The Game | |
|---|---|
 The Game in 2016 | |
| Born | Jayceon Terrell Taylor (1979-11-29)November 29, 1979 (age 45) Compton, California, U.S. |
| Education | Compton High School |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2002–present |
| Works | |
| Children | 4 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | G-Unit |
| Website | documentarytour |
Musical artist | |
Jayceon Terrell Taylor (born November 29, 1979), better known by his stage namethe Game or simplyGame, is an American rapper. Born inCompton, California, he initially released a series ofmixtapes under the wing of fellow West Coast rapperJT the Bigga Figga. After releasing his debut albumUntold Story independently in 2004, he was discovered by record producerDr. Dre and signed to hisAftermath Records label imprint. The Game rose to fame in 2005 following the release of his major-label debut albumThe Documentary, which peaked theBillboard 200 along with its 2006 follow-up,Doctor's Advocate. The former album receiveddouble platinum certification by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and twoGrammy Award nominations—Best Rap Song andBest Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for its single, "Hate It or Love It" (featuring 50 Cent).
A rising artist in the 2000s, the Game was considered to be a driving force in the resurgence ofWest Coast hip hop into the mainstream, and competing with many of hisEast Coast counterparts.[1][2][3] The Game was placed intoG-Unit by Dr. Dre andInterscope Records co-founderJimmy Iovine. As a result of his disputes with group leader50 Cent, Game left Aftermath and signed withGeffen, another label underUniversal'sInterscope Geffen A&M corporate unit to terminate his contractual obligations with G-Unit in 2006. This foresaw the release ofDoctor's Advocate, which was met with continued success and spawned the singles "It's Okay (One Blood)" (featuringJunior Reid), "Let's Ride," and "Wouldn't Get Far" (featuringKanye West).[4]
The Game found similar critical and commercial success with his third and fourth albumsLAX (2008) andThe R.E.D. Album (2010), which peaked at numbers two and one on theBillboard 200, respectively. His fifth album,Jesus Piece (2015) served as his final release with Interscope and peaked within the chart's top ten, along with his followingindependent albums:The Documentary 2,The Documentary 2.5 (2015), and1992 (2016). His ninth album,Born 2 Rap (2019) was announced as his final; however, his career continued with the release of his tenth albumDrillmatic – Heart vs. Mind (2022), which was met with mixed critical reception.[5]
The Game was born Jayceon Terrell Taylor[6][7] on November 29, 1979,[8] inCompton, California,[9] to parents George Taylor[10] and Lynette Baker,[11] who both were members of theCrips street gang. He grew up in a primarilyCrip-controlled neighborhood known as Santana Blocc,[9] although Taylor himself grew up to become a member of theCedar Block Piru Bloods through his brother.[12][13] In an October 2006 interview withMTV News correspondentSway Calloway, the Game described his family as "dysfunctional". His older half-brother, George Taylor III, a.k.a. the rapperBig Fase 100, was a Cedar Block Piru Bloods leader inWest Compton, California.[14]
Taylor and his sibling spent six years infoster care.[11] Taylor attendedCompton High School.[15] He went on to attend the community collegesAntelope Valley College,Harbor Community College andCerritos College each for a time before leaving school.[14]
By the early 2000s, Taylor had become heavily involved in selling drugs and participating in gang activities.[16]
While recovering in the hospital from gunshot wounds he incurred in late 2001, Game told his brother to go out and buy all of the classic hip-hop albums. Over the course of five months, he studied all of the various influential rap albums and developed a strategy to turn himself into a rapper. With the help of his older brotherBig Fase, they founded the label. It originally featured such artists asGlasses Malone, Vita, and Nu Jerzey Devil, along with Game himself.[17] Hisstage name was coined by his grandmother, who was a huge fan of the 1997 blockbuster,The Game.[17] Game first gained prominence when he attended a hip-hop summit hosted byRussell Simmons andLouis Farrakhan.[18] After he had fully recovered, Game and Big Fase made a demo mixtape with JT the Bigga Figga and Sean T (These recordings would later be released in 2004 onUntold Story) that landed the rapper a record deal with JT's own independent labelGet Low Recordz.
Game's mixtape reached the hands ofSean Combs, founder ofBad Boy Records, who originally was on the verge of signing him to his label.[19] Five months later, he was discovered byDr. Dre who listened to the same mixtape. Dr. Dre signed Game to hisAftermath Entertainment label in 2003 and he released his first mixtapeYou Know What It Is Vol. 1.[20][21]
In late 2003,Interscope Records CEOJimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre decided to have Game work with50 Cent andG-Unit in order to help build a growing buzz around Game which would also fuel interest in G-Unit. Game made his first cameo appearance in the music video for 50 Cent's "In da Club", where he is seen dancing with a girl. Since then, he has made numerous cameo appearances in music videos by 50 Cent,Lloyd Banks,Young Buck, andFabolous. Game spent the next two and a half years working on his major label debut album and being mentored by Dr. Dre.[17][22]
Not having dropped an album despite being signed onto Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records for a while, Game was still able to create hype around his image alone. He appeared in ads forSean Combs'sSean John clothing company and had an endorsement deal withBoost Mobile, appearing in a commercial alongsideKanye West andLudacris. Game also appeared heavily on the mixtape circuit and guest starred on mixtapes forDJ Green Lantern,The Diplomats, andG-Unit. The first single released with Game on it was "Certified Gangstas", which also featuredJim Jones andCam'ron. Though the single wasn't considered to be mainstream, the buzz increased around the West Coast rapper.
