In early 2007, Rihanna began to work with songwriters and producers on a follow-up album to "A Girl like Me". She spent the week of the Grammy Awards writing with labelmate Ne-Yo, who gave her vocal lessons. They wrote and sang "Hate That I Love You", which was co-written and produced by Norwegian duo Stargate. "Hate That I Love You" was recorded at the Battery Studios in New York City, Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles and Lethal Studios in Bridgetown. Phil Tan mixed it, and Ne-Yo provided vocal production. Ne-Yo told American magazine "Vibe":