They say if you want to be the best you gotta hang with the best. That statement couldn’t have been more true for R&B singer Rihanna. The Barbados (Bajan) born princess opened eyes and raised eyebrows with her 2005 single “Pon De Replay.” She also has won over the a lot of fans with her charming Bajan persona and sexy west indian accent. But no doubt her biggest key to success has been her association with Jay-Z. The performer has been blessed because if placed on any other label would have been just another project, another pretty face (depending on who you ask) put on the shelf.

Well Rihanna, (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty) has officially stepped out from under the Hov “um-burelluh” and has inked a deal as the new face of CoverGirl cosmetics.

“I always wanted to be a CoverGirl,” gushed the native of Barbados. “Every little girl wants to become one. CoverGirl has worked with other music artists and the brand itself is about make-up. What’s not to like? It’s a natural fit for me.” Yeah a natural fit for that big ass head of yours…sorry.

Rihanna joins the ranks of those “other music artists” CoverGirls, including such established acts as Queen Latifah, Brandy and Faith Hill. Her CoverGirl campaign is scheduled to launch in June.

This is a tremendous job by her publicist. Rihanna although an admittedly hot artist right now by no means has the equity to warrant such a prestigious distinction. However the work of “her people” coupled with the Jay-Z factor has landed her a tremendous score. Even if the singing career which may or may not be legitimized doesn’t take her to new heights the simple fact that she’s a CoverGirl and will grace almost every TV screen in America will afford her the opportunity to roll this gig into others in other arenas such as modeling and acting. Good ish.