Whether you try and mind your own business or you’re a well known celebrity, we all attract haters at some point in our lives. Furthermore, there’s no shortage of music about haters.
Read (and listen) on for some popular songs about haters that you may be able to relate to.
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1. “Haters” by TLC
Song Year: 2017
You could be the kindest-hearted being, but people will still hate you. “Haters” is by the one-and-only 90s R&B group TLC.
This soulful record addresses individuals who have something negative to say about everything. TLC encourages the listener to avoid caring about what they think and to focus on staying happy and doing their own thing.
2. “Skin” by Sabrina Carpenter
Song Year: 2022
Being in a relationship with someone you love but that people don’t think is right for you can feel incredibly draining. It can be especially hurtful when those doubters happen to be people you care about.
Sabrina was caught in the crossfire when she got into a relationship with fellow artist Joshua Bassett, who had had a very public breakup with his then-lover, Olivia Rodrigo.
In the song, Sabrina re-affirms that no one and nothing can get under her skin. She faced plenty of criticism and sang “Skin” in response to the wounded Olivia releasing a track about the love triangle.
3. “Hate on Me” by Jill Scott
Song Year: 2007
Scott’s hate song is one that makes listeners uber-happy and empowering. It’s hard to ignore her magical voice when she pours her heart out in this rendition of “Hate on Me,” originally sung by The Rosso Sisters.
The lyrics stress it’s useless to care about negative people and things haters say about you.
4. “In Da Club” by 50 Cent
Song Year: 2003
“In Da Club” comes off as a party song, but if you listen closely, you’ll notice 50 Cent is addressing people that hate him. His lyrics say he’ll keep “balling” as the haters resent watching his money pile up.
When the song was released, 50 Cent was among the most disliked rappers. Most of his music addressed his critics and people who didn’t wish him well.
5. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
Song Year: 2011
Kelly Clarkson released “Stronger” to uplift those who feel depleted and at their wits end in life. The electro-pop beat has a strong message that saw it dominating the airwaves and topping several charts.
Unsurprisingly, it’s ever-present on the playlists of anyone fighting hardships in their day to day.
6. “F*ck You” by Lily Allen
Song Year: 2009
It’s two words that will leave no doubt in the minds of your haters that anything they think or do doesn’t faze you.
Lily Allen directly addresses hom*ophobes, sexists, racists, and all other types of trolls. She gives them a hypothetical middle finger, tearing them down bit by bit. Allen’s approach is almost set up like a conversation, making the lyrics relatable to anyone going through a rough patch.
7. “Flawless” by Beyonce
Song Year: 2013
Beyonce’s music has a way of connecting with everyone. Many of her songs challenge and empower women to tap into their greatness. This track speaks against women's labeling and notes how damaging it is to stereotype people as spoiled or wrong.
She calls out her haters for feeling insecure and jealous, saying that they always lurk in the shadows.
8. “Hater” by Miranda Brooke
Song Year: 2011
Miranda Brooke doesn’t miss a beat by holding herself accountable in “Hater.” In this heartbreaking song, she expresses how easy it is for someone to become a hater when it feels like you fall short of someone else’s expectations in a relationship.
In the lyrics, she says love shouldn’t always be picture-perfect and how easy it is to project your insecurities onto your partner. If you’re feeling down and negative about someone, this song is for you.
9. “Don’t Lose Sight” by Lawrence
Song Year: 2021
Ever found yourself alone, feeling like the world is caving in on you? “Don’t Lose Sight” is made with someone like you in mind. The duo Lawrence sing about how they had to cheer themselves on when facing a lot of doubt in their music journey.
It’s perfect for self-encouragement, as it pushes you to keep your eye on the prize and not lose sight of your goals. The catchy tune is hard to ignore for anyone who loves upbeat sounds.
10. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2020
Her voice has won the hearts of many, but some people have hated on her dancing skills. In fact, a few made so much noise about Taylor’s horrible dancing skills that she decided to sing about it. Appropriately, Taylor makes awkward moves throughout the accompanying video.
The lyrics are meant to mock everyone who seems to have an opinion about how she should move and dance in her videos. It shows the haters that they cannot get to her, even with all the negativity.
11. “Haterz Everywhere” by B.o.B
Song Year: 2010
Everyone, from a little girl getting picked on for her hairstyle to a grown woman facing difficulty with her colleagues, will identify with B.o.B’s lyrics. It’s easy for haters to think they’re getting under your skin, especially if you’re quiet and don’t like confrontation.
