Meaning
What does Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game mean?
Don’t hate the player, hate the game is a popular expression warning people that they should not hate those, abusing the weaknesses of a certain system, rather they should hate the faulty system they are locked in.
The phrase is frequently used by hustlers, pick up artists, as well as rappers, most of whom had to resolve to morally questionable moves in order to succeed.
Origin
What's the origin of Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game?
“Don’t hate the player, hate the game” had first appeared in the title of the season 3, episode 2 of the Jamie Foxx Show, which aired on September 25th, 1998.
The phrase appears in the second song of Ice-T’s studio album, The Seventh Deadly Sin, which was released on September 12th, 1999.
The song, titled Don’t Hate the Playa opens with the phrase “don’t hate the player, hate the game”.
Spread & Usage
How did Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game spread?
“Don’t hate the player, hate the game” had turned into an iconic quote, used by many who don’t criticize the system, instead they live with the opportunities it gives.
It was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2007, with plenty of other entries uploaded about the expression since that time.
During the 2010’s the expression would be discussed on the internet from sites like Reddit to Quora, as well as various articles.
On July 18th, 2018, a video of Tyler the Creator was uploaded to YouTube by yajaira hime, titled don’t hate the playa, hate the game.
The clip depicts the rapper with an effect on his face talking, with an AI voice getting lip synched to the movements of his mouth.
External resources
- The New York Times – Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game
- Urban Dictionary – Don’t hate the player hate the game