On September 28, 2004, Game released his first promo single, "Westside Story", from his major label debut album. He had originally chosen to title the albumNigga Wit' An Attitude Volume 1 (as heard in the lyrics to "Dreams"), changed the album title toThe Documentary, which featured Dr. Dre and 50 Cent as executive producers. The album spawned the hitsingles "How We Do" and "Hate It or Love It", the latter receiving two Grammy nominations.[23] The album debuted at number one on theBillboard 200 and was the sixteenth best selling album of 2005 in the United States.[24] It also debuted at number seven in the United Kingdom and sold over five million copies worldwide.[25] In October 2004, he releasedUntold Story through Get Low Recordz, which sold over 82,000 copies within its first three months.[26] The album featured artists likeSean T,Young Noble (of theOutlawz), and JT the Bigga Figga.[27] Game also appeared on various mixtapes hosted by DJ's such asDJ Kayslay,DJ Whoo Kid, andDJ Clue. Game also released a second mixtapeYou Know What It Is Vol. 2 through his own record label and appeared on the video gameNBA Live 2004 on a song produced byFredwreck called "Can't Stop Me".[28]
Later that year, the young rapperLil Eazy-E, son of rapper the lateEazy-E, entered a feud with Game. The two used to be close associates and recorded music together. Lil' Eazy-E has since directed numerous diss songs targeting the rapper and has expressed his anger over what he felt was Game's misuse of his father's name. Game responded by claiming that Lil' Eazy-E was trying to establish himself off the success he had made since releasingThe Documentary.[29] He released a song titled "120 Bars" where he claimed that Lil' Eazy-E does not write his own lyrics.[30] However, on the same track, Game stated that he would rather not feud with Lil' Eazy-E due to the deep respect he has for Lil' Eazy-E's father. Lil' Eazy-E later responded with "They Know Me". On October 30, 2006, Game went onKDAY and said that he and Lil' Eazy-E had ended their feud.
Dr. Dre's nemesis,Suge Knight, also had an ongoing feud with Game that stemmed from Yukmouth's claim that Game had been slapped by Suge Knight. Game responded on his website, saying that if Suge Knight had ever touched him, he would be "six feet under".[citation needed] After the 2005BET Awards show, associates ofDeath Row Records had their invitations to a party hosted byCiara rescinded. Supposedly, a member of Death Row Records tried to steal Game's chain. Game stated on his website that he disliked Suge Knight because of "the lives he has endangered". InMiami for the 2005MTV Video Music Awards, Suge Knight was shot and wounded atKanye West's party by an unknown gunman.[31] Game vigorously denied involvement in the shooting, but the incident renewed efforts to pacify hip hop feuds and Game has consequently been discouraged from attending certain events in hopes of averting retaliation.[32] Later, Game and various representatives of California's rap cliques formed a West Coast "peace treaty" to end many rivalries between West Coast rappers.[33] Although Suge Knight did not attend, he and Game declared their feud over.[citation needed]
In early 2005, Game entered a feud with G-Unit. Even before Game's major label debut was released and their feud became public, there was tension between Game and 50 Cent.[34] Soon afterThe Documentary's release, 50 Cent talked about an accident that occurred in thestrip club by stating that he felt that the rapper's actions of not partnering with50 Cent to react toFat Joe andJadakiss after theNew York song written byJa Rule were wrong and then booted Game out ofG-Unit. 50 Cent also claimed that he was not getting his proper credit for the creation of the album, as he had written six of the songs, all of which Game denied. During that dispute, a member of Game's entourage was shot during a confrontation that occurred at theHot 97 studio in New York City.[35] After the situation between them escalated, 50 Cent and Game held a press conference to announce their reconciliation.[36] Fans had mixed feelings as to whether the rappers created a publicity stunt to boost the sales of the two albums the pair had just released.[35] Nevertheless, even after the situation had apparently deflated,[37] G-Unit continued to feud with Game, denouncing his street credibility in the media and claimed that, without their support, he would not score a hit if he made a second album. Game responded during a performance atSummer Jam and launched a boycott of G-Unit called "G-Unot".[38]
After the performance at Summer Jam, Game responded with a song titled "300 Barz and Running'", an extended "diss" aimed at G-Unit as well as members ofRoc-A-Fella Records on the mixtapeYou Know What It Is Vol. 3. The track is unique in that it is nearly 14 minutes long, in which Game criticizes all members of G-Unit, amongst many others. 50 Cent responded through his "Piggy Bank" music video, which features Game as aMr. Potato Head doll and also parodies other rivals.[39] Since then, both groups continued to attack each other. Game released two more mixtapes,Ghost Unit and a mixtape/DVD calledStop Snitchin, Stop Lyin. 50 Cent's rebuttal was "Not Rich, Still Lyin'" where he mocks Game.[40] In addition, G-Unit started to respond on numerous mixtapes and then-new G-Unit memberSpider Loc began dissing Game. Game responded with "240 Bars (Spider Joke)",[40] a song mainly aimed at Spider Loc, but also addressingTony Yayo and rap groupM.O.P.,[40] and on the song "The Funeral 100 Bars".
