HIP-HOP

Latest releases reviewed

THE GAME
The Documentary
Aftermath/Interscope
***

It's easy to see why Interscope execs are not getting on Dr Dre's case to finish the long-overdue Detox album: if he keeps producing bangers like The Documentary for the company, everyone wins. But it would be foolish to simply tag Jayceon "The Game" Taylor this year's 50 Cent. While the tattoos, gunshot wounds, drug dealing tall tales and standard-issue gangsta bravado are similar (even standout track How We Do is a strung-out first cousin of In The Club), The Game's fascination with Compton's glory days ensure this is a thrilling west side story. A trademark Kanye West production on Dreams allows The Game to give his fifty cents on historical hip-hop spats, while there is considerable perspective provided throughout on Compton past and present. By paying his respects while placing himself firmly in the frame, Taylor is proving he has what it takes to stay in the game. www.comptongame.com