Milestones: The Documentary by The Game
The Game brought the West back to the forefront in 2005 with his highly-anticipated debut album under the guidance of Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.
Hip-hop often tells some of the most compelling stories from the streets. One of the best examples is Curtis Jackson—known worldwide as 50 Cent—who rose to fame by rhyming about a criminal past and surviving multiple bullet wounds. Such Cinderella stories of rap recur time and again. Almost simultaneously with 50 Cent, a boy named Jayceon Taylor on the West Coast experiences his own fairy tale: “From ghetto child to rap millionaire.”
Born in the early eighties on the streets of the Compton district in Long Beach, California, Jayceon Taylor faced a future marked by drug dealing and gangbanging. He grew up with eight siblings, mostly without a father. Due to his energy and sharpness, his grandmother, with whom he spent most of his time, gave him the name Game. However, the harsh reality soon displaces the youthful curiosity with which Game once explored his surroundings. At the age of seven, he and his sister are placed in a social institution that he would later describe as a “disguised prison.”
While the boy spends his time behind bars, Compton becomes the focal point of rap enthusiasts nationwide because of a single album. A crew called N.W.A. causes a nationwide sensation with their album Straight Outta Compton, daring to rebalance the hip-hop landscape between the coasts. Game witnesses the first video shoots of his new heroes: Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and Eazy-E. At fourteen, he leaves the supposed rehabilitation facility and sees joining a gang as his only sensible option. By this time, the battle between the rival Bloods and Crips gangs is raging. Game’s brother is already deeply entrenched in the gangster lifestyle, and Game joins the Bloods through him.
At Compton University, however, he is inevitably forced to deal with his archenemies, as the school is located in Crips territory. Yet Game stands at the beginning of a promising basketball career and gains respect through his athletic achievements. Despite having various college scholarship opportunities, after the deaths of two of his brothers, he devotes himself entirely to gang life. Car thefts, shootings, and robberies become routine. Soon, only his nickname, “Chuck Taylor,” remains to remind him of his time as a basketball player.
Upon reaching adulthood, Game and his brother take over the drug trade in their district and quickly accumulate a substantial amount of “coal”—street slang for money—on their heads. On October 1, 2001, a life-changing event occurred that nearly cost him his life. Late in the evening, the doorbell rings at his front door, which has essentially become a bustling drug handover station. But this time, the evening visitors aren’t there to pay. Instead, they shoot Jayceon Taylor several times in the stomach. Covered in blood, he manages to make an emergency call and is taken to the hospital, where he awakens a day later from a coma. It is there that he begins a profound reflection on his life.
Confined to a hospital bed, Game immerses himself in hip-hop for the first time. Of course, he had listened to rap before, influenced by his upbringing, but after his near-death experience, he sees rap as his only means of earning a legitimate living. He asks his brother to bring him all the genre’s key releases: JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Nas’ Illmatic, Biggie’s Ready to Die, all the Kool G Rap albums, and of course, the West Coast milestones—Ice Cube’s Death Certificate, Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, and 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me.
Over several months of bedrest, Game absorbs these albums thoroughly. He begins writing lyrics that gradually reveal his own distinctive style. Once back on his feet, he transformed into a respectable rapper in just three months, impressing even those friends who initially doubted him. He describes himself as a “West Coast nigga with East Coast flow.” As if this story were not already a fairy tale, a tape of Game’s work finds its way into the hands of Dr. Dre.
Dre wants to meet the unknown emcee. For Game, this is an enormous honor—Dre was the mastermind behind N.W.A. and one of his childhood heroes, revered like a god in Compton. Now Game stands face-to-face with this veteran of West Coast sound. In the studio, the first challenge awaits: He must freestyle alongside Busta Rhymes. Game withstands the pressure, impresses Dre, and is promptly signed to the Aftermath label. As it turns out, not only is this G-Funk legend interested in the rising star from Compton. All the major players in the industry approach Game, but he remains loyal to his perfectly suited new boss, Dr. Dre. Together, the two redirect the world’s attention back to the West Coast.
