LAX [Explicit]

'The Game' really doesn't have anything to say that hasn't been rapped about in a West Coast album before. Instead of coming up with new, original lyrical content, 'The Game' builds off of content that has been a staple of the gangsta rap sub-genre since its interpretation. Even so, the production and slick lyrics found on 'LAX' make it a keeper for the collection and one of the year's highlights.

Featuring a diverse list of guests from DMX to NAS to Travis Barker, 'The Game' raps over West Coast-style beats to subjects that include his life as a gangsta ('LAX Files', 'My Life', 'House of Pain') to his love of hip-hop ('Angel', 'Game's Pain'). Yes, unlike the legends in the game such as Ice Cube and Dr. Dre he often sounds insincere on here, but he drops some dope rhymes that make 'LAX' worthwhile regardless. Also, the beats are especially good, and if you've heard the first single ('Dope Boys') then you'll know what I'm talking about.

Unfortunately, there are some flaws to this album too. The R&B flavored 'Gentleman's Affair' features the always-awful Ne-Yo as a guest artist and 'LAX Files' with Ice Cube is perhaps the most boring West Coast inspired track ever produced (lyrically and production-wise).

Sure, 'LAX' is by the numbers. Sure, it's a bit generic. And, sure, you've most likely heard what this album had to offer even prior to listening to it. Regardless, the excellent production and entertaining lyricism make it worth a purchase.

The Game has much more commercial appeal than any other west coast artist but he constantly sacrifices that commercial appeal by rooting his albums in a west coast sound that is dead for a lot of people. He has the talent to put out records that don't reference other hip-hop artists but he continues to piss off his detractors by doing just that.

No surprise then that, L.A.X. his 3rd album is a mix of hard core gangster lyrics and music that recalls early 90s hip-hop. He pays homage (or bites depending on how you look at it) to Ice Cube on "State Of Emergency". "Game's Pain" is nostalgic in both the lyrics as Game pays respect to hip-hop pioneers and in music with a track that straight out of The Hitmen's (Bad Boy hit makers) vaults. "Bullet Proof Diaries" is a song title from the `Only Built For Cuban Links' era and it has the same cinematic feel to it as Raekwon & Game trade war stories ala Rae & Ghost of old. "House of Pain" which is a nod to Everlast's old group of the same name does not fare well but "Cali Sunshine" with Bilal on the hook and "Ya Heard" with needle skipping sound effects make up for it.

Unfortunately, in today's shallow world of `urban music', The Game gets no credit for trying to keep the old spirit of hip-hop alive, not even from the 30+ crowd. So it's a good thing that The Game does not forget his core fan base (25 & under) by throwing in Lil' Wayne on the hook for "My Life", a more than worthy single. "Money" has hit written all over it but I fear that Interscope has already missed the boat on that one. "Dope Boys" is just hard and "Angel" gets a nod from the more discerning listener.

L.A.X. is an ambitious album and The Game does falter on a couple of tracks. "Gentleman's Affair" and the afore mentioned "House Of Pain" fall flat and while "Never Can Say Goodbye" is a clever concept the music does not inspire. The same can be said for "Letter To The King" with Nas.

However I give The Game full marks for effort on this, his most mature album to date. Full marks as well for staying true to himself. However he still needs to get better at putting an album together if he is to avoid the Nas debut album curse.

With all of the controversy from the outset, and being dismissed from doing anything further, without "help", LAX is on the Strength.

man ghame is fastly becoming one of the beast rappers ever his cd's are his mixtapes are tight this man is fire even cube considers to take mack 10's place in westside connection you know game has to be a lyrical beast for cube to even think that this whole cd is fire all the rap stars on this cd cube, lil wayne, common, keyshia cole, raekwon, ludacris, and how many guess stars are on g unit's new one gaME WON AGAIN 3 times maDE A DOCUMENTARY DISSING THOSE MUGS PLUS NUMWEROUS DISS SONGS DISSING G UNIT yeah game is number 1 he was the best rapper under 50. this cd is west coast gangster fire he does the west coast proud eazy, and pac would be proud of game he does their legacies justice west coast stand up game is here and he is the shiznit. bring on more g funk.

Since The Game made his debut circa 2005, he has been revered and respected by those who love hip-hop. He is famous for his love for California and all the name dropping he does in his songs. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent introduced us to this talented fellow and since then he has had a loyal fan base. At his best, he is undeniably skilled and creative. For proof, just listen to songs like "The Documentary", "Hate it or Love It" and "Dreams."

"LAX" is inundated this guest appearances and bears somewhat of a serious tone. Listen to the intro, outro, "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Letter to the King" in order to see my point. Featured on this album, we have Chrisette Michelle, NeYo, Keyshia Cole, Raheem DeVaughn, DMX, Bilal, Ice Cube, Lil' Wayne and Ludacris. Wow! View that list of names again. How did he manage to gather all of that talent? All of those appearances brought the quality of "LAX" up several notches. One of the songs that immediately grasped my attention was "Money." This mid-tempo track's subject matter is obvious, but The Game really takes a creative approach with this song and it's easily one of the album's finer moments. Keyshia Cole lends her talents on "Games Pain." This song was released to radio, but I was never really into it, it is decent, though. The Game is reminiscing about his younger days on this track. "My Life" is a devastating song, so if you are in a jolly mood, avoid this song at all costs. Lil' Wayne does a nice job with the hook and The Game administers some memorable one-liners. "Bulletproof Diaries" and "Cali Sunshine" are alright songs, but comparing them to the rest of the album, they are pretty weak in nature.

"LAX" is very entertaining. Hip-hop fans will love most of this album's nineteen tracks. However, buyer beware, this album has a serious tone so don't expect a plethora of party hits.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "State of Emergency"
2. "Money"
3. "House of Pain"
4. "LAX Flies"
5. "Never Can Say Goodbye"