Writing began in late 2009, when the American singer Holly Hafermann resided at the Artula Retreat in Bandon, Oregon, and composed songs. During the session, he used Waves RVerb and REQ equalization on his main kick track and a MaxxBass plug-in on two others. He told Sound on Sound magazine that this song had given him an opportunity to reintroduce live guitar in hip hop music. Alex da Kid recorded an acoustic guitar for the verses with a Georg Neumann U87 microphone and an Avid Mbox audio interface. The drums are sampled from live recordings he saves. When making a track, he said he spends hours making loops and produces an electronic drum rhythm before adding live instrumentation. Rihanna's approval of the song's topic ultimately influenced her decision to work with Eminem.ĭevelopment of "Love the Way You Lie" began with the backing track and hook melody, which was created by the British hip hop producer Alex da Kid. She later recorded " Love the Way You Lie (Part II)", narrated mostly from her perspective. 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 impactful. Musical acts such as Cher Lloyd and the Band Perry have performed cover versions.
The single sold over 12 million copies in the US and 1.5 million in the UK. 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 song won many awards and received five Grammy nominations. Reporters suggested that the song and its accompanying video were influenced by Eminem's and Rihanna's abusive relationships with their respective ex-lovers Kimberly Scott and Chris Brown.Ĭritics listed "Love the Way You Lie" among the best tracks of 2010 and of Eminem's career. The clip had a mixed reception due to scenes of domestic violence. 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. Eminem promoted the single with performances at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo, the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and festivals. Critics praised its melody but were divided into thematic aspects such as poignancy and accuracy. Interscope Records released the song in June 2010 as the second single from Recovery. 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. Recording sessions were held in Ferndale, Michigan, and Dublin, Ireland. Eminem wrote the verses and chose Rihanna to sing the chorus, resulting in a collaboration influenced by their past experiences in difficult relationships. 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. " Love the Way You Lie" is a song recorded by American rapper Eminem, featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna, from Eminem's seventh studio album Recovery (2010).