The Game

Who knew hip-hop could be so academic! I never thought I would see such an article, but my oldest (very, very old) brother sent me this article and I feel compelled to share it. The article, by Marc Lynch, draws comparisons to America’s foreign policy and how Jay-Z has handled beefs, and most specifically his most recent challenger The Game, throughout his career. I agree the premise is kind of a stretch, but it actually matches up well and the ingenuity alone behind the article deserves it to be on this site. He also admits that Nas got the better of Jay-Z in their beef (something I spent many hours debating in my younger days) so that pretty much guaranteed I was going to like it. Here is an excerpt:

His ability to respond actually declined as his power and enemies list grew, though. As a young 50 Cent spat at him (twisting one of Jay’s own famous lines), “if I shoot you I’m famous, if you shoot me you’re brainless.”  He’s generally avoided getting embroiled in beefs since reaching the top, only occasionally and briefly hitting back at provocations from rising contenders like 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and others.  Responding to every challenge does not become a hegemon. Indeed, it would be counter-productive and exhausting, and would likely trigger even greater resentment among other rising rappers.  Better as hegemon to rise above the fray and accept the sniping of the less powerful while reaping the rewards of a status quo which he dominates and profits from excessively.

Yeah you just read that right, an academic approach to rap beefs. Grab the link below to read the full article.

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DL: Chamillionaire ft. Game & Ludacris – “Creepin Solo”

A new track leaked from Chamillionaire’s album due out sometime this year called Venom. There were versions of the unfinished song around with just Luda and Chamillionaire but this is the final version. Chamillionaire has always been alright to me but I really started to like this song when I heard The Game and finally Luda who just ripped it. We all know his flow is insane but everytime I hear him go in like this I will like the song by defualt. Props to LowKey for the track.

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The Game joins Joey B. on the first single from his album Padded Room. I liked this track a lot, but I shouldn’t expect less from Mr. Budden and The Game. What a banger to launch off for your first single to an album, whatever songs come my way will be posted ASAP.

There hasn’t been enough West Coast love on here lately so I am gonna change that. Here is a West Coast anthem for all of you off of E-40’s upcoming album The Ball Street Journal which drops Oct. 28th. E-40 is a true O.G. from the Bay Area and united the whole state of California with Snoop and Game on this one.

Rock City – “Can’t Believe It” Freestyle (The Rap Up)

Tommy Danger interviews Lil Wayne protege, “Tyga” (HiphopRuckus)

DMX hospitalized (Str8nyc)

New tat for the Game (HoodHype)

Register to VOTE: Questlove (Hip Hop is read)

RUMOR MILL: Hip-Hop Rumors: Rocsi & Floyd Mayweather? (Allhiphop)

50 Cent To Turn Before I Self Destruct To Film (HiphopDX)

Ice Cube Debuts At #1

Rumor mill: The Game and a tranny, Cam’ron update,

E 40 “Break Yo Ankles”

Joe Budden and the Game squashed their beef last night when Joe came out and performed a song at Game’s NYC show. Good to see Game squashing some beefs to balance out the one’s he is starting.