What Is (Don't) Give Hate A Chance

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: "(Don't) Give Hate A Chance" is a 2005 single by British funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai from their sixth studio album, Dynamite, released on November 7, 2005. The song, written by Jason Kay, Rob Harris, and Matt Johnson, is a reference to John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" and peaked at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart. Its innovative computer-animated music video pays homage to the Italian cartoon La Linea.

Key Facts

Released on November 7, 2005 as the third single from the Dynamite album
Peaked at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart
Written by Jason Kay, Rob Harris, and Matt Johnson
Features Jamiroquai's only computer-animated music video, inspired by La Linea cartoon
From their sixth studio album Dynamite, continuing their funk-acid jazz sound

Overview

"(Don't) Give Hate A Chance" is the third and final single released from British funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai's sixth studio album, Dynamite, on November 7, 2005. The track was written by lead vocalist Jason Kay alongside Rob Harris and Matt Johnson, produced by Kay and Mike Spencer. The song's title cleverly references the iconic 1969 protest song "Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon, but inverts the message to focus on rejecting hatred in contemporary society.

Jamiroquai had already established themselves as one of the most innovative acts in modern funk and acid jazz throughout the 2000s, and "(Don't) Give Hate A Chance" demonstrated their commitment to socially conscious songwriting. The single reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart, achieving notable commercial success and representing a peak moment in the band's career during the mid-2000s. The track's release came during a period of heightened global tensions, making its anti-hate message particularly resonant with audiences worldwide.

How It Works

The song operates as a modern protest anthem, using Jamiroquai's signature groove-based production style to deliver its anti-hatred message:

Thematic Message: The track uses its title as a direct statement against prejudice and intolerance, drawing inspiration from the peace movement of the 1960s while addressing contemporary social issues.
Musical Style: The composition features Jamiroquai's trademark blend of funk grooves, acid jazz elements, and contemporary production, creating an upbeat yet meaningful soundscape that contrasts with the serious subject matter.
Vocal Delivery: Jason Kay's distinctive vocal performance conveys conviction and urgency, emphasizing the importance of the anti-hate message throughout the track.
Production Approach: Produced by Kay and Mike Spencer, the song showcases layered instrumentation typical of the Dynamite album era, incorporating both traditional and electronic elements.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	"(Don't) Give Hate A Chance"	"Give Peace a Chance" (Lennon)	Other Jamiroquai Singles
Release Year	2005	1969	1992-2005 range
Chart Performance	UK #27	Various (iconic)	Varied success
Message Focus	Anti-hatred	Pro-peace	Varied themes
Musical Genre	Funk/Acid Jazz	Rock/Protest	Funk/Jazz/Electronic

Why It Matters

Cultural Impact: The song contributed to Jamiroquai's reputation as socially aware artists, combining danceable grooves with meaningful lyrical content during the 2000s.
Visual Innovation: The track's music video stands as Jamiroquai's only fully computer-animated video, a groundbreaking artistic choice that paid homage to the minimalist Italian cartoon series La Linea created by Osvaldo Cavandoli in 1971.
Artistic Legacy: As the final single from Dynamite, it represents a significant moment in the band's discography, showcasing their evolution from 1990s acid jazz pioneers to 2000s contemporary funk artists.
Message Relevance: The anti-hate message remains timeless, addressing universal themes of tolerance and acceptance that transcend generational boundaries.

"(Don't) Give Hate A Chance" exemplifies how popular music can serve as a vehicle for social commentary. By cleverly inverting Lennon's famous message and applying it to contemporary concerns, Jamiroquai created a track that resonated with audiences seeking meaningful content within an engaging musical format. The song's combination of memorable melodies, innovative visuals, and positive messaging secured its place as a notable entry in both the band's catalog and the broader landscape of early 2000s alternative funk music.