Calling out the chorus of opinions is something the game, pun intended, needs more of. Okay, so The (actual) Game is not staying quiet about where he landed on Complex’s recent ranking of the 50 best rappers to come out of Los Angeles. The Compton native, never one to bite his tongue, took to social media to voice his frustration after being placed at number 11.
“Game at 11 is nasty work…” he tweeted. “I’ll bust that whole list ass!!!”
That part.
Get this, the ranking was put together by a team of writers and cultural voices, sparking plenty of conversation among hip hop fans. While some celebrated the list for honoring both legends and new innovators, The Game clearly felt his impact and lyrical ability were being underestimated.
Naturally, at the top of the list is none other than Kendrick Lamar. The Pulitzer Prize winner has long been considered one of the greatest voices of his generation. With Section.80, good kid, m.A.A.d city, and beyond, Kendrick has mastered the balance between deep storytelling and commercial success. His pen remains razor sharp and his cultural footprint only grows.
Yeah. Yeah.
But wait, the rest of the top tier reads like a who’s who of Los Angeles rap royalty. Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre sit high on the list. Each of them played a pivotal role in shaping West Coast hip-hop. Dre crafted the sonic landscape that elevated an entire coast. Cube brought street realism to the mainstream. Snoop made gangsta rap cool, smooth, and global.
Our good friends at Complex also made sure to honor the pioneers. DJ Quik earned his place with G-funk grooves that helped define an era. Ice T stood tall as one of the original voices of street narrative rap long before it became a category. These names paved the way for everything that followed.
Moreover, the list also highlighted a new wave of talent. Tyler the Creator carved his lane with genre-flipping creativity and a fearless artistic vision. Doja Cat brought a polished pop touch while still representing her Los Angeles roots. The sounds may have shifted, but the city’s spirit remains at the core.