<P> "Love the Way You Lie" is a song recorded by the American rapper Eminem, featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna, from Eminem's seventh studio album Recovery (2010). The singer and songwriter Skylar Grey wrote and recorded a demo of the song alongside the producer Alex da Kid when she felt she was in an abusive romantic relationship with the music industry . Eminem wrote the verses and chose Rihanna to sing the chorus, resulting in a collaboration influenced by their past experiences in difficult relationships . Recording sessions were held in Ferndale, Michigan, and Dublin, Ireland . Backed by guitar, piano and violin, the track is a midtempo hip - hop ballad with a pop refrain, sung by Rihanna, and describes two lovers who refuse to separate despite being in a dangerous love--hate relationship . </P> <P> Interscope Records released the song in August 2010 as the second single from Recovery . Critics praised its melody but were divided on thematic aspects such as poignancy and accuracy . Eminem promoted the single with performances at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo, the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and festivals . The music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, stars Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox in a violent relationship and shows Eminem and Rihanna in front of a burning house . The clip had a mixed reception due to scenes of domestic violence . Reporters suggested that the song and its accompanying video were influenced by Eminem's and Rihanna's relationships with their respective ex-lovers Kimberly Scott and Chris Brown . </P> <P> Critics listed "Love the Way You Lie" among the best tracks of 2010 and of Eminem's career . The song won many awards and received five Grammy nominations . It is Eminem's best - selling single and ranked number one on several record charts, including the United States' Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks . The single sold six million copies in the US and was the best - selling song of 2010 in the United Kingdom . Musical acts such as Cher Lloyd and The Band Perry have performed cover versions . Rihanna has said that the theme of domestic violence, a topic on which she claims many people do not have insight, is what makes the song effective . She later recorded "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)", narrated mostly from her perspective . </P> <P> Development of "Love the Way You Lie" began with the backing track and hook melody, which were created by the British hip hop producer Alex da Kid . When making a track, he said he spends hours making loops and produces an electronic drum rhythm before adding live instrumentation . The drums are sampled from live recordings he saves . Alex da Kid recorded an acoustic guitar for the verses with a Georg Neumann U87 microphone and an Avid Mbox audio interface . He told Sound on Sound magazine that this song had given him an opportunity to reintroduce live guitar in hip hop music . During the session, he used Waves RVerb and REQ equalization on his main kick track and a MaxxBass plug - in on two others . </P>

Rihanna songs love the way you lie lyrics