 " Love the Way You Lie " is a song recorded by the American rapper Eminem , featuring the 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 and describes two lovers who refuse to separate despite being in a dangerous love – hate relationship . 
