The Game aims to cap off his impressive career with a strong finish through the release of “Born 2 Rap.”
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TOP 5
5. Carmen Electra (Ft. TOBi, Osbe Chill & Mozzy)
Unlike the real Carmen Electra, ain’t s**t fake about this “Carmen Electra.”
“Carmen Electra” exudes the vibe of a classic posse cut, blending a soulful, D’Angelo-like chorus (Courtesy of TOBi), assertive verses from The Game about commanding respect, and gritty, authentic bars from Mozzy & Osbe Chill that capture the essence of the streets. The funky hip-hop beat ties everything together.
4. No Smoke (Ft. Miguel & Travis Barker)
In “No Smoke,” The Game delivers verses showcasing his unwavering confidence and authentic persona, set against the type of beat you would hear on “Teflon Don” by Rick Ross.
Miguel and Travis Barker add their unique touches to “No Smoke,” with Miguel’s silky smooth vocals and Travis Barker’s convulsive drumming. Their contributions elevate the track, adding depth and dynamic energy to the overall sound.
I love how The Game finally stakes his claim as a hip-hop legend in “No Smoke.” In my opinion, Kendrick Lamar and YG get way more credit for putting California back on the hip-hop map than he does.
3. The Light
This song is a little like Common’s “The Light,” but not really…
“The Light” radiates with both raw intensity and soulful vibes. Its beat resonates deeply, stirring up emotions akin to a spiritual experience. The Game’s verses command attention as he challenges fellow rappers to measure up to his lyrical prowess, daring them to step into his realm and face off against his formidable bars.
The tone The Game raps with on “The Light” is very disrespectful. On the real, I can picture him having this evil-ass smirk on his face while he was laying down his verses.
2. Welcome Home (Ft. Nipsey Hussle)
Two artists who closed their careers unexpectedly.
“Welcome Home” delivers a powerful but emotionally challenging listening experience. Fueled by a soulful beat, the track showcases hard-hitting verses from The Game and featured artist Nipsey Hussle. While the former maintains his authenticity and street credibility throughout his bars, Nipsey takes a more reflective approach, expressing gratitude for the inspirations that fueled his journey to success, including paying homage to The Game. The track is bittersweet, with Nipsey’s verses conveying motivation, gratitude, and appreciation amidst the poignant backdrop.
1. Stainless (Ft. Anderson .Paak)
This might be one of the best California-inspired rap tracks I’ve ever heard…
The collaboration between The Game and Anderson .Paak in “Stainless” epitomizes the essence of California. Both artists bring their city’s vibes to the forefront, crafting a track that exudes Hollywood-worthy energy. With a beat as smooth as Anthony Rendon’s bat swing, .Paak’s slick hook adds a gangsta flair to the song. Meanwhile, The Game’s verses are a mix of aggression, reflection, competition, and authenticity, making it a challenging listen for those not accustomed to realness.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. City Of Sin (Ft. Ed Sheeran) (4/5)
2. No Smoke (Ft. Miguel & Travis Barker) (4.5/5)
3. Five Hundred Candles (Ft. Dom Kennedy) (4/5)
4. The Light (4.5/5)
5. Carmen Electra (Ft. TOBi, Mozzy & Osbe Chill) (4.5/5)
6. Dead Homies (Ft. Red Cafe) (4/5)
7. Gold Daytonas (3/5)
8. West Side (4.5/5)
9. 40 Ounces (Ft. Just Liv) (4/5)
10. Gucci Flip Flops (4/5)
11. Born 2 Rap (4/5)
12. Welcome Home (Ft. Nipsey Hussle) (5/5)
13. Help Me – Interlude (3/5)
14. I Didn’t Want To Write This Song (Ft. Marsha Ambrosius) (4.5/5)
15. The Code (Ft. 21 Savage) (4/5)
16. Stay Down (Ft. Bryson Tiller) (3.5/5)
17. Hug The Block (4/5)
18. Ask For Me (4/5)
19. Stainless (Ft. Anderson .Paak) (5/5)
20. Gangstas Make The Girls Go Wild (Ft. Chris Brown) (4/5)
21. Blood Thicker Than Water (Ft. Trey Songz) (3.5/5)
22. Rewind II (4/5)
23. One Life (Ft. J. Stone & Masego) (4/5)
24. Cross (Ft. D Smoke) (3/5)
25. Roadside (Ft. Ed Sheeran) (4/5)
OVERALL RATING
(B+)
The Game really brought the heat with Born 2 Rap. One thing that stands out is his seamless blend of classic beats with profound introspection throughout the album. It’s like he’s delivering a legendary acceptance speech, reflecting on his gangsta roots, personal struggles, and impact on West Coast rap. Sure, there’s some name-dropping and sneak disses, but that’s when The Game shines brightest. Overall, this album is a gem for true hip-hop heads who appreciate substance over today’s mainstream sound.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
This Post Has 8 Comments
This entire album is absolute garbage, he is nothing without 50, em and dre
Nunya Dambiz, quit with trolling!! Lol thanks for reading though!
As we’ve witnessed before, many rappers have said that they would not make another album?? …..We’ve seen them come back and still not make a good enough album to call it their last. Not just because I’ve always had game as one of my favourite rappers, and rightly so. He came, he delivered, and born2rap is a fresh, feel good, album. The should be very proud of himself, and doesn’t need to make a come back. Let’s be honest, if you think of the g.o.a.t.s, and he’s definitely one them…. They would be proud to call this their last and wouldn’t need to make a come back. Congratulations @thegame
Agreed! If this is The Game’s last album (Which I definitely do not think it is), it is a helluva effort! He made you want to miss him, reminded you why he’s labeled as one of the G.O.A.T.S, and showed why he isn’t one to mess with presently.
Thanks for the comment!
nunya dambiz stfu lol you dont know shit
?????
The 21 Savage feature was doper than expected.
I thought the collab with 21 was dope! Definitely one of the slept-on tracks on the album.