Hate it or love it
The Game Lyrics

Comin' up I was confused, my mommy kissin' a girl
Growing up was difficult, as I was exposed to situations that were not familiar to me, such as seeing my mother with another woman.

Confusion occurs comin' up in the cold world
As a child, I struggled to make sense of the harsh realities of the world around me.

Daddy ain't around, probably out committin' felonies
My father was absent from my life, likely due to being incarcerated for criminal acts.

My favorite rapper used to sing, "Check, check out my melody"
I looked up to a rapper who had a distinct and memorable style in his music.

I wanna live good, so, shit, I sell dope
I believe that selling drugs is the way to achieve financial stability and success.

For a four finger ring, one of them gold ropes
I seek material possessions that are often associated with success and status.

Nana told me if I passed I'd get a sheepskin coat
My grandmother promised me a reward for doing well in school, which incentivized me to work hard.

If I can move a few packs I'd get the hat, now that'd be dope
I believe that selling drugs is a way to earn enough money to afford items that I desire.

Tossed and turned in my sleep that night
I had trouble sleeping due to feelings of anxiety and stress.

Woke up the next mornin, niggas had stole my bike
When I woke up in the morning, I discovered that someone had stolen my bike.

Different day, same shit, ain't nothin' good in the hood
Every day is the same in my neighborhood, and there are no positive opportunities for me there.

I'd run away from this bitch and never come back if I could
If I had the chance, I would leave this difficult situation behind and start a new life somewhere else.

Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
Whether people hate or love me, I have risen to the top despite starting from a disadvantaged position.

And I'm gon' shine, homie, until my heart stop
I will continue to succeed and prosper until the end of my days.

Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's M.V.P
I am the most valuable player in the rap game and others should feel envious of my success.

And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
I will continue to be a presence in the music industry, and others should take the time to learn more about me.

On the grill of my lowrider
I decorate my lowrider with ornaments and decorations.

Guns on both sides, right above the gold wires
I keep firearms within reach wherever I go, often displayed prominently.

I'll fo'-five 'em, kill a nigga on my song
In my music, I will not hesitate to threaten or even harm others.

And really do it, that's the true meanin' of a ghostwriter
If I say I'm going to do something violent in my music, I am not just speaking figuratively - I am serious.

Ten Gs'll take your daughter out of Air Forces
For a significant sum of money, I can kidnap someone's daughter and remove her from her current living situation.

Believe you me, homie, I know all about losses
I have experienced significant losses in my life, so I am not deterred by the possibility of losing further.

I'm from Compton, wear the wrong colors, be cautious
Growing up in Compton, it is important to be aware of what colors you wear and to exercise caution to avoid getting caught up in gang activity.

One phone call'll have your body dumped in Marcy
I have connections that could easily result in someone being killed and disposed of in the Marcy housing projects.

I stay strapped like car seats
I always carry a firearm on my person for protection.

Been bangin' since my lil' nigga Rob got killed for his Barkleys
I have been involved in gang-related activity since a close friend of mine was killed over his shoes.

That's ten years, I told Pooh in '95
I have been involved in these dangerous activities for over a decade, and even told a close friend about it in 1995.

I'll kill you if you try me for my Air Max 95's
I am willing to use deadly force to protect my prized possessions.

Told Banks when I met him, I'ma ride
When I first met Banks, I made it clear that I would stand by him no matter what.

And if I gotta die, I'd rather homicide
I am willing to resort to violence and even murder to protect myself or those I care about.

I ain't have fifty cent when my grandmama died
I did not have much money when my grandmother passed away.

Now I'm goin' back to Cali with my Jacob on, see how time fly?
Now, I have achieved a level of financial success and am able to travel to California while wearing expensive jewelry, reflecting on how far I have come.

From the beginnin' to the end
My journey through life has been filled with struggles and challenges.

Losers lose, winners win
In life, those who are not successful will continue to fail, while those who are successful will continue to win.

This is real, we ain't got to pretend
The things I rap about in my music are not fantasy - they are based on my real experiences.

The cold world that we in is full of pressure and pain
The world is a difficult and unforgiving place, full of challenges and hardships.

Enough of me, nigga, now listen to Game
I have shared enough of my life story - now it is time for people to listen to what I have to say in my music.

Used to see Five-O, throw the crack by the bench (hey, Five-O)
I used to be involved in selling drugs and would try to evade the police when they were nearby.

Now I'm fuckin' with 5-0, it's all startin' to make sense
Now, I am working with the police, which reflects a changed mindset and a desire to no longer participate in illegal activities.

My moms happy, she ain't gotta pay the rent
My mother is happy that I have been successful and can support her financially, so she no longer has to worry about paying her rent.

And she got a red bow on that brand new Benz
I was able to buy my mother a new car as a way of showing my appreciation and gratitude.

Waitin' on Sha Money to land, sittin' in the Range
I am waiting for my colleague Sha Money to arrive while sitting in my Range Rover.

Thinkin' how they spent thirty million dollars on airplanes
I reflect on how much money is spent on luxuries like private airplanes, while there are still so many people who are in need.

When there's kids starvin'
While there are people who live in luxury, there are still children who are not getting enough to eat.

Pac is gone and Brenda still throwin' babies in the garbage
Even though Tupac Shakur has passed away, there are still societal issues that persist, such as the pattern of young mothers abandoning their babies.

I wanna know what's going on like I hear Marvin
I want to be informed and educated about the problems facing our society, much like the late musician Marvin Gaye.

No schoolbooks, they used that wood to build coffins
In some impoverished areas, education is not a priority and the resources that could be used for it are instead being used to bury the dead.

Whenever I'm in the booth and I get exhausted
When I am recording my music and become tired, my thoughts often turn to darker and more serious themes.

I think what if Marie Baker got that abortion? I love you, ma
I reflect on the possibility that I might not have been born if my mother had chosen to have an abortion, and express my love for her.