Album of the year

The Game
The Documentary
(Aftermath)

His criticism of G-Unit may be what he is most remembered for in 2005, but The Game should also be given credit for one of the best albums of the year.

Much hype initially surrounded The Documentary, mainly for the fact the Compton native was working with one of the most renowned producers in rap, Dr. Dre. In addition, 50 Cent signed The Game to his G-Unit crew.

The record was probably better than it was expected to be. The Documentary was released in January, but as the end of the year approaches, many songs from the CD are still blaring in the club and repeating on the radio.

Two of the most popular songs on the CD, “Hate it or Love it” and “How We Do,” include 50 Cent. 50 is also featured on the lesser known “Westside Story,” and without a doubt, these three songs are some of the best on the album. But even if the G-Unit leader was not heard on this record, it would still be great.

Dr. Dre, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, and some other big names are also featured on The Documentary, but some of the best songs were without any help from other well-known voices.

“Dreams,” has an excellent beat and the words tell a lot about the life of The Game. He starts the song rapping about surviving being shot, and continues to rap about the dream he is currently living. The artist also gives respect to Martin Luther King, Aaliyah, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez, and Kanye West in the chorus.

Undoubtedly “Put You on the Game” has some of the best music on the album. It’s also difficult not to sing along to the catchy chorus. In the song, The Game calls his CD “The rebirth of hip-hop, another memorial for Makaveli and Big Pop.” The artist feels that West Coast rap was lacking anything good for a while until he came along, but he also gives recognition to two of the biggest rappers ever in Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.

Every song on The Documentary contains great beats with high-quality lyrics. There is not a single song to be skipped, from the introduction through the end.

After this debut album, it may seem difficult for The Game to make such a great sophomore record. It is also extremely unlikely that he will collaborate with 50 Cent ever again after their major disputes, not to mention “G-Unot” shaved into his hair. But as long as he still has Dr. Dre, look for the rapper to step his Game up in 2006.

-Jeff Appelblatt