Rihanna graces the cover of the new issue of Esquire as the 2011 Sexiest Woman Alive and, in an accompanying profile, the Barbadian beauty speaks out on a range of subjects, including her ex, Chris Brown.
Though Rihanna and Brown's violent break up is well documented, RiRi said she still roots for him to succeed.
"I’m really excited to see the breakthrough he’s had in his career. It’s incredible to see how he pulled out the way he did. Even when the world seemed like it was against him, you know?" Rihanna said.
Hard at work at the next phase of her own career, Rihanna said she remains a fan of Brown's music and has never wished ill of him.
"I really like the music he’s putting out. I’m a fan of his stuff. I’ve always been a fan. I would never wish anything horrible for him. Never. I never have."
Talk That Talk, Rihanna's sixth album, is due November 21. The first single, "We Found Love," recently became her 20th top 10 hit on Billboard.

(Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)