By Alde Nguyen
Circulation Editor
The Game swishes every three, posterizes every basket, and aces every free-throw in the last quarter of his rap career with the release of his final studio-recorded album, “Born 2 Rap.”
The Game excels on all aspects of “Born 2 Rap,” ranging from the album’s creative and artistic meaning, diversity of instrumental and vocal sounds, and unforgettable tracks. “Born 2 Rap” proves to be an instant classic, cementing The Game’s career as a legacy in the rap world.
Jayceon Terrell Taylor, professionally known as The Game, is a west coast hip-hop and rap veteran based out of Compton, California. The Game first rose to stardom about a decade and a half ago following the success of his debut album, “The Documentary.” Notable tracks from The Game include “How We Do,” “Hate It Or Love It,” and “Ali Bomaye.” The Game has since gone on to solidify his reputation as one of this century’s most notorious MCs.
“Born 2 Rap” is The Game’s ninth and final album, released by Entertainment One. The album has 25 tracks with collaborations from several distinguished artists such as Ed Sheeran, Nipsey Hussle, 21 Savage, Bryson Tiller, Miguel, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Anderson .Paak. The album also incorporates the works of many respected producers such as Swizz Beatz, Focus, and Wallis Lane.
The Game proves to be a lyrical genius, laying out symbolism and metaphors throughout “Born 2 Rap.” If heard with a close ear, listeners can interpret the significance of his well thought-out bars. The content of “Born 2 Rap” revolves around The Game’s life experiences, path to success despite an impoverished background, perspective on our modern society, and the death of his beloved friend, Nipsey Hussle.
Nipsey Hussle’s death plays a huge role on “Born 2 Rap” because of his significance to The Game himself and the city of Los Angeles. The Game expresses his views on a track dedicated to the deceased rapper, titled “I Didn’t Wanna Write This Song” featuring Marsha Ambrosius. No other song could have been a better tribute to Hussle, displaying perfection in a sound of grief.
The diversity of sounds on the album ranges from melodic R&B to classic bar for bar rap to blissful singing. The album contains an overall nostalgic rap tone resonating with rap’s sound from the 90s. The musical variety is one of the album’s strongest features that completes it.
The raw instrumental beats incorporated into most of the tracks satisfy with uptempo melodies and rock-influenced sounds. “City of Sin” featuring Ed Sheeran showcases genuine guitar notes while heavy drums can be heard in “No Smoke” featuring Miguel and Travis Barker.
“Born 2 Rap” has one of the best catalogues of collaborations seen in an album since Meek Mill’s “DC4.” Nipsey Hussle’s feature on “Welcome Home” outcasts itself from other features by complimenting The Game’s vocals to present two rap powerhouses spitting back-to-back.
The Game enters his rap career hot with “The Documentary” and exits his career flaming with a bang in “Born 2 Rap.” The album glamours on every level, demonstrating genuinely impressive rap music with roots to the genre’s origin and a selection of others as well.
“Born 2 Rap” was released on Nov. 29 and is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. The album can also be streamed on platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, Youtube Music, and Apple Music.
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