“Hate It or Love It” is a song by American rapper and singer The Game, featuring rapper 50 Cent. Released in 2005, it was the lead single off The Game’s debut studio album The Documentary. The song became a worldwide hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top 10 in many countries. It has gone on to become The Game’s highest charting single and one of the most successful hip-hop songs of all time.
Overview of “Hate It or Love It”
“Hate It or Love It” is an ode to the struggle of making it in the rap game. The song is a reflection on The Game’s rise to fame and the obstacles he faced along the way. The chorus is a simple yet powerful message: “Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top/ And I’m gon’ shine homie until my heart stop.” The song paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of the rap game and the struggle of trying to make it in the music industry.
Full Lyrics of the Song
[Verse 1: The Game]
I been hustlin’ all my life, I’m 23 now
My mama still strugglin’ tryin’ to put food in my mouth
I’m tryin’ to stay alive in these streets, it’s like a jungle
You gotta watch your back, they don’t want to see you stumble
[Chorus: 50 Cent]
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine homie until my heart stop
Go ‘head and envy me, I’m rap’s MVP
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
[Verse 2: The Game]
I got love for the streets, ’cause that’s what put me on
I’m a product of the gutter, I’m from the dirt and the stone
I’m from the place where the killers roam, and the Calis blow
And even though I’m rich, I still got love for the hood
[Chorus: 50 Cent]
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine homie until my heart stop
Go ‘head and envy me, I’m rap’s MVP
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
[Verse 3: The Game]
I got a dollar and a dream, I’ma make it come true
I’m livin’ in the fast lane, I’m tryin’ to move too
I’m tryin’ to get paid, I’m tryin’ to get rich
And I’m tryin’ to stay alive in this game of hit or miss
[Chorus: 50 Cent]
Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top
And I’m gon’ shine homie until my heart stop
Go ‘head and envy me, I’m rap’s MVP
And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you can get to know me
“Hate It or Love It” is a classic hip-hop anthem that speaks to the struggles of the rap game. The chorus is an inspiring message of perseverance and determination, and the verses paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities of the music industry. The song has gone on to become The Game’s highest charting single and one of the most successful hip-hop songs of all time.