This may be bold but I need to say it out loud (although I doubt anyone will read this). I think Game might
have the best ear for hip-hop right now..and yes, Kendrick Lamar would give me second-thought with his
deservedly hyped 'good kid m.A.A.d city'. With 'Jesus Piece' Game puts out an album that is both solid and
contemporary and with little effort moves outside the realms of his own flow and matches his peers on his
tracks without the threat of being outshone. Often replicated Game always throws something new into his
albums keeping things fresh while revisiting topics and styles that make him such a vital character in the
current hip-hop landscape.
In one track he mentions influences ranging from Pac to Kanye emphasizing the effect on his wonderfully
diverse flow and rhyme schemes. In tracks like 'See No Evil' Game channels his inner Biggie and spits
effortlessly a superbly written verse (possibly co-written by featured artist Kendrick Lamar). In a hunkered
down hoarse flow Game utters reminiscent of Notorious, "Say its a blessing when you die in ya sleep,
Cause the coroner don't need no sheets (capeesh)." A tribute to Nas, one for Kanye, and a never ending
appreciation for the greats lead Game to the root of his hip-hop upbringing. He truly appreciates the
importance of hip-hop, the stigma of his association with trappin' (so he says for his brother), and the overall
dogma of rap's most influential figures. With greatness comes flaws, and perhaps its most apparent during
moments of solitude where just the beat and Game separate the listener from his ineffectiveness to match
lyrical content to the beat itself. My favorite example of Game's ability to match rhyme scheme and lyrical
content was on the recent #SundayService track 'Holy Water'. The balance of his drawl with the divinity of the
pale almost exalted beat underscored by a dark drum sample match the theme of idolatry and the sinfulness
of gangster bravado in his lyrics succinctly. While consistency is shown throughout 'Jesus Piece' in both his
scheme and content there are moments where it is lacking, leaving a few dull moments and a few concerns on
his overall polish.
With that in mind what makes him unique is his boastful nature that lends to his immense talent and
progression as an artist. In 'Can't Get it Right' almost as an ode to the title of the song he lambasts those who
refuse to acknowledge his top 5 status in the hip-hop game pent up rage that shows up often on his tracks.
They serve as a reminder, Game is at the top of his own and is willing to show some real gall featuring some
of the greatest artists in hip-hop right now on his territory.
Tracks to check out: Scared Now, Church, Pray, See No Evil.
Best features to check out: Pusha T on Name Me King, J. Cole on Pray, K Lamar on See No Evil.
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