The Game (rapper)
Game | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jayceon Terrell Taylor November 29, 1979 Compton, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Known for | West Coast hip-hop revival, albums The Documentary, Doctor's Advocate, LAX, The R.E.D. Album |
Jayceon Terrell Taylor (born November 29, 1979), professionally recognized as the Game or simply Game, is a rapper originating from Compton, California. His music journey commenced with mixtape releases under the guidance of West Coast rapper JT the Bigga Figga, followed by an independent debut album titled Untold Story in 2004. After being discovered by producer Dr. Dre, he signed with Aftermath Records. His first major-label project, The Documentary (2005), reached the top position on the Billboard 200 chart, earned double platinum status, and garnered two Grammy nominations, including for the popular single "Hate It or Love It" featuring 50 Cent.
As a prominent contributor to the revival of West Coast hip-hop during the 2000s, Game was strategically placed by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine into G-Unit. After conflicts arose with group leader 50 Cent, he departed from Aftermath and inked a deal with Geffen under Universal's Interscope Geffen A&M in 2006, effectively concluding his G-Unit affiliation. This move paved the way for his successful sophomore album Doctor's Advocate, which featured singles such as "It's Okay (One Blood)" with Junior Reid, "Let's Ride", and "Wouldn't Get Far" featuring Kanye West.
Game sustained both commercial success and critical acclaim through his third and fourth studio albums, LAX (2008) and The R.E.D. Album (2010), which peaked at number two and number one on the Billboard 200 respectively. His fifth album, Jesus Piece (2012), was his last release under Interscope, securing a spot within the top ten charts. Following this period, he independently released albums including The Documentary 2, The Documentary 2.5 (2015), and 1992 (2016). Although he declared his ninth album, Born 2 Rap (2019), would be his final project, he proceeded to release a tenth album titled Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind (2022), which received mixed critical responses.
Early life
Jayceon Terrell Taylor was born on November 29, 1979, in Compton, California, to parents George Taylor and Lynette Baker, both affiliated with the Crips gang. Raised in the Santana Blocc area controlled by Crips, he later joined the Cedar Block Piru Bloods through his brother’s influence. In a 2006 interview with MTV News, he described his family environment as dysfunctional. His older half-brother, George Taylor III (known as Big Fase 100), held a leadership position within the Cedar Block Piru Bloods in West Compton.
Taylor and his brother spent six years in foster care during their youth. He attended Compton High School where he excelled as a basketball guard before briefly enrolling at Antelope Valley College, Harbor Community College, and Cerritos College; however, he eventually left academia. By the early 2000s, Taylor was deeply involved in gang-related activities and drug trafficking.
Early career (2002–2003)
During late 2001 while recuperating from gunshot injuries, Game instructed his brother to collect classic hip-hop albums. Over a five-month period, he immersed himself in influential rap records and formulated a plan to initiate his music career. Alongside his older brother Big Fase, they established a record label that included artists such as Glasses Malone, Vita, Nu Jerzey Devil, and Game himself. His stage name was inspired by his grandmother’s admiration for the 1997 film titled The Game.
Early in his career, Game attended a hip-hop summit organized by Russell Simmons and Louis Farrakhan, where he connected with Bay Area producer JT the Bigga Figga. Together they produced music that was combined with verses from Nas to create the mixtape Q.B. 2 Compton. This mixtape attracted attention from Sean Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, who nearly signed him. Approximately five months later, Dr. Dre discovered this same mixtape and subsequently signed Game to his label Aftermath Entertainment in 2003. Following this signing, Game released the mixtape You Know What It Is Vol. 1.
Towards the end of 2003, Interscope Records CEO Jimmy Iovine alongside Dr. Dre arranged for Game to collaborate with 50 Cent and members of G-Unit to generate buzz around him while supporting G-Unit's expansion. Game appeared in the music video for 50 Cent’s "In da Club" and made cameo appearances in videos by artists including 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and Fabolous. Over the next two and a half years, he worked under Dr. Dre’s guidance to develop his debut major-label album.
