“He Was Just Standing There with a Pen”: Eminem Reveals Rihanna’s 10 ‘Unspoken Rules’ Behind Their Monster Collaboration

When Eminem and Rihanna joined forces for “The Monster” in 2013, they didn’t just make another hit — they created one of the most defining pop-rap collaborations of the decade. The song’s thunderous success masked an intense, disciplined process behind the scenes — one governed, according to Eminem, by what he jokingly described as “Rihanna’s 10 unspoken rules.”

Though there was no literal list, his comments paint a vivid picture of the creative tension and mutual respect that powered one of music’s most fascinating partnerships.

The Birth of a Hit

Released as the fourth single from Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2, “The Monster” became a worldwide phenomenon. The track — exploring themes of fame, fear, and inner demons — spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the pair the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

The accompanying Rich Lee–directed video, which featured Rihanna in the role of Eminem’s therapist, symbolically guided the rapper through his own career’s darkest moments — an introspective complement to their haunting vocal chemistry.

But according to Eminem, getting that balance right took more than talent; it required adapting to Rihanna’s formidable creative standards.

The “Unspoken Rules” of Working with Rihanna

In recounting the recording process, Eminem described the dynamic with a mix of awe and humor:

“She was just standing there with that look — and I was standing there with a pen.”

It wasn’t intimidation, he clarified — it was focus. Rihanna’s professionalism commanded attention without saying a word. From that moment, Eminem knew there were expectations that didn’t need to be spoken aloud.

Rule 1: Presence is Everything

Rihanna’s presence in the studio set the tone. She brought an aura of authority and calm, reminding everyone that art demands respect and precision.

Rule 2: Punctuality is Non-Negotiable

Time, for Rihanna, is sacred. Eminem hinted that she expected everyone — including him — to arrive ready to work. The sessions moved fast, with little room for improvisation or distraction.

Rule 3: Preparation Wins the Day

Eminem’s “standing with a pen” moment became a metaphor for readiness. When Rihanna was in the room, the unspoken expectation was simple: no wasted time, no excuses — only results.

Rule 4: Perfection Isn’t Optional

Both artists shared a reputation for excellence. The studio atmosphere was driven by an unrelenting standard — one where “good enough” wasn’t in the vocabulary.

Rule 5: Respect the Silence

Rihanna reportedly preferred minimal chatter during recording. Every pause, every look had meaning, emphasizing intent over noise.

Though Eminem framed these “rules” humorously, they reflect the discipline and mutual respect between two performers at the top of their craft.

The Monster Legacy

The chemistry between Eminem and Rihanna didn’t end with the recording booth. Their success led to The Monster Tour in 2014 — a limited but explosive series of U.S. stadium shows that drew hundreds of thousands of fans. Concerts at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey showcased a musical partnership built on trust, energy, and shared understanding.

Today, “The Monster” has surpassed one billion views on YouTube, joining “Love the Way You Lie” — their first chart-topping collaboration from 2010 — in the billion-view club.

Behind the Curtain of Greatness

What emerges from Eminem’s reflections isn’t just a story about studio rules — it’s a portrait of two perfectionists who understand that greatness comes from structure, not chaos.

Rihanna’s silent “rules” weren’t commands; they were standards — the kind that separate good artists from legends. And for Eminem, the experience served as a reminder that even the most spontaneous creativity thrives when guided by discipline.

As he put it, laughing at his own nervousness in the studio that day:

“When Rihanna’s in the room, you don’t talk — you write.”

And from that quiet discipline came “The Monster” — a song that continues to roar more than a decade later.