Album Review: Game - "The R.E.D. Album"

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

There is a popular statement, and it goes "good things come to those who wait." Fans of Game have been waiting for nearly two years on his latest album, The R.E.D. Album. Many release dates came and gone, but fans are likely glad they waited.

Right when fans gave up on The R.E.D. Album, Game triumphantly returned with "Red Nation." The song was an ode to the Bloods gang, which Game represents. Also featuring Lil Wayne, the song was a hit among all fans.

"Red Nation" held fans over for months, as they waited on an official release from Game. Following the release of L.A.X., Game promised to release an album a year. When he announced The R.E.D. Album, Game promised he would not mention 50 Cent or Dr. Dre. The new album was to mark a new point in his career. However, a reunion with Dr. Dre greatly changed things.

Dr. Dre's influence helped mold the official version of The R.E.D. Album, as he raps on "Drug Test," which also reunites Dre with Snoop Dogg. Dr. Dre also performs the intro and outro, along with three interludes on the album. Outside of Dr. Dre, Game and Lil Wayne show excellent chemistry, alongside Tyler, the Creator, on their "Martians vs. Goblins," which takes aim at LeBron James, Bruno Mars, and Tyler Perry.

The West Coast has been waiting on new blood to assist Game and Snoop Dogg for years. Kendrick Lamar has helped breathe new life into the West Coast. Game decided to feature the newcomer on his latest album, their track is called "The City," which Kendrick Lamar displays his lyrical ability. Game has stepped his lyrical game up, as well. Despite the guests coming out strong, Game manages to remain the focal point.

Aside from Watch the Throne, The R.E.D. Album is among the best albums of 2011. Game worked with several artists on the album, yet the listeners still had a chance to learn more about him. Usually, when an artist works with many other artists, the music seems like a compilation album. This was avoided by Game, which has helped mold The R.E.D. Album into a classic album.

Easily, The R.E.D. Album is the most-complete album of Game's career. Unlike on his other albums, Game comes off more mature, especially on reflective songs like "Pot of Gold," and reunited with Dr. Dre, he comes off less-needy. Obviously, Game was the victor in the 50 Cent feud and with that in the past, Game does not appear as bitter as he did on L.A.X.

Hip Hop Vibe's Rating: 8/10