The feud between Game andRoc-A-Fella Records grew out of an earlier rivalry withMemphis Bleek over the name of his label (Get Low Records), which was similar to the one Game was previously signed to (Get Low Recordz). On the single "Westside Story", Game raps that "I don't do button-up shirts or driveMaybachs", which was perceived as being directed towardsJay-Z, though Game stated it was directed towardJa Rule. Later Jay-Z performed a freestyle onFunkmaster Flex's radio show on Hot 97 and in it, he repeatedly used the wordgame, which some hip hop fans[who?] believed was directed towards Game. Game responded with "My Bitch" in which the first verse is directed atG-Unit, the second verse is directed atJay-Z and the third verse atSuge Knight.[41]
Due to his disputes with 50 Cent, Game leftAftermath Entertainment and signed withGeffen Records, another label underUniversal Music Group'sInterscope-Geffen-A&M division to terminate his contractual obligations with G-Unit in the summer of 2006. The rapper's second major-label albumDoctor's Advocate was released on November 14, 2006. This album was set out by Game to prove his success as an artist without the help of Dre or 50 Cent. While Game originally claimed Dr. Dre would still do production on the album in the November issue ofXXL magazine,[42] he admitted in September after theXXL interview was conducted during an interview on radio stationPower 105 that Dr. Dre would not be producing any tracks;[43] although four previously unreleased tracks produced by Dr. Dre were released on the Internet, no exact reason was given as to why they were not included on the album. The album debuted at number one on theBillboard 200, selling over 358,000 copies its first week.[44]
In October 2006, Game extended a peace treaty to 50 Cent, which was not immediately replied to.[45] However, a couple days later onPower 106, he stated that the treaty was only offered for one day. On Game's albumDoctor's Advocate, he says the feud is over on a few of the songs. The feud seemed to have gained steam after Tony Yayo allegedly slapped the fourteen-year-old son ofCzar Entertainment CEO Jimmy Rosemond. Game responded with "Body Bags" onYou Know What It Is Vol. 4.[46]Since Young Buck was dismissed from G-Unit by 50 Cent, there have been interviews from both Game and Young Buck stating they never had a problem with each other. In an interview Young Buck said he was aware of Game's support and that Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo did not reach out to him.[47]
Game appeared on106 & Park on May 16, where he confirmedLAX would be the last studio album he records. He had originally announced thatDr. Dre would be producing for the album, but neither Dr. Dre nor Aftermath Entertainment had confirmed. The album went head to head withheavy metal bandSlipknot'sAll Hope Is Gone on theBillboard 200 albums chart, seeing that both albums were released on August 22, 2008, therefore both albums were competing for the number one spot on theBillboard 200.LAX ended up debuting at number two on theBillboard 200, at first, it looked likeLAX had debuted ahead ofAll Hope Is Gone by 13 copies. Initially,Billboard published an article stating that the Game had secured the top spot with a margin of 13 units, in what was described as the "closest race for number one sinceNielsen SoundScan began tracking Data in 1991".[48] Slipknot's labelsWarner Music Group andRoadrunner Records asked for a SoundScan recount, a historic first. Nielsen proceeded to the recount, which placedLAX at number two with 238,382 copies, and Slipknot in the first position with 239,516 copies scanned, a margin of 1,134 copies. After the recount 12 hours later, the article was rewritten and Slipknot was awarded the number one spot.[48]LAX spawned four singles: "Game's Pain" with R&B singerKeyshia Cole, "Dope Boys" withBlink-182 drummerTravis Barker, "My Life" with rapperLil Wayne and "Camera Phone" with R&B singerNe-Yo. In the United States, the album has sold over 660,100 copies.[49]
It was confirmed in May 2009, that Game began working on a new album, titledThe R.E.D. Album[50][51] On June 26, 2009, Game released a song titled "Better on the Other Side" aMichael Jackson tribute, the day after Jackson's death. It featuresDiddy,Mario Winans,Chris Brown,Usher &Boyz II Men.[52] On October 3, 2009,Snoop Dogg posted a picture on his Twitter of himself,Dr. Dre and Game in the studio working together,[53][54] The picture was taken a day earlier and it marked the first time Game had worked with Dr. Dre for some years since the beef with former fellowG-Unit labelmate50 Cent caused him to release his two following albums onGeffen Records. Later in early January 2010 Game posted a twitpic of him wearing a lot of Aftermath chains with a caption saying "It's funny how things come Full Circle". Later he confirmed that he had returned toAftermath Entertainment.[55] He traveled toPristina, Kosovo for a concert, that according to him would be the greatest of his life. In an interview there, Game stated: "I love Albanians, If I could be reborn, I'd be reborn Albanian".[56] On June 3, 2011,Pitchfork Media announced that Game was working withOdd Future leaderTyler, The Creator on a track called "Martians vs. Goblins".[57] Finally released on August 23, 2011,The R.E.D. Album reached number one on theBillboard 200 with first-week sales of 98,000 units.[58]
Shortly after the release of the long-delayed eighth studio album, Game announced he had begun work on his ninth album. At the time titledSoundtrack to Chaos, he said the album would not feature him "name-dropping" or feature any artists as guests for vocals.[59] In March 2012, Game announced the album name had been changed toF.I.V.E.: Fear Is Victory's Evolution and that it could be his last album released under Interscope,[59] but on August 28 the rapper published a new title:Jesus Piece.
