Stargate

Lore & Background

In the timeline of Rihanna's discography, this track occupies a unique space as a bonus offering that exceeded typical expectations for deluxe content. It marks one of the rare instances where two of the most celebrated female vocalists of their generation shared the microphone on a commercial recording. The song captures the specific sonic aesthetic of its era, prioritizing club-ready beats and electronic textures over acoustic instrumentation. The collaboration symbolizes a moment of convergence in pop culture, bringing together distinct artistic identities under one production umbrella. Fans often regard this track as a 'what could have been' centerpiece for the album's standard release due to its star power. It remains a testament to the creative freedom enjoyed during that specific chapter of her career, where experimentation with electronic dance music was at its peak.

In Their Own Story

The bass drops before the lights even flicker on the main stage. In the center, three silhouettes stand against a backdrop of swirling nebulas projected onto fog machines. The crowd roars, sensing the rare alliance happening in real-time. No words are needed as the synth line cuts through the air, vibrating through the floorboards and into the chests of thousands waiting for this moment to finally arrive.

Reader's Guide

Released during the promotional cycle for the deluxe edition of Talk That Talk, this track arrived as a surprise gift to fans hungry for more content following her massive commercial peak in late 2012. The song represents a unique moment where two of the industry's most dominant female voices united alongside a leading electronic producer and DJ. Stylistically, it leans heavily into the EDM wave that defined Rihanna's mid-era sound, characterized by pulsating synths, heavy basslines, and rhythmic vocal exchanges rather than traditional balladry or R&B slow jams. While never officially released as a standard single in all territories, the track gained significant traction through digital streaming services and radio play, cementing its status among collectors and casual listeners alike. The chemistry between the artists is palpable, blending Rihanna's sultry delivery with Beyoncé’s powerful runs over Calvin Harris's polished production. Commercially, it remains a cult favorite on playlists globally, often cited by fans as an underrated gem that showcased the versatility of all three collaborators during a golden era of pop music dominance and electronic experimentation in the early 2010s.

Did You Know?

• It was released exclusively as a promotional single rather than a standard retail track.
• There is no official music video produced for this collaboration.
• This marks one of the few times Rihanna and Beyoncé have shared vocals on the same song.
• The track appears only on the deluxe version of the Talk That Talk album.