The Documentary (2003–2005)
Although Game did not release an album during his tenure with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, he generated considerable buzz through various endorsements, such as advertisements for Sean Combs's Sean John apparel brand and a Boost Mobile commercial alongside Kanye West and Ludacris. He remained prolific on the mixtape scene, collaborating with artists like DJ Green Lantern, The Diplomats, and G-Unit. His debut single feature was on "Certified Gangstas" with Jim Jones and Cam'ron, which helped elevate his recognition on the West Coast.
On September 28, 2004, Game unveiled his first promotional single, "Westside Story", from his forthcoming major label debut. The album, originally named Nigga Wit' An Attitude Volume 1, was retitled The Documentary and had Dr. Dre and 50 Cent as executive producers. It showcased hit tracks like "How We Do" and "Hate It or Love It", the latter securing two Grammy Award nominations. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, ranked sixteenth among the best-selling albums in the U.S. for 2005, reached number seven in the UK charts, and achieved global sales exceeding five million copies. In October 2004, Game independently released Untold Story through Get Low Recordz, selling over 82,000 units within three months. This project featured appearances from artists such as Sean T, Young Noble of the Outlawz, and JT the Bigga Figga. Additionally, Game dropped a second mixtape titled You Know What It Is Vol. 2 under his own label and contributed "Can't Stop Me," produced by Fredwreck, to the soundtrack of the video game NBA Live 2004.
Later that year, Game became involved in a dispute with Lil Eazy-E, son of the late rapper Eazy-E. Although once collaborators, Lil Eazy-E criticized Game for exploiting his father's name, while Game accused Lil Eazy-E of riding the momentum generated by The Documentary. Game's track "120 Bars" questioned Lil Eazy-E's authenticity but maintained respect for Eazy-E's legacy. This conflict was publicly resolved by October 2006.
Game also maintained a prolonged feud with Suge Knight, Dr. Dre's adversary, originating from allegations that Knight had physically assaulted him. Game openly condemned Knight, citing concerns about the dangers Knight’s behavior posed to lives. Following the 2005 BET Awards, tensions intensified when associates of Death Row Records were barred from attending a party after an alleged attempt to steal Game’s chain. At the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards in Miami, Knight was shot during Kanye West’s event; although Game denied involvement, he faced restrictions at subsequent events due to fears of retaliation. Eventually, Game played a role in negotiating a West Coast "peace treaty" among California rappers aimed at easing hostilities; despite Knight’s absence from the meeting, both parties publicly declared their feud concluded.
Doctor's Advocate and feud with G-Unit (2005–2007)
In early 2005, Game entered into a highly publicized conflict with G-Unit, particularly targeting 50 Cent, rooted in disagreements over collaboration credits on The Documentary. After a confrontation at Hot 97’s studio, tensions escalated despite a short-lived reconciliation announced through a press conference. G-Unit continued to question Game’s legitimacy, prompting him to initiate a boycott dubbed "G-Unot" and release extended diss tracks such as "300 Barz and Running'" on his mixtape You Know What It Is Vol. 3. In retaliation, 50 Cent released the "Piggy Bank" video mocking Game. Both artists exchanged numerous mixtapes filled with disses—Game’s Ghost Unit and Stop Snitchin, Stop Lyin countered by 50 Cent’s "Not Rich, Still Lyin'". The rivalry also involved new G-Unit member Spider Loc and expanded to include Roc-A-Fella Records with diss tracks aimed at Jay-Z.
Amid disputes with 50 Cent, Game departed Aftermath Entertainment in 2006 and signed with Geffen Records to fulfill his contractual obligations. His sophomore major-label album, Doctor's Advocate, launched on November 14, 2006, was designed to demonstrate his capacity for success independent of Dr. Dre or 50 Cent’s involvement. Although initially suggesting Dre’s participation, Game later confirmed that Dre did not produce any tracks on this album. The release debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales surpassing 358,000 copies.
In October 2006, Game briefly extended an olive branch to 50 Cent but subsequently retracted it. Hostilities reignited following an incident where Tony Yayo allegedly assaulted a member of Game's management team, leading to further diss tracks from both camps. Despite Young Buck’s exit from G-Unit during this period, he maintained friendly relations with Game.
