It’s a celebration this week with The Game’s “Celebration” featuring Chris Brown, Tyga, Lil’ Wayne and Wiz Khalifa. I never got into The Game but I am familiar with his connections to the legendary Dr Dre and his problems with… well… everyone. This track comes from his soon to be released third album
The Game
Jesus Piece. Judging from the album and song titles, there seems to be a general theme focusing around religion. Seeing as how most religious figures are not particularly amused with rap music, we shall see how much controversy is caused by its release.
We open with a synthy acoustic guitar/harpsichord and some very old school synth bass. The 909 style drums drops in and produce a very mellow but upbeat atmosphere. It apparently features a Bone Thugs-n-Harmony song of which The Game is fond. The beat creates a feel good atmosphere that goes well with the general theme of the song, being high and celebrating. As with most modern hip-hop, the beat stays the same throughout the song. Not much left to say here. Its an old school beat, its relaxing and it’s a good set up for a hit single.
What keeps it from being a huge radio single is the subject matter. The chemistry is perfect. We have huge stars in the hip hop industry and a great beat. It is a shame this song will never make it un-edited to mainstream radio. The obvious swear words could be covered, but overall, the majority of the song is blatantly about drug use, and the term “high” is used in excess of 20 times.
Tyga (left) and Lil Wayne (right)
The first verse, which is put down after the hook is set, features the lead artist The Game, who’s work I have never been particularly fond of. He talks of his personal celebration, hot women, champagne and hydroponic marijuana. He is particularly fond of a “country thick”, well put together, well-educated woman who makes her own money. Next we revisit the chorus and move on to verse two, which highlights Chris Brown. He presents his characteristic half sing, half rap style with the help of a little bit of pitch correction. His verse is more about being in lust with a stripper with whom he plans to celebrate. Without chorus, we move onto a verse from a personal favorite of mine, Tyga. He continues to talk about sex and drugs in detail and the girl waiting for him at home that is inexplicably naked. Lil Wayne is up next and for the first time in the song, we hear something interesting. His odd metaphors that may or may not make any sense are a welcome change to the monotony. The theme stays the same, but at least it is presented in an interesting way. Wiz Khalifa gets a short verse that serves as more of a bridge and we proceed once again to the chorus, which closes out the song.
Overall, we have a fun and relaxed beat with a 90’s vibe and a song about drugs and women. Not particularly original, but not bad. The Game is the worst part of the song, and it is his song. Stacking superstars to fill out the rest of the first verse is a surefire way to produce a successful single. It will be interesting to see how much the song can be edited to fit the radio.
Remember Rap culture in the 90's?