5 years ago, Rihanna invited press and fans on a plane around the world with her. Here’s what went down.

“Ladies and gentleman, there’s an emergency. Code seven-fucking-seven-seven!"

Rihanna's chart-topping voice ricocheted through the narrow chamber of a Boeing 777 as she yelled those words just moments from taking off on one of the most ambitious publicity stunts the music industry has witnessed.

It was...