In an interview withMTV on November 8, Game revealed that asJesus Piece is his last album before his deal with Interscope comes to a close, he has had talks with bothMaybach Music Group andCash Money Records for a possible new record deal. He also stated that he would consider releasing music independently.[60]
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The album was released on December 11, 2012, with features fromLil Wayne,Big Sean,J. Cole,Jamie Foxx,Wiz Khalifa,Tyga andChris Brown among others. In promotion for the album Game started a free weekly music giveaway titled "Sunday Service". All the tracks are leftovers fromJesus Piece. Game also showed interest in making a future collaboration LP with Chris Brown.[61] Game explained the concept ofJesus Piece does not have a spiritual theme, but it would have a "Gangster" theme of enjoying life while also having faith in God.[62][63]Jesus Piece became Game's first album since the multi-platinum selling and critically acclaimedThe Documentary, to feature production fromDr. Dre. Game announced on social media that every Sunday leading up to the album that he would be dropping new music, which failed to make the album's final cut. Game compared the album's quality of production and high number of guests to his mentorDr. Dre'sThe Chronic 2001.[64] Upon release the album received generally positive reviews bymusic critics. Most reviewers have praised the production and guests and the album.[65]Jesus Piece debuted at number six on theBillboard 200 with first-week sales of 86,000 copies in the United States.[66] As of July 26, 2013, it has sold 281,000 copies according toNielsen SoundScan.[67]
On November 30, 2012, Game announced that he and fellow rapperStat Quo were starting a new record label titled Rolex Records. Both artists would use the label to release new music and sign other artists.[68] On October 1, 2013, Game announced he was officially leaving Interscope Records, and that he was now a free agent.[69] The following day he toldArtistdirect that him signing toCash Money Records was likely, and that a final announcement of a signing would probably come in January 2014. He also stated he had talked to Kendrick Lamar,Nipsey Hussle, and Snoop Dogg about possibly doing collaboration albums in the future.[70]
On October 8, the Game released his first project since leaving Interscope, a mixtape titledOperation Kill Everything.[71] The mixtape featured guest appearances byToo Short,Schoolboy Q, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne,Problem, Nipsey Hussle,Juicy J,Young Jeezy, Stat Quo, andTy$ among others.[72] The day after the mixtape's release, the Game spoke toXXL where he said, he had begun working on his ninth studio album, which will be executive produced by Cool & Dre. He mentioned he had also talked toWarner Bros. Records about a record deal, and was still possible that he would re-sign with Interscope.[73] Then the following day, the Game released a deluxe edition ofOKE to iTunes, featuring two bonus tracks, including "Hollywood" a song with Scarface.[74]
On October 12, 2013,Birdman announced that he had signed the Game to Cash Money Records, which Game later seemingly confirmed that same day.[75] On December 11, 2013, Game stated that he was not officially signed toCash Money Records stating "It's just trying to figure out what's the best for Cash Money, what's the best for Game at this point in his career. That's pretty much family and that's where I'm at, at this point", he said. "Nothing's written in stone, but that's where I'm leaning."[76][77]
On June 16, 2014, the Game released the compilation album,Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf's first single "Bigger than Me".[78][79] The song heavily samples rock groupPoliça's 2013 single "Warrior Lord". The following day, the Game announced that his sixth studio album, a sequel to his debut albumThe Documentary, would be arriving in January 2015, withDr. Dre returning as producer along withJust Blaze andScott Storch.[80] He also expressed interest in getting Nicki Minaj featured on the album.[81] The second single fromYear of the Wolf, titled "Or Nah" was released on July 1, 2014.[82][83]
On March 18, 2015, the Game announced thatThe Documentary 2 would be released June 30, 2015.[84] The album was pushed back to August 7.[85] On June 23, Game released the first single, titled "100" featuringDrake. Target began displaying the original artwork forThe Documentary 2 July 13, 2015. However, the release date was pushed back again, to August 28, then eventually to October 9.[86][87]
A week later on October 16, Game releasedThe Documentary 2.5 the second half ofThe Documentary 2.