After several mixtape appearances and an album featuring only two-year-old recordings, the hype around the newcomer overflows, and superstar 50 Cent adds Game to his G-Unit crew. With the album scheduled for early 2005, something monumental awaits. Because of his deep reverence for N.W.A., Game wants to call his debut Nigga With Attitude Vol. 1 but is not allowed to use that title. Long after Under tha Influence shaped West Coast street rap, The Documentary restored a unified feel across its tracks. On this album, each production choice fits together.
Starting with acknowledging hip-hop’s formative influences, The Game vividly reignites the passion for the West Coast sound. The Documentary was crucial in bringing the West Coast back into mainstream American rap. The introductory track, “Westside Story,” featuring 50 Cent, showcases this rekindling with its signature piano production from Dr. Dre and Scott Storch. The energy is undeniable as The Game name-drops cultural icons, giving the listener a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. The rapper’s talent for storytelling through names and events set a precedent throughout the album. Hip-hop fans were reacquainted with a familiar, yet refreshingly new, voice.
Dr. Dre handled a handful of cuts, using a stripped-down approach that others imitated. Timbaland and Kanye West worked without their usual trademarks, adapting to the record’s overall direction. What is developed carries a costly, carefully constructed sound-based structure. In terms of voice, The Game lacks the distinctive qualities of older West Coast icons. A gruff tone drives his delivery, bringing comparisons closer to Daz Dillinger than Eazy-E or Snoop. Still, his words present a certain confidence. “Church for Thugs,” built by Just Blaze, runs hard, though The Game’s hooks sometimes repeat phrases without variation. When 50 Cent appears for a chorus on “How We Do,” the instrumental’s music-box motif by Dre connects perfectly.
Sharing the spotlight again with 50 Cent, the duo creates an infectious chemistry that commands attention. The track “Hate It or Love It” further strengthens this partnership, as its introspective verses and catchy production by Cool & Dre shine through. This collaboration successfully delivers a universal message of aspiration and perseverance. Emphasizing the chemistry between the two artists, these songs accentuate the album’s enduring success. On “Dreams,” Kanye’s distinct production style allows The Game to open up about his ambitions and life experiences. His flair for integrating personal narratives with cultural references resonates throughout the album.
This talent transforms simple verses into rich stories that echo broader themes. Timbaland’s contribution to tracks like “Put You On the Game” introduces his unique touch, adding another layer to the mix. This amalgamation of various producer influences showcases The Game’s capability to navigate different soundscapes successfully. Reflecting on life’s trials, “Start from Scratch” offers listeners a window into The Game’s introspective side. Here, he examines past decisions against a backdrop crafted by Dr. Dre and Scott Storch. Marsha Ambrosius’ vocal presence enriches the track, enhancing its emotive quality. His honest lyrics create an intimate connection between his music and his audience.
The album’s diverse sound palette highlights Game’s artistic flexibility, blending introspection with musical innovation. His willingness to be vulnerable is a cornerstone for tracks that take listeners on an emotional journey. Exploring personal themes, “Like Father, Like Son” dives into the depths of family and fatherhood. With Busta Rhymes contributing to the hook, the track glimpses into The Game’s personal life. The meaningful content reaches out to audiences who find solace in its heartfelt messages. Though initially overlooked, this song has received growing appreciation as listeners relate to its familial narrative. Meanwhile, “Runnin’,” produced by Hi-Tek, offers a striking balance of intensity and reflection. Dion’s vocal contributions add to the track’s allure, amplifying its appeal.
Channeling an authentic West Coast essence, The Documentary underscores The Game’s strategic role in hip-hop. With each track, the album reaffirms its standing as a collection of songs and a cultural experience. The Game sets a high bar by embracing his roots and tapping into the talents of renowned producers and collaborators. This achievement invites industry conversation surrounding authenticity and mainstream success. The album’s timeless appeal continues to attract both old and new fans. As a seminal introduction, it establishes a solid foundation for The Game’s future creative endeavors, for better and worse.
Great (★★★★☆)
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