My Thoughts on Eminem and Rihanna's Love The Way You Lie Video

Published by Toronto Mike on August 15, 2010 @ 14:04 in Videos

musicWhen was The Marshall Mathers LP released? 1999? 2000? I just looked it up, it was released on May 23, 2000. That was a fantastic album and it converted me into an Eminem fan. I even caught him on tour that year supporting the album. I won't tell you who he opened for...

Following that album, I felt Eminem was hit and miss. I liked the odd single, but his albums as a whole paled next to The Marshall Mathers LP. Still, the first time I heard his single "Love The Way You Lie" with Rihanna, I loved it.

The video featuring Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan was recently released and I've watched it a few times. If you haven't checked it out yet, here it is. See you after the jump...

I understand why some say it glorifies domestic abuse. Domestic abuse has never appeared so sexy! But to suggest this video somehow promotes abusive relationships is like saying Nirvana's Rape Me condones rape and Pearl Jam's Better Man would make a great wedding song.

Firstly, Eminem and Rihanna's voices add weight to this topic. Both are known to have been in abusive relationships. The video simply shows the cycle. Sure it's hot, but the relationship is literally engulfed by flames. She's emotionally trapped, unable to break away, and it comes across authentic and pretty powerful.

I dug the song and I dig the video. It's good to see Eminem back.

Permalink Entry Permalink Comments 5 comments

5 Responses to "My Thoughts on Eminem and Rihanna's Love The Way You Lie Video"

Sarah
August 15, 2010 / 14:55

Wow. I actually listened to this song the other day on the radio and debated with a friend of mine about Rihanna participating in a song "like this" that "glorifies" abuse.

I wasn't sure if it was a sample, but thought there had to be more to it than just her line "I like the way it hurts."

Is that victim blaming? No. When you are being emotionally or physically abused, I think there is some truth to that statement. Luckily, I've never been hit in a relationship, but I have been emotionally abused. It took years to kick him to the curb, and even to this day his words still have power over me. Perhaps I do like the way it hurts.

The video is haunting. Your description brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes when musicians bring attention to something it is beautiful.

Thanks for this Mike, I never would have seen this video otherwise.

Mississauga Mike
August 15, 2010 / 18:37

I'd recommend the Recovery album, definitely his best and most consistent in quite some time. He's very self-aware, ditches the accents and goes back to focusing on his lyrics, one of my favourites of the year for sure.

Rick C in Oakville
August 15, 2010 / 22:21

The fact that they have been in these types of abusive relationships makes all the more darker and more compelling.

It wouldn't be as big a hit or as controversial if done by any other artists.

Not Mike's Brother Ryan
August 16, 2010 / 09:49

godDAMN is Megan Fox hot (even when she ain't on fire).

Not a hip hop/r & b fan but it's a well produced song and video.

Let's face it, controversy sells. if these two were singing songs about unicorns and rainbows then it wouldn't get half the attention, not to mention sales.

Mary
August 18, 2010 / 19:55

I totally agree Mike! It is impacting and angsting all at the same time.We have all related at one time or another to this song and its message.I did not think it glamorized anything, on the contrary I think it made all the listeners who are not in abuses relationships thankful,grateful not to be in one.

Leave a Reply



« Kaberle Trade Watch: All Hands On Deck My Go-To Mr. Freeze Kisko Freezie Flavour »