In this song, B.O.B. is quick to shut down the naysayers who try to bring him down and expresses confidence in having success. It’s certainly a song that can resonate with you if you feel the hate personally.
12. “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves
Song Year: 2013
Relationships aren’t for everybody. This song encourages girls to be themselves, whether they want to wait until marriage or would rather kiss some frogs. Kacey expresses the importance of doing what you want so long as it makes you happy.
She points out that haters should have nothing to do with how you carry yourself and encourages listeners to live like no one is watching them.
13. “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mudd
Song Year: 2001
When one turns from your partner to an ex, things can turn real sour fast! “She Hates Me” vividly narrates how one can completely change after breaking up. The singer thinks that his ex-girl hates him as she’s trying to do everything to make him suffer.
If you and your partner are at odds and fighting to get one up on the other to the point that you feel hate, listen to this song.
14. “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” by Jay Z
Song Year: 2004
When you trip and fall on the ground, there’s a good chance you’ve got dust on you. “Dirt On Your Shoulder” tells you to get up and brush the dirt off your shoulders.
Jay Z wrote this track to get back at his haters who couldn’t wait for him to fail so they could laugh and talk behind his back. He released it at a time when he faced a lot of criticism and gossip in the tabloids. This song is one of the best to listen to if you need the confidence to keep going!
15. “Dem Haters” by Rihanna
Song Year: 2006
She’s the epitome of confidence! So why not tap into her energy when you need some pumping up after facing ignorant haters?
Rihanna had her fair share of haters during the early stages of her music career, but she surprised everyone by gracefully ignoring them. This track is one of the most powerful songs about haters. Its lyrics urge you to get negative people out of your circle who smile at you but work against you. What better way to shut them up than emulating the mindset of someone as successful as Rihanna?
16. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
Song Year: 2011
If you spend a lot of time around negativity, you can start to believe the terrible things people say about you. “Born This Way” re-affirms that there’s not much you can do to change who you really are, after all, you were born that way!
“Born This Way” has become an anthem for people in the LGBTQ+ community who face all kinds of adversity because of who they are and love. Lady Gaga released this song to encourage people to accept themselves for who they are.
17. “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem
Song Year: 2000
When Eminem burst onto the rap scene, the combative musician caused a stir in the industry and wider popular culture.
‘“The Real Slim Shady” is a song that ridicules and pokes at haters who try to be like him but can never be as successful as him. It’s a track that seeks to put the haters in their place and gives you the right to feel confident.
18. “Piece of Me” by Britney Spears
Song Year: 2007
“Piece of Me” is one of Britney’s most successful songs, thanks to how relatable it is. She released it in 2007 at a time when so many seemed to want to take her down. “Piece of Me” discourages you from believing the hater’s words and instead encourages you to focus on your passions.
It’s an easy song that you can learn fast enough to sing along with the same attitude. You'll feel great again and forget about the haters.
19. “Bully” by Shinedown
Song Year: 2012
Bullying exists in almost all age groups, from school-going kids to the workplace. Shinedown gave the world this anti-bullying anthem that tells off the haters.
It’s one of the most passionate on his album Amaryllis, which featured multiple tracks about overcoming difficulty and gaining strength.
20. “Haters” by Hillary Duff
Song Year: 2004
Standing up to your haters can produce the most rewarding feeling. Hillary Duff doesn’t falter nor minces her words when she sings this song for her haters.
Duff encourages you to stay positive despite the negativity and hate. It’s an excellent listen if you want something to dance to and, most importantly, pat yourself on the back for stepping up no matter what.
21. “Energy” by Drake
Song Year: 2015
Following your dreams, especially if you have a gift that others don’t have, can be triggering for others who feel inadequate. Most haters often resort to negativity when they’re jealous or intimidated.
“Energy” tells you to avoid bad energy and focus on your dreams.
22. “Who Says” by Selena Gomez & The Scene
Song Year: 2011
You can consciously or subconsciously give your haters the power to influence your thoughts and actions. This upbeat song boldly tells you to ignore the haters and remember that you can achieve anything.
Gomez says she wouldn’t want to be anyone else. She tells the listener not to avoid giving their haters the authority to change them or their thoughts.
23. “Wish Wish” by DJ Khaled ft. Cardi B, 21 Savage
Song Year: 2019
DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and 21 Savage all faced a truckload of hate when they burst onto the scene. They went on to break barriers and create a niche for themselves in the industry, contradicting what most naysayers predicted.
