Jayceon ‘Chuck’ Taylor AKA ‘The Game’ released his debut album last week amid hype that is more accustomed to rumors regarding Jay-Z’s return or an NWA reunion. NWA played a protagonistic role in the insurgence of West Coast Gangster Rap in the 80s and 25 year-old Game has every intention of leading the revival in 2005. Inked with a large NWA tattoo on his chest, raised in Compton and signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath record label he was well on his way before he had even recorded a track. Thankfully, however, The Documentary lives up to its expectations without the need to over-publicize the fact that he was shot 4 times.

Although perhaps not quite, “Ready to Die, Reasonable Doubt and Doggystyle in one,” as he proclaims on the Kanye West produced track, “Dreams”, the album is well worthy of the media hype. Tracks like the hit single, “How We Do,” and “Higher’have Dre’s sought-after production stamp clear for all to hear, while the closing track featuring Busta Rhymes, “Like Father, Like Son,” is a masterful narrative of the day his child was born.

Because of Dre’s production the beats speak for themselves and so the factor that must be analyzed is the actual rapping: Game’s flow is tight and smooth, but subject matter is lacking. Like most rappers, it’s guns, drugs and cars. Difference is, few can spit the words and make them feel like bullets penetrating your eardrums.

The album went platinum in little over a week and a tour is supposedly in the pipeline. No doubt Jay-Z and NWA will be pulled out of retirement to fill the support slots.

Grade: A-