Rihanna and Eminem
What is all the hype around the new song "Love the Way You Lie" by Rihanna and Eminem? Just because two of the biggest names in today's music team up to collaborate on a song, why is everybody getting all worked up? The Recovery album which features "Love the Way You Lie," sold 750k in its first week. That is amazing.
Producer, Alex da Kid, has created a complex, but catchy beat that definitely pushes Eminem to sing one of his most honest and raw performances. Rihanna, the current reigning pop princess, adds sweet vocals to the mix and makes this song soar. Granted, this isn't your typical party song, however, "Love the Way You Lie," is edgy and will no doubt go down in musical history as one of the most popular songs of this decade.
Rihanna and Eminem - Musical Success
This second single from Eminem's seventh studio album, Recovery, has given Eminem his fourth U.S. number one hit. "Love the Way You Lie" is the seventh U.S. number one single for Rihanna. Rihanna and Eminem's song has claimed the top spot on a total of six other charts. This song has been number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for a total of three consecutive weeks. That's like a 10 on the Wow Factor!
What is the Controversy?
A lot of people are upset over the controversy in this video. Are Rihanna and Eminem promoting domestic violence?
Maybe a better take is to recognize that domestic violence exists. Period. That is a very sad fact. What makes anyone stay in an abusive relationship? Both artists have had their share of violent relationships and the media has blatantly exploited it to sell papers and magazines. This song could be a part of their dealing process, a way of explaining why they stayed for a bit in bad relationships. Just a thought.
Haunting, Bitter Sweet Lyrics
Take a look at these words: "As long as the wrong feels right it's like I'm in flight; High off of love, drunk from my hate, It's like I'm huffing pain and I love it the more I suffer, I suffocate." It is said that love and hate are very close. Both emotions are intense and both can be controlling. The words are haunting and seem to vibrate with despair. Then the next words, "And right before I'm about to drown, she resuscitates me." Maybe this song is stirring up the bitter sweet memories we all have of relationships that we know won't last, but we have a hard time walking away from them.
Because of their own personal experiences, it is doubtful that Rihanna and Eminem are promoting domestic violence. Rather, they are recognizing it for what it is. It does exist and each person must deal with the violence in their way, in their time. We should be thankful that this harsh reality was brought to light by Rihanna and Eminem.
