"Game" The Rapper
Introduction
If you don't know who famous rapper Game is, then you've been sleeping under a rock for a while now. When Game first started obtaining fame, he was signed to G-Unit, a famous record label owned by rapper/mogul, 50 Cent. You'd probably recognize some of his earlier mainstream songs such as, “This is How We Do” featuring 50 Cent and “Hate it or Love it” featuring 50 Cent. Whether you've heard of Game or not, these songs should ring bells. And for those of you who already know Game, I encourage you to just sit back and enjoy some great music.
Life Before Hip Hop
Jayceon Terrell Taylor or better known as Game was born in Las Angeles, California but was raised in a Crip gang infested neighborhood in Compton, California. After graduating from Compton High School in 1990, Game received a basketball scholarship to Washington State University. This did not last long however, Game was suspended in the first semester due to drug allegations. By 1990, Game had lost two older brother to the streets. He started running with another older brother by the name of Big Face 100, leader of the Cedar Block Piru Blood gang. This is where Game made his transition from being a star shooting guard to gang-banging and drugs. In 2000, Game and his brother moved into a local projects and took it over. However, Game would soon come to realize the consequences of his actions. On the late night of December 1, 2000, Game was alone in his apartment when a couple local enemies invaded his home and shot him 5 times, one right under the heart. Game was in a coma for 3 days before he woke. This is when Game realized that he was going to live out his dreams of becoming a huge rap star. Game studied east coast and west coast Hip Hop greats such as 2Pac, B.I.G, N.W.A, Jay Z, Snoop and Ice Cube and started rapping in December of 2001.
The Start Of Game's Career
With the help of his older brother, Big Fase, Game founded The Black Wall Street Records. This label included rappers such as Glasses Malone and Nu Jersey Devil and of course Game himself. In 2002, Game released his first mixtape titled, “You Know What It Is vol. 1” and also signed a deal with Get Low Records. Apparently, Diddy, Ceo of Bad Boy Records was planned on signing Game to his record label. Instead, Game gained the attention of mega-producer, Dr. Dre, who signed him to Aftermath Records in 2003. Game went on to release his first album titled, “Untold Story” in 2004 through Get Low Records and after that, his second mixtape, “You Know What it Is vol. 2”.
Game's Rise To Stardom
When Dr. Dre heard Game's mixtape, he was immediately impressed. A week later, Dr. Dre signed Game to Aftermath Records through a joint deal with G-Unit. See, Dr. Dre figured that it would be a good idea for Game to join G-Unit in order to promote Game as an independent artist and promote G-Unit at the same time.
Game released his debut major label album titled, “The Documentary”. Among the album, were hit singles such as “How We Do” featuring 50 Cent as well as the double Grammy nominated, hit single, “Hate It or Love It” featuring 50 Cent. The Documentary debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was also the tenth best selling album of 2005.
Who do you think is a better rapper?
Game VS 50 Cent (The Beef)
Shortly before the release of his album, tension started to build between Game and 50 Cent. Game refused to assist 50 Cent in a beef with rappers, Jadakiss and Fat Joe which led to him being kicked out of G-Unit. 50 Cent also claims that he didn't get the recognition that he deserved from Game's album. He claims that he wrote 6 songs on the album although Game denies it. This feud between the two rappers was publicly ended by Game during a local press conference although 50 Cent and the other members of G-Unit continued to feud with Game. Over the next several months, diss track after diss track were released as well as a couple notable DVDs dissing each other. Game also created a boycott of G-Unit called G-Unot.
In October 2006, a peace treaty was offered by Game to end the beef between him and 50 Cent. Although this treaty was never really replied to, Game states that the beef is over on a few tracks of his album, “Doctor's Advocate'.
Life After Aftermath (Label Change)
Because of all the drama between Game and 50 Cent, Game decided to leave Aftermath Entertainment and sign with Geffen Records which terminated any obligations that he had to G-Unit. On November 14, 2006, Game released his second album,”Doctor's Advocate”. Doctor's Advocate became number one in America and sold over 358,000 copied in it's first week. Game also went on to release a third album titled,”LAX” on August 22, 2008. Game claimed that this was his final album although he stated that Aftermath wanted him to do another. It has been confirmed that Game is working on a new album called “The R.E.D Album”. Game will be releasing The R.E.D Album sometime in 2011 as a member of Aftermath Entertainment once again.
Ventures Outside Of Music
Game has ventured into many other areas besides music such as purchasing a share in a basketball team and acting. He has did voice overs in various video games such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Def Jam: Icon. He also made his film debut in “Waist Deep”, where he played a character named Big Meat. Game also teamed up with 310 Motoring to promote his own shoes called “Hurricanes”, which donate a portion of there proceeds to Hurricane Katrina victims.
Game's Personal Life
Game is a proud father of three children, 2 sons and a daughter. His first son a the godson of NBA star, Baron Davis. Apparently, the two played basketball in high school together. Game was also engaged to the daughter of U.S. Congressmen, G. K. Butterfield, Valeisha Butterfield.
Game's Albums
The Documentary – 2005
Doctor's Advocate – 2006
LAX – 2008
The R.E.D Album – Due to be released in 2011
Game's Awards
BET Awards
2005: Best New Artist (Nominated)
2005: Best Collaboration ("Hate It or Love It") with 50 Cent (Nominated)
Billboard Music Awards
2005: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist (Won)
2005: Top Rap Albums (Nominated)
ECHO Awards, Germany
2006: International Hip-Hop/R&B Artist (Nominated)Grammy Awards
2006: Best Rap Song ("Hate It or Love It") with 50 Cent (Nominated)
2006: Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group ("Hate It or Love It") with 50 Cent (Nominated)
MTV Video Music Awards
2005: Best Rap Video ("Hate It or Love It") with 50 Cent (Nominated)
Ozone Awards
2008: Best West Coast Rap Artist (Won)
2007: Best West Coast Rap Album ("Doctor's Advocate") (Won)
Most Popular Singles
How We Do Feat. 50 Cent
Hate It Or Love It Feat 50 Cent
Dreams
Wouldn't Get Far Feat. Kanye West
Dope Boys Feat. Travis Barker
My Life feat. Lil Wayne
Videos
Also be sure to check Game's official website here: Thisizgame.ning.com
And also check out The Top Up And Coming Artists of 2010
