The Documentary
by The Game
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. AllMusic
    80
    The most remarkable aspect of the Game is how he can be such a blatant product of gangsta rap (okay, let's say fanboy) and leave a mark so fast.
  2. Amazon.com
    80
    It doesn't even matter much that he's a B minus rhyme spitter, or that he spends way too much studio time name dropping.
  3. E! Online
    83
    Amazingly solid.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Production biggies have brought some truly tasty heat rockets to the table, nearly rendering Game's well-studied, adaptable flow an afterthought. [28 Jan 2005, p.82]
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  6. Pitchfork
    83
    The end result is a rich, triumphant sonic tapestry; you can hear every dollar that went into it.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    75
    This CD is easy to enjoy because it's a triumph of production and persona over performance. [23 Jan 2005]
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  8. Stylus Magazine
    83
    For something so obviously and deeply grounded in marketing, it’s still an outstandingly solid and enjoyable debut.
  9. Billboard
    80
    While some songs don't click ("We Ain't" featuring Eminem), "The Documentary" still shapes up as one of the best rap albums of the year thus far.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    It's The Game's candour that is his unbridled strength. [29 Jan 2005, p.59]
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  11. PopMatters
    80
    He's a self-conscious, malicious, nihilistic gangsta rapper with a heart and lyrical content.
  12. Spin
    83
    Almost lives up to the hype. [Mar 2005, p.92]
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  13. Blender
    80
    The Documentary is like a hip-hop Jurassic Park: a big-budget homage to a place most of us thought was ancient history. [Apr 2005, p.118]
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  14. Uncut
    70
    A mostly rich and involving experience. [Apr 2005, p.98]
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Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Discussed Album of 2005
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 120
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 120
  3. Negative: 5 out of 120
  1. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 4, 2012
    10
    This is a classic album. hip-hop needs people like The Game To revive hip-hop and the westcoast. The Game is on a mission to bring back WestThis is a classic album. hip-hop needs people like The Game To revive hip-hop and the westcoast. The Game is on a mission to bring back West Coast back to fame and he's going to do it if he creates classics like The Documentary & L.A.X.… Full Review »
  2. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    9
    This album is honestly elite and 100% a west coast classic. If you like west coast hip hop you need to check this album out.

    Best songs:    This album is honestly elite and 100% a west coast classic. If you like west coast hip hop you need to check this album out.

    Best songs: Westside Story / Dreams / We Ain't    … Full Review »
  3. