Beyonce Catapulted Rihanna’s Career Before Affair Rumors With Hubby Jay Z

Jay Z, his wife Beyonce, and his music mentee, Rihanna, were famously entangled in a love triangle.

But before the romance drama, the rapper’s better half was the Barbadian singer’s biggest supporter, producer L.A. Reid reveals in his new tell-all, Sing To Me: My Story of Making Music, Finding Magic, and Searching for Who’s Next.

At an industry showcase in 2005, Rihanna sang for an A-list audience including Jay Z and Beyonce.

Reid claims he only realized how big of a star Rihanna could become when the 34-year-old B’Day songstress spoke up on the budding star’s behalf following the performance.

“That Rihanna girl,” Beyonce gushed, according to Reid. “She’s a beast!”

The admiration was mutual, the iconic producer claims.

When Rihanna first auditioned in Reid’s office, she chose a Beyonce song for her opening number.

“I saw her determination,” Reid recalls. “Her commitment.”