The Game’s highly anticipated seventh studio album, "The Documentary 2," was released Friday.
The album is a sequel to The Game’s debut album, "The Documentary," which was released 10 years ago.
Over the years, The Game has adapted to the new-school sound but he reverts to his classic style and to more of a true rap sound on this album.
The overall production is immaculate, with tracks coming from will.i.am., Hit Boy, Mike WiLL Made-It, Boi-1da, DJ Premier, Cardo and more.
Because "The Documentary 2" features a variety of artists and producers that contribute varied sounds to each track, the album has different vibes but still comes together as a cohesive unit.
"The Documentary 2" begins with a ‘90s-style skit which sets the mood for the rest of the album, where Game confronts someone who tries to run up on him.
The first song is "On Me," which features fellow Compton rapper and protégé Kendrick Lamar. The beat on "On Me" switches up a couple of times as Game and K Dot trade verses.
On "Don’t Trip," The Game is joined by his mentor Dr. Dre and former N.W.A. rapper Ice Cube as well as will.i.am. The Game constantly raps about the influence Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and the classic West Coast sound has had on him, so it’s cool to see these rap greats reunite and prove they still have what it takes after 30 years in the game. Meanwhile, "Standing on Ferraris" brings East and West Coast together.
"Standing on Ferraris" is a brash in-your-face-type song produced by Jahil Beats. The song features Diddy and samples Notorious B.I.G.’s "Kick In The Door" and "Things Done Changed."
Despite The Game being a West Coast rapper, the Notorious B.I.G. samples and Diddy talking on the outro gives us a classic-Biggie vibe.
"Dollar And A Dream" keeps the energy going and The Game continues to snap as Top Dawg Entertainment member Ab-Soul makes an appearance.
"Dollar And A Dream" mixes directly into "Made In America," where The Game talks about the influence rap greats like 2Pac and Nas have had on him.
He shouts out a few different cities and areas across the U.S. that produce a lot of rap talent, such as New York areas Queensbridge and Yonkers — and let’s not forget the rapper’s hometown: Compton.
The Game uses "Circles" to tell an all-too-familiar story in which he argues with the woman he’s with because he keeps coming home late and continues to see other women with no regard to his current relationship.
After another short skit, the album continues with "Dedicated," which features Future and Sonyae. The Game has worked with Future before but his rough voice with Future’s singing is always a dope combination.
Further along, Game brings back Yeezus on the banger "Mula." Although Kanye doesn’t have a verse, the hook he sings has a different sound than what we typically hear from him.
The Game follows up "Mula" with "The Documentary 2," where he recaps the last 10 years since his debut album was released.
The song ends with excerpts from DJ Clue, DJ Envy and Funkmaster Flex talking about what they each thought when they first heard The Game — and how they knew he would eventually become one of the best rappers.
On "New York, New York," The Game gives his opinions on a number of controversial topics from police brutality to the Charleston shooting.
He keeps it "eight more than 92" as he raps about the disturbing reality of those recent happenings — and in case you were wondering, The Game and Drake’s hit single "100" is on the album as well.
"The Documentary 2" comes to an end with "LA," featuring West Coast affiliates Snoop Dogg, will.i.am. and Fergie.
The Game, like he does so often, shouts out Compton and Los Angeles over a feel-good beat that will leave you ready to buy a one-way ticket to California.
The Los Angeles Confidential made an instant classic with "The Documentary 2."
Many have complained about the number of features on the album, but other than that, "The Documentary 2" lives up to its hype and is a must-listen.
But get ready, because "The Documentary 2" is a double album.
The second half, "The Documentary 2.5," drops Friday.
