1992 (album)

Background

Two months after releasing his previous double album The Documentary 2 and The Documentary 2.5 respectively, The Game took to Instagram to announce his next project entitled "1992". Without saying too much about the album, he did reveal the album will have no guest appearances and the project will be executive produced by Nigerian producer and frequent collaborator Bongo. The album's artwork was designed by Joe Cool, famed artist who is most famous for designing the cover of Snoop Dogg's famed album Doggystyle.

Recording and production

Explaining the concept of the album in an interview, The Game says the album is based on his personal experiences as a 12 year old growing up in Compton, California and the surrounding events including the LA Riots, O.J. Simpson's murder trial and the 1992 NBA All-Star Game. Aiming to perfect and utilise story telling in his lyrics, hip-hop artist Nas coached The Game in this aspect by speaking daily, listening to and sending back and forth tracks from the album. Long time collaborator and record producer Bongo is also described as having helped complete the album and providing production for the project. Talking about the album, Bongo describes it as having the approach of Golden age hip-hop in a way younger audiences can relate to and enjoy it.

Release and promotion

On June 20, 2016, the lead single All Eyez produced by Scott Storch and featuring American singer Jeremih was released. The song was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio on July 12, 2016 and has since peaked at number 79 on US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video was shot in Malibu by director Benny Boom. The video stars The Game himself as well as Jamaican Canadian recording artist / model Kreesha Turner with appearances by Jeremih and Scott Storch. It premiered on August 16, 2016 on Vevo.

Upon completion of the album, The Game embarked on his "1992: Block Wars Tour" in an effort to promote the album. The tour running from August 26, 2016 until October 6, 2016 involved an array of shows in various cities across the US. The European stretch of the tour is due to take place in the following winter. On September 15, 2016, the album became available to pre-order on iTunes. Along with this, the track list consisting of 13 songs was revealed and the song "True Colors / It's On" became available as an instant download with a pre-order. The song features production from Bongo and vocals from underground Los Angeles rap artist Osbe Chill.

A week later while performing at a Miami beach nightclub, The Game publicly threatened Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill on-stage. The following day, the song "92 Bars" premiered on Power 105.1. The song contained numerous lyrics aimed at Meek Mill including comments about Meek's relationship with Nicki Minaj and his feud with rap superstar Drake. This prompted Meek to respond to Game on a remix of Young M.A.'s song, "Ooouuu" with appearances by fellow rappers Omelly and Beanie Sigel. The song was released on September 18, 2016. Following this, The Game made his own remix of the same song titled "Pest Control". Taking shots not only at Meek, but affiliates Omelly, Beanie Sigel and Sean Kingston for their involvement in the beef, the song was released two days after Meek's remix on September 20, 2016. A music video for "Pest Control" was shot in Brooklyn and Baltimore. The video premiered on Worldstar Hip-Hop on September 27, 2016.

"Baby You" became available as an instant download with a pre-order starting September 30, 2016. The song features vocals from American singer Jason Derulo, while production was handled by Miami-based production duo and long time collaborator Cool & Dre.

Commercial performance

1992 debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 with 2,000 album-equivalent units, marking the second highest debut of the week. It was the second best-selling album of the week, selling 10,000 copies in the week ending October 20, according to Nielsen Music. It is The Game's ninth top ten album on the Billboard 200 chart. The Game ties Tupac Shakur and Lil Wayne for the third-most number one, among hip-hop acts, on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with 1992, marking his eighth chart-topper. 1992 is The Game’s sixth album to appear on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in 2016, more than any other act. The album also became The Game's eighth solo album in a row to top the Top Rap Albums chart, extending his record for the most chart-toppers by a solo act in the chart. 1992 is the third project by Game to debut on the Billboard Independent Albums at number one in one year. The album was also streamed 7.9 million times in the first week in the US. The album debuted at number 38 on the UK Album Chart, Game's seventh UK top 40 album, and third number one on the UK R&B Chart.

Critical reception

1992 received generally positive reviews from most music critics.

Track listing