There's More to Rihanna Than Racy Bikini Shots

Updated on 5/31/2014 at 5:59 AM

Rihanna has a reputation for being a bit of a bad girl — so bad, in fact, that she was banned from Instagram because of her love for posting racy pictures of herself. However, there's more to Rihanna than bikini shots and sexually charged lyrics. To prove this, we've gathered a few of the most surprising facts about the Barbadian beauty that show there is more to the "Diamonds" singer than her good-girl-gone-bad persona. Source: Getty / Samir Hussein

She Was an Army Cadet

Rihanna served as a voluntary army cadet in a submilitary program in Barbados.

She Had a Rocky Childhood

Rihanna has admitted that her father, Ronald, struggled with an addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol when she was growing up. Her parents divorced when she was 14.

She's a Grammar Nerd

Listen — just because you are one of Rihanna's fans does not mean that she won't correct your grammar mistakes. Source: Instagram user rihplies

She's a Big Supporter of the Military

Rihanna's military background may explain why she is always so supportive of the armed forces. The singer frequently honors military men and women on veteran-themed holidays and urged everyone to see Lone Survivor when it came out last December. "Navy SEALs are made of a different kind of strength," Rihanna said while urging fans to see the film. "We could never fully grasp the type of mentality it takes to do what they do with pride."

Her Mom Won't Let Her Spend Too Much

Rihanna revealed during an interview with Oprah that her mom, Monica, will send back gifts the singer gives her if she feels that they are too expensive. "My mom is very conservative with spending," Rihanna said. "I would send her something and she will research the price and send it right back to me."

Her Favorite Avatar of Herself Is a Simple Stick Figure

Because why not? Source: Twitter user rihanna

She's Thrifty

Monica's thriftiness may have rubbed off on Rihanna. She revealed to Vogue, of all places, that she likes to wear cheap jewelry: "My jewelry's all fake — from Claire's. Or I get it from my mom's boutique in Barbados. Her shop's called FAB-U-LUS."

She Gives Fashion Advice to Her Fans

Just remember — the next time that you ask for fashion advice on social media, Rihanna might weigh in. Source: Instagram user rihplies

She Also Just Gives Good Advice in General

Rihanna's friend Cara Delevingne revealed that in addition to being a style icon and a great singer, Rihanna can also be a really good friend. Cara said that she called the singer when she was in a low spot: "She said, 'It's easy to drown yourself in work. That's a form of escapism. So, if you're alone and you want to cry, cry.' And I did."

She's Protective of Jay Z's Image

When a fan asked Rihanna why she never made a music video for her song with Jay Z, "Talk That Talk," the songstress had a very reasonable explanation. "Baby Blue arrived to our planet the week we were gonna shoot," Rihanna wrote. "I can't make Jay Z sing 'I be tryna chill b*tches wanna phuck me' with a brand-new daughter!"

Rihanna