I think Beyonce will have a huge legacy. At this point, it will be much bigger than Rihanna's, partly because of talent/admiration and partly because of the focus she has on her brand and image. Rihanna has never cared about crafting an image or being consistent. She constantly changes and doesn't seem to strive for the "popstar" image most of her peers buy into. Beyonce is the sexy, driven, classy woman. Katy is the sugary-sweet songwriter. Gaga is the eccentric girl who dresses weirdly. What is Rihanna? Idk. She's taken a much different approach to her career and is somehow still relevant. It is very difficult to pin her down.
Regardless, my fave is my fave. I don't hate Beyonce so I have no problem complimenting her. I think she'll be very remembered despite the lack of hits. I think she's a cultural force that no one is anywhere close to overtaking. Going from star of a beloved girl group to being known as a sex symbol to becoming a wife/mom without any real damage to her reputation must of taken a lot of work. My fave ain't doing it.
Oh, and all of this comes from an urban and US perspective. I have no idea what it's like in other places but Beyonce is pretty much revered here. She doesn't really have casual fans, just people that adore her/think she's hot and then others who think she's overrated. I've rarely met someone who falls in the middle. They may not be super attached to her music, but they love HER and buy her albums regardless.
Just like you're saying, Rihanna went the easy (yet the hardest for some) way - through her music. She didn't need scandals, at least she didn't create them. And about the legacy... I'm always saying that Rihanna is still young as F and has so much time for all these things. And I'm pretty sure she has quite legacy now, even if it includes only her smash, global hit songs.
We will see in 20 years, but Rihanna's future looks very, I mean VERY promising.
'The Who' aren't legends though Literally no one knows who they are.
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Cap10 is right, Thriller is waaaaay down on MJ's list of classics.
Billie Jean, Beat It, Smooth Criminal, even The Way You Make Me Feel >>
Prior 2011 I had never heard a Madonna or Prince song. I just knew that Family Guy dragged Madonna who a full minute and that Prince made a cameo in Simpsons.
I will ****ing murder you. Jim Morrison is one of the most iconic figures in rock music ever and the Who are a Legendary band that **** all over Beatles.
That's nice.
He remains a rotting corpse unknown to the current generation.
Prince>
'The Who' aren't legends though Literally no one knows who they are.
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Cap10 is right, Thriller is waaaaay down on MJ's list of classics.
Billie Jean, Beat It, Smooth Criminal, even The Way You Make Me Feel >>
The Who are not legends? Jsmsnskasnsn
Do you know who invented the damn windmill. They invented the windmill for goodsakes.
They are iconic to rock n roll. They are the main inspiration for the punk genre and they were probably the 1st rebel rock band to market themselves to teenagers. Lets not. Y'all uncultured swines need to educate yourselves
I didn't know "Summer of 69" was a Bryan Adams song It's one of those songs you always hear on the radio.
The cheap grainy video has more views than any Madonna classic!
So he had a success for a long time. I guess he could be the Rihanna to Beyonce's Springsteen...way more global hits, but Springsteen is the more important and remembered artist.
Literally no one knows who they are.
It's one of those songs you always hear on the radio. 
