Prince O(+> (September 19, 1995) I Hate U (The Hate Experience) - Maxi-Single UK/Europe/US

GlamSlamEscape
Sep 19, 1995
3 min read

Updated: May 24

A seductive, soul‑funk confessional marking a pivotal moment in the Gold Experience era.

RELEASE DETAILS

Date: September 19, 1995 Catalogue: 9362 43573-0 (12"), 9362 43574-2 (CD)

Format: 12" Maxi-Single, CD Maxi-Single, Cassette

Country: United Kingdom / Europe / United States Label: Warner Bros. / NPG Records

Album: The Gold Experience (1995)

A-Side: I Hate U

THE STORY Released worldwide on September 19, 1995, “I Hate U” (also styled “Eye Hate U”) is one of the most emotionally raw and personal singles from The Gold Experience. A slow-burning confessional blending courtroom drama, heartbreak, and sensual funk, it was issued with an extensive maxi-single campaign featuring multiple remixes across territories.

CONTEXT & NOTES The single highlighted Prince O(+>’s mid-90s blend of vulnerability and sophistication. The Quiet Night Mix features Eric Leeds on saxophone, while the Extended Remix became a club favourite. The striking marionette-themed artwork reinforced the song’s themes of control and emotional manipulation.

TRACK LIST

UK/Europe 12" Maxi-Single (9362-43573-0) Side A

I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17

Side B

I Hate U (Album Version) — 5:58
I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55

UK/Europe CD Maxi-Single (9362-43574-2)

I Hate U (7" Edit w/o Guitar) — 3:50
I Hate U (Album Edit) — 4:26
I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix) — 3:55
I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17
I Hate U (Album Version) — 5:58

US 12" Maxi-Single (9 43592-0) Side A

I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17
I Hate U (7" Edit) — 4:27

Side B

I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55
I Hate U (Album Version) — 6:07

All Variants

UK/Europe 12" Maxi-Single (9362-43573-0)
UK/Europe CD Maxi-Single (9362-43574-2)
US 12" Maxi-Single (9 43592-0)
US CD Maxi-Single (9 43592-2)
Australia CD Maxi-Single (9362435922)
Canada CD Maxi-Single (CD 43592)
Various Promo CD Singles

CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 12

US Billboard Hot R&B Singles: Peak No. 3 UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 20

PERSONNEL

Prince O(+> – vocals, instruments, production
Ricky Peterson – co-production, keyboards, arrangement
Eric Leeds – saxophone (Quiet Night Mix)
The New Power Generation – additional musicians

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

Front sleeve: Iconic marionette image of Prince with “HATE” typography and Love Symbol
Back sleeve: Tracklist with symbolic design

WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS

Powerful courtroom/marionette concept artwork with bold symbolic elements.

RELATED MATERIAL

Prince O(+> (December 2, 1996) Betcha By Golly Wow! - Single UK
Prince (April 26, 1996) Prince’s Paisley Park to Reopen – Star Tribune News Item
Prince (April 26, 1996) Princely Touch Makes Album a Jewel – The State (Weekend) Review

SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Billboard charts • Official Charts Company

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.