Rude Boy" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, taken from her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). It was released as the album's third single on February 19, 2010, through Def Jam. Rihanna co-wrote the song with StarGate, Ester Dean, Makeba Riddick, and Rob Swire, with Swire also co-producing it with StarGate. "Rude Boy" is an up-tempo song which incorporates elements ofdancehall and raggamuffin. The song received mixed to positive reviews from critics; some called it is the highlight of the album, but others criticized Rihanna's "monotone" and "icy" vocal performance.