LoveHate Thing
by Wale

Album: The Gifted (2013)
Charted: 89
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This soulful song was released as the second single from Wale's third album, The Gifted. Critics have compared its sound to that of Marvin Gaye's classic number, "What's Going On." Prior to the tune's release, Wale had continually tweeted about "#NewBlackSoul."
  • The song finds Wale rapping about what fame does to a person as his rise to the top, only to find that he's lost the love of the ones he grew up with because of jealousy. "Love you then they hate you then they love you," Wale states at the beginning. "Hate you then they love you then they hate you."
  • This features vocals by Sam Dew, which he also supplied the beat for along with Stokley and Tone P.
  • The song was previously titled "Indian Giver," which is a colloquial American term for someone who expects something in return for a gift. The now decidedly non-politically correct phrase alludes to the supposedly duplicitous dealings of Native Americans. The 1910 Fruitgum Company had a #5 hit in 1969 with a song of that title.
  • Wale tweeted: "The idea behind 'LoveHate Thing' is what comes with shine. Passive aggressive hate from those closest to you. I feel like everybody can relate."
  • In 2023, TikTok creator @spencetiktoklegend originated a dance trend using Wale's "LoveHate Thing." This trend saw a resurgence on January 27, 2025, when TikTok user @skyesdalimitt added her own twist to the choreography, creating a new viral moment for the song.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter Egos

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.