The Game andSkrillex collaborated on a song named "El Chapo", which was released on October 9, 2015.[88]
On August 1, 2016, the Game ended his twelve-year feud with 50 Cent when the two were in the Ace of Diamonds Strip Club and he said "What happened, that shit was 12 years ago."[89]
On September 16, 2016, the Game released "92 Bars", a five-minute freestyle, used to promote his upcoming seventh studio album, but was also rumored to have been a diss towards rapperMeek Mill.[90][91] Previously, Mill and Game collaborated on 2015's "The Soundtrack".[92] Hours after the release of "92 Bars", Game admitted that the freestyle was specifically a diss towards Mill. The next day, the two rappers ended up in anInstagram exchange, with the Game cyber-flirting with Meek Mill's girlfriend,Nicki Minaj, as well as accusing him of calling the police, informing the authorities about a robbery involvingSean Kingston.[93] On September 18, Meek Mill released a diss track towards Game, a remix toYoung M.A.'s "Ooouuu" withOmelly andBeanie Sigel. Two days later, the Game responded with "Pest Control", using the same beat and sending shots at Meek Mill, Omelly, Beanie Sigel and Sean Kingston.[94][95] In 2018 the two reconciled after Mill's incarceration and subsequent release from prison. On October 27, 2017, the Game released the single "Oh I" featuringJeremih,Young Thug andSevyn Streeter.
From his1992 album, he released "True Colors/It's On", "All Eyez", "What Your Life Like", and "Baby You" featuringJason Derulo.
In December 2016, the Game announced that he is working on his next and final album.[96] On June 21, 2019, he released the first single of the album titled "West Side". On November 1, 2019, the Game released the second single, "Stainless", featuringAnderson .Paak. His ninth studio albumBorn 2 Rap was released on November 29, 2019, his fifiteth birthday.[97] It debuted at number nineteen on theBillboard 200.
In November 2020, The Game returned with the Lil Wayne-assisted "A.I. with the Braids", his first single sinceBorn 2 Rap.[98] In January 2021, The Game's manager,Wack 100, said toAllHipHop that although Game calledBorn 2 Rap his final album and showed interest in managing and signing artists during retirement, he is however is back in the studio working on a new project, tentatively titled30 for 30. No further details have been announced.[98]
In January 2022, the Game's feud with 50 Cent reignited after the latter critiqued Game'sDrink Champs interview withN.O.R.E., where he claimed that 50's former record sale competitorKanye West did "more for me in two weeks than [Dr.] Dre did for me throughout my entire career".[99] The Game responded, commenting that he enclosed the entirety of G-Unit as a group andclothing brand "in a casket", also expressing his likeliness in thePower television trilogy (which 50 Cent co-produces), but warning him to "leave [the past] alone or else... I'm outside #Numinati".[100] Then, two months later, in March, 50 Cent published a video via Instagram of Game being shunned by former Interscope Records CEOJimmy Iovine at a basketball game, poking fun of it while also commenting "50 wrote ya hits". The Game once again flamed 50 after the claims were brought back up and also bragged to "get [50's] girlfriend out of my DM's".[101][102] This was believed to have been a consequential result of Game claiming onDrink Champs to be "the best and a better rapper" than former Aftermath labelmateEminem, with whom 50 still remains close friends.[103][104] Additionally, Game's manager, Wack 100, has subliminally called out or questioned 50 Cent's credibility, over the rapper's surprise appearance at theSuper Bowl LVI halftime show and ghostwriting allegations.[105][106][107][108]
On July 15, the Game announced his eleventh album,Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind, revealing the cover art and the release date. The album was released on August 12, 2022. The album is executive produced by Hit-Boy, Kanye West, Wack 100 and others.[109] The album included guest appearances fromChloe Bailey,Rick Ross,ASAP Rocky, former rival Meek Mill,YoungBoy Never Broke Again,Big Sean,YG and twenty-two others throughout its 30-track listing; it also includes the Kanye West duet, "Eazy", which samples theEazy-E 1988 title track, "Eazy-Duz-It", as well as "The Black Slim Shady", which is a ten-minute diss towards Eminem.[110] YoungBoy Never Broke Again was originally featured on the album through a track titled "O.P.P.", but was later omitted from the track, due to a feature clearance issue regarding a $150,000 fee, according to Game's manager, Wack 100.[111][112] Selling 25,000 equivalent units in the first week, it debuted at number twelve on theBillboard 200, becoming Game's lowest-selling album in his career.[113][114]
In 2000, the Game appeared on the dating television showChange of Heart;[115] in the segment his partner criticized him for "acting macho when in reality is said to be sensitive." The episode came to an end where a mutual friend of the Game and his partner suggested in them staying together, the Game decided to stay together but was rebuffed by the offer when his partner agreed to a change of heart and the Game was subsequently dumped on TV.[116]
The Game also ventured into acting. In 2004, he had a minor role voicing the character "B-Dup" in the video gameGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas. He also voiced himself in the video gameDef Jam: Icon. In 2006, he made his film debut inWaist Deep as a character named "Big Meat".[117]
The Game was chosen to play and bought a large amount of shares for theInglewood Cobras, established in 2005 and playing in theAmerican Basketball Association basketball franchise team.[118] The team folded after playing fewer than five games in the ABA in the league's 2005–2006 season. The team was coached by formerNBA playerSean Higgins.[119]
The Game has also partnered with310 Motoring to create his own shoe, The Hurricanes.[120] A portion of the proceeds of the shoe were donated to the victims ofHurricane Katrina.[121] 310 Motoring ceased operations in 2008, thus ending production of the Hurricane shoe brand.[122][123]
In 2012–2013, he promoted his60 Days of Fitness challenge, a rigorous fitness and nutrition regime with his brother and trainer Byrd.[124]
The Game has, on several occasions, honored the memory of those who died during theArmenian genocide and has expressed his sympathy towards the events.[125] The Game is also an avid supporter ofBlack Lives Matter.
