JAY-Z Names Rihanna as His Favorite Artist He’s Ever Mentored

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JAY-Z says Rihanna stands out as his favorite artist he has ever mentored, praising her loyalty and the way she has continued to support the people who helped shape her career.

“She rides hard for us, the way we ride for her. More than a lot of these guys!” JAY-Z said.

He also reflected on how quickly relationships can change once success enters the picture, adding, “A lot of these guys will turn on you. You change their life & they forget really quickly.”

Rihanna signed with Def Jam early in her career while JAY-Z was serving as the label’s president, and the two have maintained a longstanding professional relationship as both built major careers beyond music.

JAY-Z says Rihanna is his favorite artist he’s ever mentored 👀

“She rides hard for us, the way we ride for her. More than a lot of these guys!”

“A lot of these guys will turn on you. You change their life & they forget really quickly.” pic.twitter.com/v7RrfPUbFk

— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) September 14, 2026