Britney didn't release the original Gimme More video (which featured a funeral scene/'killing of the old Britney to form the new Britney') and Gaga didn't drop the Do What U Want video (featuring a scene in which she's being drugged and taken advantage of).
Then we have 'The Original Doll', which was a rebellion album. I feel like Rihanna is rebelling against her team/label/whomever else right now (hence all the vacations and no new album).