Ham Express

L.A.X. album cover by The Game

I listened to The Game’s new album, L.A.X., today. It was a good album for the most part. Many Game fans will appreciate the long length of the CD. Defsounds.com released several of the tracks on this album on their site. So like many fans, I’ve heard most of the songs already. He played it safe by featuring an ensemble cast of the hottest rappers in the game. Not that I’m trying to say he needs them to make an album, but no one can deny that he stacked his album with many popular artists. Just to name a few at the top of my head: Nas (legendary rapper), Ice Cube (another legend and OG), Lil Wayne (arguably the hottest in the game), Ludacris (my man holdin’ it down in the South), Common (sick rapper), etc.

The Game has good lyrics. His wordplay is decent, and his flow is steady. It’s not exactly the best, but not one of the worst (aka Plies). However, I enjoyed it more than The Doctor’s Advocate. One thing that I noticed, along with many people on forums, is that The Game drops many, many names. I haven’t counted personally, but someone from YouTube said he counted 110. In the song “My Life,” he mentions Tupac and Biggie [referring to the barks], Eminem and Proof, Kanye and Common, etc. You get the point. I’m not trying to diss him by any means, I’m just simply pointing out these things.

My favorite song on the album is “My Life” because I felt that was one of his realist songs. His lyrics can be very deep at times. Many of his tracks focus on his life and the streets/environment. Hip-hop fans will truly appreciate this album. “State of Emergency” and “Angel” were two of my favorites as well.

The Game reps his Game chain

Overall, I would rate L.A.X. 4/5. I know this may raise controversy and many will disagree, but that’s fine. This is MY opinion on the album. My reviews vary from other critics, but I felt this album was a ‘4′. Some will argue that it deserves higher than a 4. The reason why it’s not higher [for me] is because I felt many featured guests helped the album very much. I’m not saying it “carried” him, but it definitely supported it very much. The Game held his own though. He’s definitely one of the best in the game right now. Here’s a review on Defsounds.com that will raise arguments for sure.

There is a rumor stating that L.A.X. will be The Game’s final album. I’m not sure what to think of it. I guess it’s a good-enough album to end on. But then again, is it? I’m sure he could end his career on a much higher note. Who knows? Jay-Z “retired” after The Black Album. Shortly afterwards, he released two albums and is currently working on another one. So The Game might work on another album.

To check out the track listing of L.A.X., click here!

*UPDATE* from mtor82: On The Game’s official website, he has an interview where he confirms that he will be retiring after L.A.X. So The Game retiring is no longer a rumor. Here is the video below.

Part 1

Part 2