The Black Wall Street Records was an American independent record label founded in 2002, by the Game. The name "The Black Wall Street" is adopted from what was the racially segregated Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. During the oil boom of the 1920s, Greenwood was home to several successful and prominent African-American entrepreneurs.
Before The Documentary, Game dropped a series of mixtapes on his own label, The Black Wall Street. After leaving G-Unit Records, Game hoped to push The Black Wall Street to the mainstream to compete with his former label and labelmates. Though the label didn't released an official retail album, it did released several mixtapes including the "Black Wall Street Journal" and "BWS Radio" series. Former artists who have been on the label include:Vita,Ya Boy, andCharli Baltimore.
Blood Money Entertainment was an American independentrecord label. In December 2012, the Game founded a new record label, Rolex Records, alongside fellow rapperStat Quo.[126] Following its founding, he bought his entire team at the record labelRolex watches. After a six-month legal battle withRolex, he changed the name and logo of the record label to The Firm,[127] which then became Blood Money Entertainment.[81] The label has signed West Coast rappersSkeme, King Marie, Pharaoh Jackson and Dubb.[128]
Prolific Records was an American independent record label founded by the Game in the autumn of 2019. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Priscilla Rainey was granted ownership of the Game'svanity label, as well as royalties from his tenth studio album,Born 2 Rap (2019). This means Rainey now has full control over any salary the Game was receiving through his imprint.[129]
100 Entertainment is an American independent record label founded in 2021 by the Game and his manager, Wack 100.[130]
Taylor is the father of three sons and one daughter.
Taylor became a father for the first time in 2003 with the birth of his eldest child, Harlem Caron Taylor, just before the launch of his debut album,The Documentary. He later welcomed his son, King Justice, and daughter, Cali Dream, in 2007 and 2010, respectively. His fourth child, Blaze Taylor, arrived in 2024.[131]
Taylor announced that he was engaged to actress and model Valeisha Butterfield, the daughter of U.S. CongressmanG. K. Butterfield. The couple were set to marry in March 2007, but the engagement was called off in June 2006.[132]
After the couple broke off their engagement, Taylor became involved in a relationship with Tiffney Cambridge, a sixth-grade teacher.VH1 broadcast two seasons ofMarrying the Game, a reality television series about the Game and Cambridge, as they prepared to walk down the aisle. The relationship was "love at first sight" when Cambridge met Jayceon. Despite reservations regarding Taylor's career, the relationship lasted eight years, but no marriage plans materialized despite the series.[133] Cambridge accused Taylor of physical abuse throughout the relationship, which he denied.[134]
Taylor announced during the episode of the "Tacos & Shawarma" podcast that aired on Sunday, August 4, 2024, that he and Shaniece Hairston, the daughter of TV personality and modelEvelyn Lozada, are expecting their first child.[135] On Friday, December 6, 2024, Taylor shared a photo of his child on Instagram, disclosing that the child's name is Blaze Taylor.[136]
Game,Snoop Dogg, andTha Dogg Pound, weresued for assaulting a fan on stage at a May 2005 concert at theWhite River Amphitheatre inAuburn, Washington. The accuser, Richard Monroe Jr., claimed he was beaten by the artists' entourage while mounting the stage.[137] He alleged that he reacted to an "open invite" to come on stage. Before he could, Snoop's bodyguards grabbed him and he was beaten unconscious by crew members, including the rapper and producerSoopafly; Snoop and Game were included in the suit for not intervening. The lawsuit focuses on a pecuniary claim of $22 million in punitive andcompensatory damages,battery,negligence, andintentional infliction of emotional distress.[138] The concerned parties appeared in court in April 2009.[needs update]
On October 28, 2005, Game was charged withdisorderly conduct and resisting arrest inGreensboro,North Carolina. At one point, police said his companions werepepper sprayed when they surrounded officers in a threatening manner.[139] Mall security officers said the rapper was wearing a full-faceHalloween mask, filming shoppers, cursed loudly, and refused to leave when asked. Game continued to act up and was arrested, a police statement said. Game claimed that officers overreacted and that he did nothing wrong when he was pepper-sprayed by the mall security.[139] The five officers involved in the incident ended up suing Game fordefamation.[140] The officers were awarded $5 million in compensatory damages, which was upheld on appeal by theNorth Carolina Court of Appeals in February 2012.[141]
On May 11, 2007, Game was arrested at his home, reportedly in connection with an incident at a basketball game inSouth Los Angeles in February 2007. He is alleged to have threatened a person with a gun. The arrest took place after his home was searched for three hours. Game was released early the next day after posting $50,000 bail.[142] On January 9, 2008, a Los Angeles judge scheduled February 4 as the beginning date for Game's trial on assault and weapons charges.[143] After pleadingno contest to afelony weapons charge on February 11, Game was sentenced to 60 days in jail, 150 hours of community service, and three years ofprobation.[144]
In 2011, Game was refused entry to Canada for alleged gang ties in Los Angeles; concert organisers said he was associated with theBloods.[145]
