I have a
pretty simple rule when it comes to deciding whether or not I’m going to like a
particular rap song: The more ominous-sounding, the better. It’s far from an
all-encompassing rule, and there are a bunch of notable exceptions (“So Good,”
by B.O.B., “Heartbeat” by Childish Gambino), but generally speaking the heavier
it hits, the more I enjoy it. This explains (if anyone’s curious) why I have
such mixed feelings about Eminem’s catalog – for every gimmicky, annoying song
like “My Name is,” or “The Real Slim Shady,” he has one like “Stan,” or “8
Mile,” which both paint a vivid portrait of depression and desperation.
So, which category does TheGame’s newest CD, Jesus Piece fall
under? I’ll give you a hint, and then you can tell me: The opening beat would
fit in quite comfortably if it was playing in the background of a homicide
investigation, and the first line of the CD is “Who the fuck’s scared now?” In
fact, I’ll break the album down and count “The Number of Songs on Jesus Piece That Would Comfortably Fit
in If Played in the Background of a Homicide Investigation or Other Type of
Active Crime Scene.” I counted 5 – easily – and I could probably make an
argument that the number could be closer to 8.
I had something of a moment on
Sunday Morning when I was driving down Amherst Street and happened to see an
SUV sitting on blocks, its 4 tires stolen. “Ali Bomaye,” the second track on Jesus Piece, was playing as I drove by.
I wouldn’t quite call it a moment of clarity, but it felt like more than a
coincidence. The incident had occurred across from The Nichols School, near
Delaware Park – not exactly a seedy area. My point is this: If you drive around
Buffalo listening to Jesus Piece, you
are probably going to see some shit.
Keep in mind; I’m not calling The
Game a criminal. I don’t know if he has a rap sheet, and I really don’t care.
Also, it’s not like Jesus Piece breaks
any kind of new ground – nobody is going to listen to this and say to
themselves, “Holy moly, finally, a rap album about less-than-reputable
activities!” It’s just that he does it insanely well. Check out the list of
supporting entertainers on this album: 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Kanye West, and
Common. And that’s just in the first three songs. J. Cole, Lil’ Wayne (who I
think sounds really great when he’s featured in songs and doesn’t get an
opportunity to giggle like a little school girl in between punch lines), Big
Sean, and Pusha T (one of the best in the biz, as far as I’m concerned) are all
featured prominently in this album. That’s a scary gathering of A-list
rappers.
Highlights of the album include,
“Ali Bomaye,” “All That,” and “Made Me King.” The ninth track on the album,
“Heaven’s Arms,” is the lone track on the album in which The Game doesn’t call
upon anybody else for assistance, as if to prove that he can do this stuff
alone and he was just throwing these other characters a bone.
If Jesus Piece hadn’t been released so late in the year, it surely
would’ve ended up on a few hip-hop Album of the Year lists. He really just
straight-up brings it this time around. Jesus
Piece comes on the heels of his mostly underwhelming 2011 release, The R.E.D. Album, which served as proof
that an A-list cast of rappers doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. Jesus Piece, however, plainly proves
otherwise. It’s a terrific album from a steadily solid rapper.
Grade: A
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