LAX and The R.E.D. Album (2007–2012)
During a May 16 appearance on 106 & Park, Game revealed that LAX would be his final studio album. Released on August 22, 2008, the album narrowly missed the top position on the Billboard 200, finishing second to Slipknot's All Hope Is Gone by a margin of 1,134 copies after a recount. LAX spawned four singles featuring collaborations with artists such as Keyshia Cole, Travis Barker, Lil Wayne, and Ne-Yo, and achieved sales exceeding 660,100 units in the United States.
In May 2009, Game commenced production on The R.E.D. Album, which included partnerships with Rick Ross and marked his reunion with Dr. Dre after several years apart. This album was released on August 23, 2011, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales totaling 98,000 copies.
Jesus Piece and OKE (2012–2013)
Game's eighth studio album experienced delays and was initially titled Soundtrack to Chaos before being renamed Jesus Piece, which was released on December 11, 2012. The project featured prominent guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Big Sean, J. Cole, Jamie Foxx, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, and Chris Brown. Its production and lineup drew comparisons to Dr. Dre's influential The Chronic 2001. To support the release, Game initiated a weekly music giveaway named "Sunday Service," offering unreleased tracks.
Upon release, Jesus Piece entered the Billboard 200 at number six with first-week sales of 86,000 copies and had sold over 281,000 copies by mid-2013. In November 2012, Game co-founded Rolex Records alongside Stat Quo; however, due to trademark conflicts with Rolex watch owners, the label was rebranded as The Firm and subsequently Blood Money Entertainment. This label signed several West Coast talents including Skeme and Dubb.
Game officially parted ways with Interscope Records in October 2013 and dropped the mixtape Operation Kill Everything (OKE), featuring collaborations with artists such as Too Short, Schoolboy Q, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne. He also discussed exploring new record deals with Warner Bros., Cash Money Records, or possibly returning to Interscope.
The Documentary 2, 1992 and feud with Meek Mill (2013–2018)
In October 2013, Birdman announced that Game had signed with Cash Money Records; however, by December Game clarified that no official signing had taken place and he was still weighing his options. June 2014 saw the release of "Bigger Than Me", which preceded announcements for his sixth studio album—a sequel to his debut—titled The Documentary 2, initially slated for early 2015.
Following multiple delays and promotional singles including "100" featuring Drake released in June 2015, The Documentary 2 was ultimately released on October 9 alongside its companion album The Documentary 2.5. The projects included collaborations with producers and artists such as Dr. Dre and Just Blaze.
In August 2016, Game publicly ended his twelve-year-long feud with 50 Cent. Later that same year, he became involved in a short-lived dispute with Meek Mill after releasing the diss freestyle "92 Bars". The two exchanged diss tracks and engaged in social media confrontations before resolving their differences in 2018.
From his album 1992, key singles included "True Colors/It's On", "All Eyez", "What Your Life Like", and "Baby You" featuring Jason Derulo.
Born 2 Rap (2019–2021)
In December 2016, Game revealed plans to create his final album. His ninth studio effort, Born 2 Rap, was released on November 29, 2019—coinciding with his fiftieth birthday—and entered the Billboard 200 chart at number nineteen. The album featured singles such as "West Side" and "Stainless", which included a collaboration with Anderson .Paak.
Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind and conflict with Eminem (2021–2022)
Game made a comeback in November 2020 with the single "A.I. with the Braids", featuring Lil Wayne. Despite announcing retirement after Born 2 Rap, he confirmed he was working on a new project named 30 for 30. Early in 2022, his rivalry with former adversary 50 Cent resurfaced, sparked by comments comparing Kanye West’s influence to that of Dr. Dre on his career. This disagreement played out through social media posts involving references to industry connections.
In August 2022, Game released his eleventh studio album, Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind, which was executive produced by Hit-Boy, Kanye West, and others. The extensive thirty-track album included collaborations with artists such as Rick Ross, ASAP Rocky, Meek Mill (previously a rival), Big Sean, among others. Notable tracks included the duet "Eazy" with Kanye West, which sampled Eazy-E’s iconic song, and a lengthy ten-minute diss track aimed at Eminem titled "The Black Slim Shady". Despite high-profile features, the album debuted at number twelve on the Billboard 200 and sold around 25,000 units in its first week—the lowest opening sales of Game’s career.
