Rihanna Dons Body Paint, Channels Slash in 'Rockstar 101' Video

By Zach Dionne Posted May 26th 2010 11:20AM

Rihanna Dons Blackface, Channels Slash in 'Rockstar 101'

Whether or not Rihanna's latest album serves up a single on par with 'Umbrella' or 'SOS,' she's showing no signs of slowing her ascent into the Controversial Sex Appeal Hall of Fame. The latest sultry exhibit? Her video for 'Rockstar 101,' where Rihanna appears in dark body paint (wearing nothing but chains), possibly impersonates Anna Wintour and pays homage to Slash by dressing up as the Guns 'n' Roses guitarist, who lent his chops to the track. 'Rockstar 101' is downright Gaga-esque in its gaudy costume changes and sexualization. Oh, and Travis Barker rocks the drum kit.

See the video and hear Slash's thoughts on Rihanna's impression after the jump!

Slash told MTV News that he was flattered by Rihanna's impersonation of him, guitar-smashing/grinding and all. "The video is way better with her being me than with me being me," he said. "All things considered, it brings an element of sexuality to it that I probably wouldn't have been capable of. I think it's hot."

Slash added he was supposed to be in the video, but was "worn thin" from working on his own record. Rihanna sent him a "pleading text" to try to make it work. "I told her that me not being in the video wasn't going to make or break it. I'm way more flattered that she played me in the video than her asking me to be in it. She's pretty cool."

It's been a risque year for Rihanna -- with a near-nude GQ photo shoot, her aptly-titled album, 'Rated R,' picking up steam (and hit singles) and a catsuit-tastic performance of 'Rockstar 101' on 'American Idol' last month.

Travis Barker, who also worked with Rihanna on 'Rockstar 101,' tweeted in March, "Teaching Rihanna some things on drums. She JAMS!!!!! Watch out for her!!"

See Rihanna perform 'Rude Boy' for Sessions.

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Rihanna Snapshots

Rihanna performs on stage at O2 Arena on May 10 in London. More Rihanna photos >>

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Rihanna Snapshots

Rihanna performs at 02 Arena on May 10, 2010 in London, England. Rihanna Performs At The 02 Arena 02 Arena London, England United Kingdom May 10, 2010 Photo by Chiaki Nozu/FilmMagic.com To license this image (60411150), contact FilmMagic.com

Rihanna Snapshots

Pixie Lott performs at 02 Arena on May 10, 2010 in London, England. Rihanna Performs At The 02 Arena 02 Arena London, England United Kingdom May 10, 2010 Photo by Chiaki Nozu/FilmMagic.com To license this image (60410885), contact FilmMagic.com

Rihanna Snapshots

Pixie Lott performs at 02 Arena on May 10, 2010 in London, England. Pixie Lott Performs As Support On Rihanna's UK Tour At The 02 Arena 02 Arena London, England United Kingdom May 10, 2010 Photo by Eamonn McCormack/WireImage.com To license this image (60410569), contact WireImage.com

Rihanna Snapshots