The Game biography

The Game

The Game (Real Name Jayceon Taylor) was born and raised in the birthplace of Gangsta Rap, Compton, California. This former gangbanger turned rapper grew up in a Crip neighbourhood, despite being close to his half brother (Big Fase Hunned) who was an active member of the Bloods gang. Prior to rapping, The Game was a drug dealer, and was shot five times during a drug deal turned robbery in the Compton apartment he shared with his brother. After being shot, The Game decided to act on his interest in hip hop and began rapping himself. He was soon discovered by rap pioneer (and former N.W.A. member) Dr. Dre. He was then signed to Dre's Aftermath record label.

Although The Game was originally signed to Aftermath, Dr. Dre along with Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine decided to have Game work alongside 50 Cent and G-Unit. The concept being that G-Unit, already the number one act in rap, would have an even bigger appeal with a West Coast rapper (50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo were East Coast rappers, along with Young Buck who was from the South). Furthermore, the already existing popularity of G-Unit along with the support of Dr. Dre, would ensure The Game a record number of album sales.

Although The Game could not secure his originally intended album title of 'Nigga Wit' An Attitude - Vol. 1', the renamed 'Documentary' went on to top sales charts with singles such as 'How We Do' and 'Hate It Or Love It' (both featuring 50 Cent).