The Game

The Game, the heavily hyped emcee representing Compton debuted with a bang, kicking off 2005 with his first major label album The Documentary. His success is practically guaranteed, thanks to a strong allegiance with Dr. Dre (who signed him to Aftermath and produced several tracks), and profitable partnerships with Eminem, 50 Cent and G Unit. A self-proclaimed member of the Bloods, his rap career started in 2003 after getting shot and left for dead in a drug-related robbery at his home. Recovering from his wounds, he listened to dozens of classic hip-hop albums and decided to become a rapper. The studying paid off, as Game's 2005 debut, The Documentary, is widely considered among the best West Coast hip-hop album of this decade. A much-publicized split with Fiddy (complete with random gunplay) helped both parties sell more records, but unfortunately it also forced a split with Game's mentor, legendary producer Dr. Dre, who was financially entangled with 50. The Game spent the next year professing his undying love and respect for the good Doc, but it was all for naught and Dre didn't contribute one beat to 2006's oddly named The Doctor's Advocate. Still, the final joke may have been on Dre, as the album received widespread critical praise.