On August 12, 2011, the Game decided to tweet his search for a supposed internship opening. In the message sent to his over 580,000 followers, he posted the number to call as the emergency line for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. The Game's fans jammed the line for hours. Initially, the Game denied any wrongdoing, saying the tweet was "a mistake". The Game then posted a message saying the sheriff's department can "track a tweet down but you can't solve murders!" A criminal investigation was launched stating that the Game could be charged for obstruction of justice. Despite all of this, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department issued this statement: "Based upon our investigation, as well as consultation with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the LASD considers the criminal investigation into this matter closed. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will not be seeking criminal charges." The Game issued an apology on CNN saying, "My sincerest apologies to the Sheriff's Department, it was a joke gone wrong."
On July 8, 2012,40 Glocc got into an altercation with the Game. In a video clip, allegedly shot by the Game via Game's iPhone during the fight, 40 Glocc is seen running into a bush after being beaten up by the fellow West Coast rapper.[146][147] Game defended what he did by saying he was retaliating for Glocc going up to rappersLil Wayne andPlies in the past with large entourages.[148] In October 2012, 40 Glocc filed a lawsuit for $4.54 million forassault andbattery, as well as damaging his reputation. This included $500,000 in pain and suffering; $500,000 in emotional distress; $750,000 in lost earnings; $2 million for punitive damages; $25,000 in medical expenses; and various other reasons. Since then, Glocc has gone on a smear campaign against the Game, releasing his diss "The Full Edit" in December 2012. Game has similarly addressed the situation in several interviews, claiming that filing a lawsuit of this nature "disintegrates your street cred".[149] In December 2012, 40 Glocc assaulted Game's manager Dontay "Taydoe" Kidd in Las Vegas, Nevada.[150] Glocc won the lawsuit and was awarded $3,000.
On April 30, 2014, Game andAtlanta rapperT.I. were involved in a verbally confrontational standoff with officers of theLos Angeles Police Department. According toBillboard, it was believed to have been disconcerted as a response to officers misconducting a group of bystanders afar from a nightclub the two artists were attending. In a video leaked byTMZ, T.I. and Game were forced out of the club which they nicknamed the "Supercut Club" (or "Supperclub") by LAPD officials, due to an investigation of a drug and gambling ring. The club's security guards were also present at the scene and refused the rappers' re-entries into the property to avoid more legal troubles. T.I. and Game were forced to stand back with the former yelling "Y'all got a lot of people beat up. We got good lawyers." One of the bystanders was forced to lay down with his hands over his head without warning and security kicked him repeatedly to try to get him back up in opposition. Another guard yelled, "He goes to jail tonight!". T.I. and Game were rumored to have been arrested for simple assault on a police officer and disturbing the peace, but were later released and with charges being dropped, but this was later denied by LAPD team members.[151][152][153][154]
In 2016, a judge ruled that the Game was liable for sexually assaulting Priscilla Rainey, then a contestant onShe Got Game, aVH1 reality show starring the Game.[155] Rainey claimed she had agreed to go on a date with the Game, believing it would be on camera; however, when she met the rapper at a Chicago restaurant, there was allegedly no production crew. The lawsuit further alleged the Game showed up to the date "highly intoxicated on alcohol and drugs (which was typical), and sexually assaulted the plaintiff [Rainey] on several occasions that night. This included him forcefully reaching his hand inside her dress to rub her bare vagina and buttocks".[156]
In 2019, an appellate court affirmed the entire $7.1 million judgment.[157] However, according to Rainey, the rapper failed to pay her any money in the years since she received the judgement. Rainey subsequently filed amotion, requesting the seizure of the Game's income, and in April 2020, she was granted ownership of the Game's independent record label Prolific Records, as well asroyalties from his 2019 album, Born 2 Rap. This resulted in Rainey gaining full control over any salary the Game would receive through his imprint label, which was launched in late 2019.[156] In November 2019, the Game had addressed his legal battle with Rainey during an appearance on Complex'sEveryday Struggle, calling Rainey a liar, and insisted he was never going to pay her.[156]
On December 30, 2023, Rainey was rewarded $7 million after the Game refused to pay her previous judgment.[158] A month earlier, a claim by Rainey was rejected of her alleging that the rapper was creating shell companies to avoid payment.[159]
In 2017, Game pleaded no contest to assaulting an off-duty police officer on March 29, 2015, during a basketball game at a Hollywood high school. Game, then 37, entered a no contest plea to one misdemeanor count each of criminal threats and battery, and also pleaded no contest to one felony count of grand theft, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. He was immediately sentenced to three years of formal probation, 120 hours of community service and 26 anger management counseling sessions, and a 6-month suspended sentence.
