtasz all tht matter tew her