Game talks New Mixtape, “Behind the Music” feature, and “The City” music video with XXL

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Time has flown and those who have followed Game since his G-Unit days still feel like the West Coast veteran is a relative newcomer. Seven years have passed since Game released his debut album as a member of G-Unit Records and the group. During this period of time, 50 Cent was the highest-selling rapper in the game and G-Unit was, by far, the top crew. Late in 2004, Dr. Dre felt it was time to introduce his artist, The Game, placing him on the G-Unit roster.

From a creative standpoint, placing The Game on G-Unit was a smart move. The chemistry between The Game and 50 Cent was incredible. But, the two, who were getting to know each other for the first time, clashed on a personal level. Both rappers were born leaders with quick tempers. With all the cards being held by 50 Cent, he used his power to have The Game removed from Interscope, gaining a sworn enemy in the process.

The Game, who eventually dropped “The” from his name, continued to diss 50 Cent and Jay-Z, apologizing in between. VH1 has signed on to chronicle Game’s career on “Behind the Music.” Meanwhile, Game is working on his fifth album, F.I.V.E. (Fear is Victory’s Evolution). Before the release of the new album, Game has a new mixtape in the works. Despite recording new music, Game is still promoting the releases from The R.E.D. Album. Recently, a music video was shot for “The City,” which features Kendrick Lamar.

Game sat down with XXL and discussed the recording of the new mixtape, his “Behind the Music” feature, and “The City.” Along with revealing a project he has in the works with ESPN, Game said he plans to release his mixtape before the end of March. However, he said the mixtape does not have a title because he is trying to come up with something that can trend on Twitter and can be shared on Facebook. When Game releases mixtapes, he turns to DJ Skee and this latest project will not be any different. The mixtape is likely to include a collaboration with one of hip hop’s new leading men, French Montana.

As he winds down promotion of The R.E.D. Album, Game said he is preparing to release the official music video for “The City.” Despite the record sales on the album being low, thus far, Game is confident he will still go platinum. Every Game album, with the exception of this one, has gone platinum. However, due to his fan base, which exceeds one million fans, Game is sure the project will eventually certify platinum. The overall goal for his last album, however, was to debut at number one. Given his dislike for Jay-Z, it was even sweeter for Game to knock Watch the Throne off the top spot.

With “The City” as the last single from the album, Game said he chose the track because it is “hard.” Wanting to create an anthem for his native, Compton, Game teamed up with young Compton rapper, Kendrick Lamar. Game credits Kendrick Lamar for “going off” on the record toward the end. Taking credit for linking Kendrick Lamar with Dr. Dre, Game said he was proud because of how far he has come over the past nine years he has been making music. One of the first supporters of Kendrick Lamar was Game, who wanted the young rapper to have shine on the last record, cutting his verse, making the first eight bars into the chorus, and letting it run as a full verse at the end.

While he has not viewed the final version of his “Behind the Music” feature, Game credited VH1 for doing a very good job. They united his mother, grandmother, and wife, along with a number of Game’s friends. Game, who said he is entering his 30s, was more than glad to do the feature, as he is now four albums deep. Crediting “Behind the Music” for chronicling legendary music figures, Game said he must have done something incredible to have been featured on the series.