Game and an off-duty Los Angeles police officer were on opposing teams in a basketball game when the defendant intentionally fouled, then sucker-punched the victim who had just stolen the ball from the defendant and scored a basket. Game threatened to kill the victim once the defendant was ejected as a result of the punch, and on April 11, 2015, Game grabbed and threatened a man filming him being served with legal papers outside of his house and kept the victim's camera, according to the prosecutor.[160][161]
On July 30, 2024, a video leaked via social media of Game entering a restroom with three men and throwing a cream pie toward one of them. He then confronted the 22-year-old man for attempting to have a relationship with a 15-year-old boy, which he reminded him waspedophilia.[162] Game also threatened the person to "go kill yourself", before the supposed predator used thevictim playing card, claiming to have been sexually abused by older men in his childhood and also working at a theme park surrounding children.[163][164]
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Waist Deep | Big Meat | |
| 2007 | Tournament of Dreams | Troy | |
| 2008 | Street Kings | Grill | |
| The Adventures of tha Blue Carpet Treatment | Himself (voice) | ||
| Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club | G | ||
| 2012 | House Arrest | DeAndre | |
| 2025 | All-Star Weekend† | Tanner | [165][166] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Change of Heart | Himself | Episode: "Change of Heart" |
| 2005 | Punk'd | Himself | Episode: "Episode #5.1" |
| Made | Himself | Episode: "Nile Is Made Into a Rapper" | |
| 2006 | In the Mix | Himself | Episode: "Word Cup, And-1, ASCAP and Superman Returns..." |
| 2010 | Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business | Himself | Episode: "House of Blues" |
| The Greatest | Himself | Episode: "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" | |
| Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory | Himself | Episode: "Jingle Z" | |
| 2011 | The DUB Magazine Project | Himself/Host | Main Host |
| America's Next Top Model | Himself/Guest Judge | Episode: "Game" | |
| 2012–14 | Marrying the Game | Himself | Main Cast |
| 2015 | She's Got Game | Himself | Main Cast |
| 2016 | Hell's Kitchen | Himself | Episode: "17 Chefs Complete" |
| Dana White: Lookin' for a Fight | Himself | Episode: "Los Angeles" | |
| Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood | Himself | Episode: "Matrimony" |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | Mark "B-Dup" Wayne | Voice role |
| 2007 | Def Jam: Icon | Himself | Voice role and likeness |
| 2021 | NBA 2K22 | Himself | Voice role and likeness |
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Beef III | Himself | Supporting role |
| 2006 | Stop Snitchin', Stop Lyin' | Himself | Main role |
| Death Before Dishonor | Himself | Supporting role | |
| Black and Blue: Legends of the Hip Hop Cop | Himself | Supporting role | |
| 2007 | Life After the Math | Himself | Main role |
| Beef IV | Himself | Supporting role | |
| Rap Sheet: Hip Hop and the Cops | Himself[167] | Supporting role | |
| 2008 | Bridging the Gap | Himself | Supporting role |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Game | BET Awards –Best New Artist[168] | Nominated |
| Billboard Music Awards – Rap Artist of the Year[169] | Nominated | ||
| Billboard Music Awards – New Artist of the Year[169] | Nominated | ||
| MTV Video Music Award –Best New Artist in a Video – "Dreams"[170] | Nominated | ||
| "How We Do" (feat.50 Cent) | Billboard Music Awards – Rap Song of the Year[169] | Nominated | |
| "Hate It or Love It" (feat.50 Cent) | BET Awards –Best Collaboration[168] | Nominated | |
| MTV Video Music Award –Best Rap Video[170] | Nominated | ||
| 2006 | Grammy Awards –Best Rap Song[23] | Nominated | |
| Grammy Awards –Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group[23] | Nominated | ||
| 2007 | Doctor's Advocate | Ozone Awards – Best West Coast Rap Album[171] | Won |
| 2008 | The Game | Ozone Awards – Best West Coast Rap Artist[172] | Won |
…rapper The Game, born Jayceon Terrell Taylor, in 1979 (age 40)
The Game was raised in a notorious Crips neighborhood known as Santana Blocc. ... From an early age he witnessed his parents, both gang members...
The Game, who is 6 foot 4, was a star guard on the Compton High School [basketball] team
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| Other | |
