Monarchy, in the 21st century, is a game of survival. The Queen delivers her Christmas speech in 3D to stay relevant, while rapper Game, in defending his title as “King of the West,” plays chameleon and “borrows” from other rappers. For “Ali Bomaye,” featuring Rick Ross and 2 Chainz, Game recycles that same old flow from “Hustle Hard (Remix).” On the title track, featuring Kanye West and Common, he straight-up jacks West’s trademark “heh” ad-lib. Then, on “Church,” he ruthlessly bodies Meek Mill’s style for a trap record that might as well be overdubbed with the “Maybach Music” chick. In a genre birthed on stealing, Game doesn’t think twice before channeling trends. It’s his ticket to longevity—-though not necessarily acclaim.
This article appears in Jan 10-16, 2013.