Yes she is. Of this generation. I would give it to Legend X before her back in the day. And Janet before Legend X.
But right now, Rihanna tries different sounds and her unique voice has propelled her to the forefront of this generation. I find it laughable at how other stanbases will try to knock her down by REACHING for the stars that their fave use to be.
And all this talk about her not writing or producing her stuff is old. Most popstars aren't sitting behind the keys in the recording booth recording their music. If they write, they usually have a team. It's a team effort..no one can do it all alone. *sighs*
What's so interesting is that you'll never know what sound she's gonna use when she comes out.