Other ventures
Early in his career, Game appeared on television shows including a memorable role on the dating program Change of Heart (2000). His acting credits include films like Waist Deep (2006), and he lent his voice to characters in video games such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) and Def Jam: Icon (2007).
He ventured into sports ownership by purchasing shares in the Inglewood Cobras, a basketball team competing in the American Basketball Association; however, the franchise ceased operations shortly after its launch.
A dedicated supporter of Los Angeles sports teams, Game is frequently seen attending games involving the NFL’s Rams.
Collaborating with luxury automotive brand 310 Motoring, he launched a sneaker line called The Hurricanes; proceeds from this initiative were directed toward Hurricane Katrina relief efforts before production ended due to the company’s closure in 2008.
Between 2012 and 2013, Game promoted health and wellness through his "60 Days of Fitness" challenge alongside his brother and trainer Byrd.
He has publicly backed Black Lives Matter campaigns and shown support for historical acknowledgments such as the Armenian genocide.
Record labels
The Black Wall Street Records was established by Game in 2002 as an independent label intended to compete in the mainstream following his departure from G-Unit; it mainly focused on releasing mixtapes rather than commercial albums. Artists formerly signed include Vita, Ya Boy, and Charli Baltimore.
Blood Money Entertainment originated from Rolex Records—created by Game and Stat Quo in late 2012 but renamed due to trademark conflicts—with signees like Skeme under its banner.
Prolific Records was launched by Game in fall 2019; however, legal decisions transferred ownership of this label along with royalties from Born 2 Rap to Priscilla Rainey following a settlement related to a sexual assault lawsuit.
100 Entertainment is an independent label founded in early 2021 by Game together with manager Wack 100, focusing primarily on nurturing emerging talent.
Personal life
Jayceon Taylor is a father to four children: Harlem Caron Taylor (born 2003), King Justice (2007), Cali Dream (2010), and Blaze Taylor (2024). He was once engaged to actress Valeisha Butterfield, but they ended their engagement in mid-2006.
Taylor spent eight years in a relationship with Tiffney Cambridge, which was featured on VH1’s reality show Marrying the Game. Cambridge accused him of physical abuse during their time together, allegations that he has consistently denied.
In August 2024, Taylor revealed that he was expecting his fourth child with Shaniece Hairston; their son Blaze was born later that same year.
Assault lawsuit
Game, alongside Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound, faced a lawsuit accusing them of assaulting a fan at a May concert. The plaintiff sought $22 million in damages for battery and emotional distress.
Criminal disorderly conduct
In October, Game was charged with disorderly conduct after an encounter where mall security pepper-sprayed him. Subsequently, the officers involved sued for defamation and were awarded $5 million in damages, a verdict that was upheld on appeal.
2007: Criminal assault and weapon possession charges
In May, Game was arrested for allegedly threatening an individual at a basketball game. He later pled no contest to a felony weapons charge in February, resulting in jail time, probation, and community service.
Banishment from Canada
Game was refused entry into Canada due to alleged connections with the Bloods gang.
Obstruction of justice via social media
He posted the emergency hotline number on Twitter, causing disruptions. After issuing an apology, the investigation was closed without any charges.
2012: Assault lawsuit=
Game became involved in a confrontation with rapper 40 Glocc, who filed a $4.54 million lawsuit alleging assault. The case concluded with Game being awarded $3,000 following legal proceedings.
2014: Standoff with Los Angeles police officers=
A confrontation occurred outside a Los Angeles nightclub involving LAPD officials. Despite rumors of an arrest related to disturbance claims, no charges were filed.
2015–2023: Sexual assault lawsuit
Priscilla Rainey filed a $10 million lawsuit accusing Game of sexual assault during a date arranged under false pretenses connected to VH1 show participation. The court found Game liable and awarded over $7 million in damages, which was affirmed on appeal. Rainey seized royalties from Game’s Prolific Records imprint after claims of non-payment led to disputes over asset control. These disputes were resolved against Taylor as recently as December 2023, enabling her to place liens on his property assets to enforce the judgment.
