Rihanna was "inspired" by Beyonce when she first came out. There's no denying that. Once Rihanna changed her image, sound, etc. then she became her own woman. Denying Rihanna's impact on this generation is futile. She has come into her own.
Beyonce isn't "inspired" by Rihanna as much as she's seeing how accessible Rihanna has become..especially on social media. I don't see it musically, but maybe "image" wise is where Rihanna is seen as being inspirational.
God, y'all are so irritating. Rihanna doesn't inspire anyone but you twinks who think urban music was created yesterday.
The point of BEYONCÉ is not for Beyonce to be sexual for the sake of attention, showing her body, or trying to be controversial. It's not explicit for the sake of being explicit. This is album is her journey to being happy (Blue) when at her start she was unsure and unhappy with herself (Pretty Hurts). The album takes on the many nuisances of finding love, temptations, keeping it and being insecure (Partition / Jealous). Yet finding reassurance and strength in yourself (***Flawless) and in one you plan to live your life with (Superpower). Dealing with loss (Heaven) yet celebrating a blessing and happiness in your life in the end (Blue). Only to come full circle of self realization (Grown Woman).
Its odd to say but I think its truthful, Beyonce brought out some inner Rihanna this era. And there are times in past albums where Rihanna has brought out some inner Beyonce.
But that only makes sense considering who/what they have in common within the industry.