I'm not exactly your average rap and hip-hop connoisseur. Honestly, I'm more of the jumping up and down to screaming guitars and wearing baggy pants variety. Thus, in approaching "The Documentary," the new album from breakout rapper The Game, I was wary of my abilities to do an objective review. The Game, otherwise known as Jayceon Taylor, is from Compton. He is a man who had an artistic epiphany when shot in the chest during an in-home invasion — a result of his heavy involvement in the drug trade — and began to rap in 2001.
What can one expect from an inexperienced rapper who appears to be simply another generic product of the G-Unit enterprise?
In fact, it's an overwhelmingly pleasant surprise. The wonder of The Game is that he is so fresh and lacks the sometimes irritating arrogance — which often leads to lazy tracks — of more "seasoned" rappers. His sound is equally fresh and with the help of artists like Dr. Dre, who discovered and signed him, Kanye West, 50 Cent and Nate Dogg, (who appear on many collaborations), he has produced an album of radio-ready as well as iPod-worthy tracks.
These collaborations give the tracks their own flavors, almost all of which are equally catchy. However, it is often the background beats and riffs that make these tracks so appealing, and though it is not to be criticized, The Game's rapping style is not standout nor is it overwhelmingly skillful. Yet the rapper makes the best use of what he has, and while his vocal ability may not be the most distinguished, some of his lyrics certainly are. From the brooding ("I'd give my own life if I could change God's mind/Bring baby Luny back at the drop of a dime") to the giddily crude ("but anything gets possible, if 50 f***ed Vivica"), The Game mixes poetry, controversy and at times deep meaning into his words.
This is in many ways a very dramatic album. Not only do many songs have nearly cinematic background tracks, but The Game also makes frequent references to the deceased, strife, love and especially dreams, as he does in the emotive track sotitled. In the last four tracks of "The Documentary," The Game goes domestic. After this sequence is kicked off with the song "Where I'm From," a love song follows. Though the track, entitled "Special," is a mildly unappealing song with adorably sappy lyrics and beats, one cannot help but appreciate The Game's effort. The last track on "The Documentary" is a dedication to the rapper's son, and is one that even rouses memories of family-friendly Will Smith.
The Game does give the expected amount of self-promotion, though nothing like spelling out his own name in every track à la Fabolous, but his album is also full of commemoration and appreciation. It often rings out as a tribute — to his established contemporaries, the artists who gave him his opportunity, those who came before him, those who have passed away, and of course, his mother. This is what is so appealing and even fresh about The Game. He upholds a somewhat "untouchable" rapper image, while remaining notably down-to-earth and grateful. He also holds a respect for other hip-hop artists that is clearly reciprocated in the form of help and collaboration.
The recent trend in hip-hop has been toward over-processing, and this album often toes that line. On some tracks, like the forceful rather than rhythmic "Church for Thugs," the repetition of studio-produced sounds seems to be compensating for a deficiency of other musical substance. There is similarly too much going on in the background of the album's title track, "The Documentary," in which The Game's voice is somewhat belittled by the track's busyness. On the other hand, "No More Fun and Games" makes use of a great infusion of studio technology. While it may be a bit cluttered at times, the song's hooks are sweet, catchy little pieces of throwback and melodic fun.
However, this track is followed by "Put You on the Game," the kind of song that makes the whole room bounce. It stirs images of Snoop Dogg nodding his head with a Cadillac bouncing in rhythm and deserves an army of crip-walkers. It will make the listener feel immediately infused with the beat, pulling them magnetically to the center of the dance floor.
Most of the tracks on "The Documentary" take hold of you in the first few beats. They are remarkably catchy. As an artist, The Game has fun, makes exceptional music and does not complain. He for the most part successfully avoids media clichés and has staked out a place for himself in the hip-hop kingdom with his well-established alliances, original sound, worthwhile lyrics and fresh image. One hopes that he can continue with his quality and success, crafting even more of his own tracks.
Though my initial impression, upon listening for the first time to the single "How We Do," was that The Game might be simply another generic top-40 artist, the entirety of this album gives a truly enjoyable blend of diverse songs, each one a fresh new sound. In one listen to The Documentary, I wanted to crip-walk my ratty chuck tailors to the middle of the dance floor, nodding my head — channeling Snoop Dogg — along the way.
Read More
Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment approves renovations to Tower and Charter Clubs
Sena Chang and Isaac BernsteinOn March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
On March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
Students support local businesses with new platform Zage
Jack AllenAfter hearing about the struggles faced by a number of these restaurants after students left campus in mid-March, Dilbagi created Zage, an online platform that allows community members to send money to local businesses now to redeem as credits on their purchases in the future.
This fall, go beyond the 'Bubble'
Dora ZhaoEven though classes are picking up, weekends are the perfect time for students to escape the Orange Bubble. While going out to eat on Nassau is enjoyable, there is so much to see beyond Princeton. For those looking for a day trip or a chance to explore the area outside of Princeton, here is a list of ideas to do this fall.