The Game shows great potential in LP release 'The Documentary'

West Coast rapper competes with other chart-topping artists, 50 Cent, Usher with latest release

Rasmi Gamble / Reviewer

It seems as if in today's rap world if you want success you have to pay a heavy physical price, whether it's being involved in a near fatal car accident (Kanye West), or being shot numerous times (50 Cent). Also having an occasional verbal sparring with a well established New York rapper turned label president doesn't hurt either. The Game is no exception to this on going trend, apparently he was shot five times and has traded a few words with Jay-Z (Jay's response was vicious).

The West Coast didn't have a voice in hip-hop until artists such as Ice-T, N.W.A and King Tee came on the scene in the mid-1980s, setting the foundation for major West Coast acts such as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, 2Pac and The D.O.C in the 1990s. The West Coast has no popular mainstream artist at the present time (besides Snoop Dogg and a few others), but is home to a plethora of independent artists, such as Madlib, People Under the Stairs and the Hieroglyphics.

Enter The Game with his second LP, "The Documentary."  The Game is from Compton, Calif., home of N.W.A, and he's the latestprodigy from Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. He's got the buildup that some rappers never achieve in an entire career, although he has only rhymed for three years. His first album, "Untold Story," was released in 2004 on Get Low records and created the buzz that has now developed into full-fledged hype.

Lyrically The Game is as steady (if not more) as 50 Cent or Lloyd Banks, just without the catchy gimmicks or punch lines. He also has an impressive roster of producers on his album including Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Havoc of Mobb Deep and Scott Storch who produced Terror Squad's "Lean Back" and The Root's "Don't Say Nothing."

His confidence is evident early in the album on songs such as "West Side Story," and "Hate or Love It," which both feature 50 Cent. The songs that stand out clearly are "Runnin" produced by Hi-Tek and "Don't Need Your Love," featuring Faith Evans. Both songs stray away from the hardcore theme this album possesses and allows The Game to explore lyrical content not seen elsewhere on "The Documentary." "No More Fun and Games," produced by Just Blaze also shines, although the beat is an updated version of EPMD's "For My People." "Put You on the Game" produced by Timbaland, sounds similar to LL Cool J's "Head Sprung," and "Higher" sounds like it could have been a leftover track from the G-Unit's "Beg for Mercy."

"The Documentary" could have been titled Beg for Mercy the sequel or Hunger for More part deux, but what separates The Game from his other G-Unit associates is his solid skills on the mic. He doesn't go for the knockout punch lines, he stays concrete and consistent throughout the record.

The Game has a lot of potential as an emcee (remember he's only rhymed for three years), and will sell tons of records with this effort based on producers and guest appearances alone.

Many in today's rap game love to coin artists as the next big thing, but in the words of Public Enemy "Don't Believe the Hype," because dope-rhyming skills are obvious and don't need to be publicized.

Contact Rasmi Gamble at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.

Photo courtesy of www.google.com

"The Documentary" (above) demonstrates The Game's skills on the microphone.