2017: Misdemeanor battery of off-duty police officer
Game pled no contest to battery charges stemming from an incident involving an off-duty police officer at a basketball game. He received probation, community service, and anger management sentencing.
Discography
- The Documentary (2005)
- Doctor's Advocate (2006)
- LAX (2008)
- The R.E.D. Album (2011)
- Jesus Piece (2012)
- The Documentary 2 (2015)
- The Documentary 2.5 (2015)
- 1992 (2016)
- Born 2 Rap (2019)
- Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind (2022)
Film
| Year | Title | Character | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| TBA | All-Star Weekend | Tanner |
Television
| Year | Title | Character | Remarks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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..." | |||
| 2010 | Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business | Himself | Episode: "House of Blues" | |||
| The Greatest | Himself | Episode: "100 Greatest Artists" | ||||
| Episode: "Jingle Z" | ||||||
| 2011 |The DUB Magazine Project |Himself/Host |Lead Host |- | America's Next Top Model |Himself/Guest Judge |Episode: "Game" |- | Marrying the Game |Himself |Primary Cast |- | She's Got Game |Himself |Primary Cast |- | 2016 |Hell's Kitchen |Himself |Episode: “17 Chefs Complete” |- | Himself |Episode: “Los Angeles” |- | Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood |Himself |Episode: “Matrimony” |
Video games
| Year | Title | Character | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | Mark "B-Dup" Wayne | Voice acting role | ||
| Def Jam: Icon | Himself | - | NBA 2K22 | Himself | Voice and likeness provided |
Documentaries
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Beef III | Himself | -
rowspan="3"|2006 |
Stop Snitchin', Stop Lyin | Himself | - | Death Before Dishonor | Himself | - | Black and Blue: Legends of Hip Hop Cop | Himself | -
rowspan="3"|2007 |
Life After the Math | Himself | - | Beef IV | Himself | - |
Rap Sheet: Hip Hop and the Cops |
Himself | Supporting part |- |
2008 |
Bridging the Gap |
Himself |
Supporting part |
Awards and nominations
|-
rowspan="7"|2005 rowspan="4"|The Game
|\[\[BET Awards\]\] – Best New Artist\n|\{\{nom\}\} |- |\[\[Billboard Music Awards\]\] – Rap Artist of the Year\n|\{\{nom\}\} |- |\[\[Billboard Music Awards\]\] – New Artist of the Year\n|\{\{nom\}\} |- |\[\[MTV Video Music Award\]\] – Best New Artist in a Video – "Dreams"\n|\{\{nom\}\} |- |"How We Do" feat. 50 Cent |\[\[Billboard Music Awards\]\] – Rap Song of the Year\n|\{\{nom\}\} |-
rowspan="4"|"Hate It or Love It" feat. 50 Cent
|\[\[BET Award for Best Collaboration\]\]\n|\{\{nom\}\} |- |\[\[MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video\]\]\n|\{\{nom\}\} |-
rowspan="2"|2006
|\[\[Grammy Award for Best Rap Song\]\]\n|\{\{nom\}\} |- |\[\[Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group\]\]\n|\{\{nom\}\} |- |-
|2007
| Doctor's Advocate
|\[\[Ozone Magazine\]\] – Best West Coast Rap Album\n|\{\{won\}\} |-
|-
|2008
|"The Game"
|\[\[Ozone Magazine\]\] – Best West Coast Rap Artist\n|\{\{won\}\} |
}
See also
External links
- Pages with script errors
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- 1979 births
- Living people
- African-American male actors
- African-American male rappers
- 21st-century American male rappers
- Aftermath Entertainment artists
- American male television actors
- American music industry executives
- Business figures from Los Angeles
- Bloods
- Compton High School alumni
- DGC Records artists
- MNRK Music Group artists
- G-Unit Records artists
- Gangsta rappers
- Geffen Records artists
- Interscope Records artists
- Male actors from Los Angeles
- Rappers from Compton, California
- Rappers from Los Angeles
- West Coast hip-hop musicians
- World Music Awards winners
- 21st-century American rappers
- 21st-century American male musicians
- 21st-century African-American rappers
- 20th-century African-American musicians