The Game has been building up to his latest project, “Blood Moon: Year of The Wolf” with assorted tracks and videos for so long that it’s hard to believe that the album is finally here. Then again, he did say it was the YEAR of the wolf…so maintaining a choke hold over 2014 was definitely a priority.
“Bigger Than Me” sets things off with Game threatening to chainsaw a wolf and proclaiming that none of the new rappers coming up in the industry can match his verbal skills and lyrical dexterity. “F.U.N.” reinforces how dismissive the emcee is about anyone who steps to him. Rob you or kill you…Nothing’s getting in his way. “Really”(ft. Yo Gotti, 2 Chainz, Soulja Boy & T.I.) isn’t just a posse cut. It’s more like Hip Hop Armageddon with bloodthirsty, aggressive rhymes & a beat that pimp slaps the listener into submission.
“Fuck Your Feelings”(ft. Lil’ Wayne & Chris Brown) is all auto-tune and synthesizers…but wait…It works! If you’re having a bad day at work, going through baby mama drama or just feelin’ some type of way, THIS will be the song you keep on repeat…’Promise! “On One”(ft. King Marie & Ty Dolla $ign) is strictly for the clubs. The Game flows nicely on the track but it’s his way of taking a breather before launching into “Married to The Game”(ft. French Montana, Dubb & Sam Hook)an intense production smoothed out by an R & B hook. “The Purge”(ft. Stacy Barth) centers around Game’s meditation on life and his desire to rid the world of its injustices. “Trouble on My Mind”(ft. Dubb, Jake, Papa)utilizes a folksy type of hook and spare production elements to full effect while “Cellphone”(ft. Dubb)wins with triumphant horns and powerful rhymes.
“Best Head Ever”(ft. Tyga & Eric Bellinger)is self explanatory. It’s another club joint that focuses more on flow than content. “Or Nah”(ft. Too Short, Problem & AV)is a fun party jam with DJ Mustard on the beat. “Take That”(ft. Tyga & Pharaoh Prophet)” is the perfect strip club song with R & B vocals overshadowing a minimal amount of rhyming. “Food For My Stomach”(feat. Dubb & Skeme)gives a nod to the cinematic sound favored by DJ Khaled & Cash Money while “Hit ‘Em Hard(ft. Bobby Shmurda)brings hardcore to the dance floor. The final track, “Black On Black”(ft. Young Jeezy & Kevin Gates)begins with Game rhyming about how he’ll do anything for his daughter & ends with the both of them walking home, unfazed by the wolf howling in the distance.
For those who pick up the deluxe edition, “Mad Flows”(ft. Skeme)is mainly a throwaway track. It serves up standard rhyming over uninventive production. “Bloody Moon” is a compelling tale of loss and horrific incidents revolving around a “father” in name only. It’s a song that truly needs to be heard and discussed. “I Just Wanna Be”(ft. Stat Quo, SAP & King Marie)rounds out the collection. It’s a strong way to close the album & creates a mood of hope in the midst of darkness & despair relayed from earlier tracks. The album as a whole is well done. The only criticism comes from the fact that there are more features on the songs than verses from The Game himself. However, it’s admirable that the MC allows others to shine. He can afford to, because the talent Game possesses will keep us listening for years to come.
– Kevin Keith