“Wish Wish” reminds listeners that no hater impacts your success. Despite what anyone thinks, promise yourself to reach and surpass goals.
24. “Swish Swish” by Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj
Song Year: 2017
If you love watching basketball, you will love watching this video. Katy Perry scores every time she shoots her basketball as a metaphor for how she wins every take on her haters.
The song, featuring Nicki Minaj, is rumored to be a diss track in response to Taylor Swift's “Bad Blood,” which describes a friendship ending. People think Taylor wrote it about Katy and that “Swish Swish” was Katy’s response. Either way, it’s a bop to lift your confidence.
25. “Mean” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2010
You’ve had it and can’t stand your haters a second longer! “Mean” is for those who have reached the end and are on the verge of a blow-up.
This song is an excellent choice for anyone tired of the madness and ready to admit that they’re not for everyone.
26. “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
Song Year: 2013
Miley’s rowdy demeanor and distinct voice make “We Can’t Stop” even better to listen to when you want to get in the right attitude after dealing with haters. This track stresses that you should live in the moment.
The pop icon insists that you should be the one to run things and not the other way around. This dancey song is empowering to listen to, and it can speak to many situations besides dealing with haters.
27. “Don’t You Just Hate Those People” by Jennette McCurdy
Song Year: 2012
There’s a little bit of hatred in all of us. When everyone else seems to do better than you, you can become spiteful toward others. Jennette explains that, sometimes, we can be the ones exuding negative energy to others. This track is ideal for mature people ready to face themselves and finally stop being negative.
28. “Buzzkill” by Luke Bryan
Song Year: 2013
“Buzzkill” is about still being hung over an old flame. It explores how one partner moves on while the other person gets to watch them move on with their lives and possibly meet other people.
Bryan talks about the bitter feeling that engulfs you over your ex upon realizing that you still have feelings for them. There’s no advice here; it’s just a song about acknowledging your hate for someone else.
29. “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera
Song Year: 2002
Don’t get distracted by the piano and mistake “Beautiful” for a love song. Still, when Christina sings’ she acknowledges her love for her unique beauty. Indeed, it’s about loving yourself through thick and thin, no matter what others might think.
“Beautiful” is just for you if you get hate for looking, speaking, or carrying yourself differently. Christina’s heartfelt lyrics help you realize and value your worth. With all the keyboard warriors spreading hatred on social media, listen to Christina for reassurance.
30. “H.A.T.E.U.” by Mariah Carey
Song Year: 2009
“H.A.T.E.U.” stands for “Having a Typical Emotional Upset.” It’s all about being incredibly hurt and hateful to your partner after ending a relationship.
Hate is a strong feeling that can drain you emotionally. Mariah delivers the message that your feelings are valid but shouldn’t be all-consuming. Her lyrics acknowledge that goodbyes are hard and that hate is the inevitable consequence of lost love.
31. “S.L.U.T” by Bea Miller
Song Year: 2018
Bea Miller released “S.L.U.T” after facing a lot of criticism and body shaming when she posted a revealing picture of herself on Instagram. The track is dedicated to negative people, with lyrics that tell them that it’s not Miller’s fault people are scared of confidence.
She expresses the comfort she finds being in her own skin. Miller is stern in addressing her haters and refuses to acknowledge the shame and hate thrown at her.
32. “Don’t Laugh at Me” by Mark Willis
Song Year: 2008
Have you ever been laughed at? If you’re insecure or find nothing funny about a sick joke someone made about you, it’s easy to start questioning yourself.
Willis sings about coming above it. His lyrics urge listeners to be better than those who like ridiculing and making fun of others by pointing out imperfections.
33. “Check Yo Self” by Ice Cube
Song Year: 1992
You don’t want to mess with someone as fierce and intimidating as Ice Cube. Knowing his strengths, he released this track to clap back at his haters. In the song, Ice Cube tells detractors to take a look at themselves before trying to give their own opinions to bring him down.
He warns the haters about trying to mess with him. It’s an excellent option when you want to feel confident about yourself.
Top Songs About Haters, Final Thoughts
There’s little you can do to control how others feel and say about you. Unfortunately, most of what you’ll encounter in any scenario from strangers, colleagues, or loved ones is hate.
You can get absorbed into the mess without knowing how to deal with it. Above are the best songs about haters that will help you release the anger, resentment, loss, or loneliness you may be feeling.
