"Russian Roulette" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, taken from her fourth studio album Rated R (2009). The song premiered on radio stations on October 20, 2009 and was released as the album's lead single on October 26, 2009 through Def Jam Recordings. It was written and produced by American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo along with Chuck Harmony. "Russian Roulette" is a mid-tempo pop song, that contains prominent R&B ballad characteristics. Lyrically, the single is about an abusive romantic relationship that ended abruptly.