LAX is conceived as a collage-like portrait of Game’s past and present life in Southern California, as “LAX Files,” “Cali Sunshine,” and “House of Pain” weave references to local avenues, neighborhood flavors, and people. Cloning of sim software. “Ya Heard,” “Let Us Live,” and the brilliant Kanye West production “Angel” echo the bass-heavy, squiggly-synth sounds so beloved by fans of L.A.

Compton’s MVP puts it down for his ‘hood and his reputation on this ambitious sequel to his 2005 breakthrough album. You get the feeling Game’s in a reflective mood—“On Me,” “Step Up,” and “Don’t Trip” are filled with vintage samples and battle rhymes that's pure catnip for old school hip-hop heads.

“Made in America” and “Just Another Day” finds Game in his element, daydreaming about the past and his dreams for the future. His versatility shines as he seamlessly drops bars with Q-Tip (“Circles”) and Future (“Dedicated”), flows over a Mike Will Made-It track (“Summertime”), and flexes over DJ Premier and Dr. Dre boom-bap (“The Documentary 2”). Compton’s MVP puts it down for his ‘hood and his reputation on this ambitious sequel to his 2005 breakthrough album. You get the feeling Game’s in a reflective mood—“On Me,” “Step Up,” and “Don’t Trip” are filled with vintage samples and battle rhymes that's pure catnip for old school hip-hop heads. “Made in America” and “Just Another Day” finds Game in his element, daydreaming about the past and his dreams for the future.

His versatility shines as he seamlessly drops bars with Q-Tip (“Circles”) and Future (“Dedicated”), flows over a Mike Will Made-It track (“Summertime”), and flexes over DJ Premier and Dr. Dre boom-bap (“The Documentary 2”).