The Documentary 2
The Game
(Blood Money)
Four stars
It's official, the West Coast is back in the building. The year in hip-hop has been dominated by Los Angeles-based artists, with legendary producer Dr Dre releasing his allegedly final album, the seminal Compton: A Soundtrack.
Then there is the accompanying N.W.A biopic, Straight Outta Compton, that breathed new life into gangsta-rap crew. Then, of course, is the critical acclaim still bestowed on Kendrick Lamar, whose last year's To Pimp A Butterfly is already being hailed as a landmark in the genre.
Re-energised by the good vibes thrown at his city, The Game has also returned with the sequel to his much-lauded 2005 debut album.
The Documentary 2 is easily the 35-year-old's best release since the first instalment. Where his last few releases was a case of diminishing returns, The Game sounds absolutely revitalised over the generous – yet eclectic – 19 tracks that rarely drags.
Step Up has him pared with a gritty, abrasive beat recalling The Bomb Squad, perhaps acknowledging the sonic throwback he channels the late rapper Biggy Smalls in his rhyme scheme.
Circles sounds luxurious in comparison. Its bubbling soul beats made even more smoother with a guest appearance by Q-Tip.
The swaggering Mula finds Kanye West dropping in and being as obnoxious as ever, while the funky Don't Trip has The Game sharing the mic with heroes, Dr Dre and Ice Cube. With The Documentary 2 cementing the West Coast as the present leading purveyor of the genre, it's now over to their eastern brethren to reply.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
