Groupon Enters the Music Business w/ Rihanna (via Fast Company)

As well as the “variety of unbeatable features that have made Groupon a global phenomenon” the press release states, “LOUD will be available as a $5 digital download in the inaugural holiday store of Groupon, the Grouponicus Store, beginning November 22, 2010.” That’s a pretty big coup for Groupon, given the big-star status of Rihanna, and the fact that LOUD is running at $9.99 in Apple’s iTunes store—the biggest music retailer in the U.S.

The company is calling it a “first of its kind” deal, and while it’s definitely a success, it’s probably almost as much thanks to the clever marketing that Rihanna’s team are using for the new record, which includes “aggressive” social media activity across the usual suspects of Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

The record business is evolving.  Once again, we see major artists, backed by major labels, engaging in some of the most exciting and innovative marketing behavior that the social web will allow.  Take note.

JNOMICS