Born 2 Rap

Nearly 15 years after The Game cemented his place in rap with his stellar debut, The Documentary, the Compton-born lyricist went on record saying ninth album Born 2 Rap would be his final album. Swan songs are often repealed, but this 25-track, star-studded, 90-minute collection goes over the top to neatly wrap up a storied career. The Games always intense and street-minded raps meet a variety of production twists over the course of the lengthy album, from more R&B-laced hooks from Miguel on No Smoke and a buoyant chorus from Trey Songz on Blood Thicker Than Water to an acoustic guitar instrumental and vocal cameo from Ed Sheeran on album closer Roadside. Its a dense volume of street storytelling and especially reflective lyricism from this rap MVP, and even at its extensive running time, Born 2 Rap delivers lots of highlights. 21 Savage features on The Code, theres a Nipsey Hussle cameo on the especially hard-hitting Welcome Home, and the mellow soul instrumental and Anderson .Paak chorus on Stainless all contribute to the strength of this spirited curtain call. ~ Fred Thomas

40歳のバースデーにリリースされたキャリア最後のアルバムは、そのフィナーレを華々しく飾るべくエド・シーランを筆頭に21サヴェージやクリス・ブラウン、アンダーソン・パークら豪華ゲスト勢が参加した2枚組。イントロに続く"No Smoke"から持ち味であるネーム・ドロップを惜しみなく投下してドクター・ドレーや2パックらの名を挙げ、表題曲ではドレーやスヌープの名も織り交ぜて自身のキャリア初期を振り返る。そのアウトロでは故ニプシー・ハッスルによるゲームへのシャウトを挿入して、両者のコラボ曲"Welcome Home"へ繋ぐという展開もニクい。さらにはボビー・コールドウェルやディアンジェロらの名曲をサンプリング・ソースとして贅沢に使った充実しまくりの内容だ。前言撤回して復帰する日を待とう。
bounce (C)Masso187um