"I Know You Hate Me" by Esham is a song that portrays the artist's feelings towards someone who dislikes him because he is not wealthy. The song expresses frustration and anger towards this person, with Esham asserting that he is trying to succeed despite their negative opinions. Esham also addresses the idea that this person does not care about him and only wants to benefit from his success. He warns that if he discovers any betrayal, he will react aggressively and disrespectfully. The lyrics also touch on Esham's past relationship with a woman, suggesting that she is still holding onto resentment and cannot move on. He uses derogatory language to demean her and portrays himself as someone who is mentally unstable yet unchanged. He implies violence and dominance in their interactions, threatening harm if she crosses him. Ultimately, the song conveys Esham's defiance and self-assuredness in the face of hate and criticism. It paints a picture of a troubled and confrontational person unwilling to be disrespected or taken advantage of.
