The Game Defends Blood Gang References

With an LP on the way entitled The R.E.D. Album and a single with Lil Wayne called “Red Nation,” one can see that West Coast rapper The Game is clearly making references to the notorious Bloods street gang. Yet when asked if he feels that his music supports the gang lifestyle, the Doctor’s Advocate doesn't seem to think so.

In an interview with Dub magazine’s July/August 2011 issue, Game said: “I just talk about my life experiences and keep fans listening. I flow with as much positivity as I can. I want to shed light on better things so fans can uplift themselves, which is why I always try speaking positively. That ‘keep your head up’ music. Tupac started that first with his songs like ‘Brenda’s Got a Baby’ and ‘Keep Ya Head Up.’ I’ve always wanted to be that type of rapper. Not the socially conscious ones, but I do kick wisdom in my flows.”

Back in May, MTV and BET banned Game’s video for “Red Nation,” deeming it too “gang-affiliated.” The Compton rapper claimed he was cool with the networks’ judgment. “I didn’t fight it,” he said, “I have kids and understand why the networks didn’t want to show it.” The video still went on to earn over 7 million views on YouTube since its debut nine weeks ago. “They may have banned it,” he said, “but it still blew up on the Internet.”

The R.E.D. Album is set to drop on August 23. In the meantime, Game collaborator, the producer Mars from 1500 or Nothin’, tweeted that Chuck Taylor will drop a mixtape, titled Hood Mornin, on August 1. —Henry Greenfield