The standard album version includes a "fiery new verse" from Eminem toward the end, while an alternate version featured on iTunes is a purely acoustic piano ballad.
While Part I was led by Eminem’s aggressive verses, Part II is anchored by Rihanna’s soulful and vulnerable vocals. The song explores the cycle of domestic violence from the survivor's viewpoint, detailing the internal struggle between the desire to leave and the agonizing attachment to a partner.
"" is the 2010 sequel to the record-breaking hit by Eminem and Rihanna . Appearing as the final track on Rihanna’s fifth studio album, Loud , it shifts the narrative focus to the female perspective of the toxic relationship introduced in the original. Narrative Perspective and Lyrics Love The Way You Lie (Part II)
Reviewers from NME highlighted the "delicious" contrast between Rihanna's "smoothly pitched pain" and Eminem’s verse, where he is described as "practically screaming with rage". Critical Reception
The track was produced by Alex da Kid and based on a demo originally written and recorded by Skylar Grey. The standard album version includes a "fiery new
"Even angels have their wicked schemes / And you take that to new extremes / But you'll always be my hero / Even though you've lost your mind".
Critics note that while Part I focused on the "rage" of the abuser, Part II provides a more coherent look at the psychological toll on the victim, who admits to feeling like a "masochist" for staying. Production and Composition "" is the 2010 sequel to the record-breaking
Reception was generally positive, with some critics—such as those from the BBC—arguing that Part II actually improved upon the original by centering Rihanna’s "commanding" performance. Others, like the Chicago Sun-Times, felt it was an "unnecessary sequel" that muddied the song's social message regarding domestic abuse.