Hate It Or Love It by The Game Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Struggle and Triumph in Hip-Hop’s Narrative
Lyrics
Uh-huh
Comin’ up I was confused, my mommy kissin’ a girl
Confusion occurs comin’ up in the cold world
Daddy ain’t around, probably out committin’ felonies
My favorite rapper used to sing, “Check, check out my melody”
I wanna live good, so, shit, I sell dope
For a four finger ring, one of them gold ropes
Nana told me if I passed I’d get a sheepskin coat
If I can move a few packs I’d get the hat, now that’d be dope
Tossed and turned in my sleep that night
Woke up the next mornin, niggas had stole my bike
Different day, same shit, ain’t nothin’ good in the hood
I’d run away from this bitch and never come back if I could
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine, homie, until my heart stop
Go ‘head envy me, I’m rap’s M.V.P
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine, homie, until my heart stop
Go ‘head envy me, I’m rap’s M.V.P
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
(G-G-G-G-G-Unit)
On the grill of my lowrider
Guns on both sides, right above the gold wires
I’ll fo’-five ’em, kill a nigga on my song
And really do it, that’s the true meanin’ of a ghostwriter
Ten Gs’ll take your daughter out of Air Forces
Believe you me, homie, I know all about losses
I’m from Compton, wear the wrong colors, be cautious
One phone call’ll have your body dumped in Marcy
I stay strapped like car seats
Been bangin’ since my lil’ nigga Rob got killed for his Barkleys
That’s ten years, I told Pooh in ’95
I’ll kill you if you try me for my Air Max 95’s
Told Banks when I met him, I’ma ride
And if I gotta die, I’d rather homicide
I ain’t have fifty cent when my grandmama died
Now I’m goin’ back to Cali with my Jacob on, see how time fly?
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine, homie, until my heart stop
Go ‘head envy me, I’m rap’s M.V.P
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine, homie, until my heart stop
Go ‘head envy me, I’m rap’s M.V.P
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
From the beginnin’ to the end
Losers lose, winners win
This is real, we ain’t got to pretend
The cold world that we in is full of pressure and pain
Enough of me, nigga, now listen to Game
Used to see Five-O, throw the crack by the bench (hey, Five-O)
Now I’m fuckin’ with 5-0, it’s all startin’ to make sense
My moms happy, she ain’t gotta pay the rent
And she got a red bow on that brand new Benz
Waitin’ on Sha Money to land, sittin’ in the Range
Thinkin’ how they spent thirty million dollars on airplanes
When there’s kids starvin’
Pac is gone and Brenda still throwin’ babies in the garbage
I wanna know what’s going on like I hear Marvin
No schoolbooks, they used that wood to build coffins
Whenever I’m in the booth and I get exhausted
I think what if Marie Baker got that abortion? I love you, ma
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine, homie, until my heart stop
Go ‘head envy me, I’m rap’s M.V.P
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine, homie, until my heart stop
Go ‘head envy me, I’m rap’s M.V.P
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
The Game’s seminal track ‘Hate It Or Love It’ is not just a catchy anthem from the mid-2000s—it stands as a testament to the dualities of hardship and success, the grind and the glory that define the urban experience. Featuring the crisp, compelling beats that underscore a narrative rich with personal storytelling, this track became a mirror of The Game’s own life, reflecting a universal tale that resonates with many who struggle to rise above adversity.
Painted with lyrics that are as evocative as they are provocative, ‘Hate It Or Love It’ is a lyrical time capsule that encapsulates a certain ethos prevalent in inner-city life during the era. Delving into its lyrical depth reveals a complex, multilayered dialogue about socioeconomic realities, personal ambition, and the unmistakable hunger for recognition and respect.
Underdog Anthem: The Rallying Cry of Resilience
At its core, ‘Hate It Or Love It’ is a homage to the underdog—the individual who battles against the odds to claim their spot at the top. The Game recites his own ascent from the tumult of Compton streets to the glitz of hip-hop stardom, crystallizing that quintessential underdog narrative. These verses speak to the aspirational nature of human spirit, acknowledging the envy and hatred that often accompanies success but choosing to shine regardless.
By juxtaposing his current status as ‘rap’s M.V.P’ with memories of a childhood fraught with instability and exposure to crime, The Game underscores the grit and perseverance required to break free from the chains of an oppressive environment. This part of the track serves as a beacon of hope for anyone fighting their way through their own ‘cold world’ to achieve their dreams.
Breaking Down the Barriers: Symbols of Success and Sacrifice
Throughout ‘Hate It Or Love It’, material symbols serve as motifs representing the allure of success. The ‘four finger ring’ and ‘gold ropes’ are not mere accessories; they signify the achievement of a lifestyle far removed from the poverty and violence the rapper once knew. However, The Game is quick to remind us that these symbols are not obtained without sacrifice—each luxury comes with a backstory, tales of dealing dope and navigating dangerous affiliations.
In celebrating these hard-won symbols of triumph, The Game does not shy away from the darker realities that accompany them. Lines such as ‘Been bangin’ since my lil’ nigga Rob got killed for his Barkleys’ serve as a somber reminder that the path to success in environments like Compton is often paved with loss and heartbreak.
Memorable Lines: Echoes of a Haunting Past
‘My favorite rapper used to sing, “Check, check out my melody”‘ is a potent line in the song where The Game pays homage to Rakim, an influence from his formative years. Similarly, the recollection of a stolen bike paints a vivid image of the daily tribulations faced in life’s early stages. These memories, though specific to The Game’s experience, evoke a sense of collective memory shared by many who come of age in challenging environments.
But it’s not just about the past—The Game ensures that his lines project a powerful message for the present and future. ‘I’m from Compton, wear the wrong colors, be cautious’ serves as a cautionary tale, advising listeners of the complex codes dictating life in notorious neighborhoods, where the wrong choice, as innocent as a color, can have fatal consequences.
The Song’s Hidden Meaning – A Quest for Legacy
‘Hate It Or Love It’ goes beyond a tale of personal struggle to grapple with existential questions about legacy and influence. When The Game reflects on his interactions with 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks or recollects his deceased grandmother, he’s building a mosaic of the relationships and events that shaped his path. It’s an exploration of how legacies are carried forward—not just through fame and wealth, but through the lives touched and the stories told.
The line ‘I think what if Marie Baker got that abortion?’ is a strikingly intimate moment, illustrating the fragile thread upon which existence hangs. The Game acknowledges the profound impact of his mother’s decision to bring him into the world. It’s a deep, raw acknowledgment of how different life could have been, adding another layer of depth to his tale of perseverance.
The Cultural Relevance: Reflecting Society Through Rhyme
‘Hate It Or Love It’ becomes a vessel through which The Game channels societal critiques as much as he does personal narrative. Witnessing the juxtaposition of societal extravagance with neglectful poverty provokes a response. Phrases like ‘kids starvin’ and Brenda still throwin’ babies in the garbage’ hark back to broader social issues—themes that rap has traditionally been a conduit to explore and expose.
And yet, despite these critiques, the refrain ‘Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top’ resonates as a statement of survival and defiance. It’s a declaration that despite the systemic issues and personal adversities, success is possible. It’s this mix of critical consciousness and self-assuredness that elevates the track from a simple chart-topper to a reflective narrative that has etched itself into the cultural memory.
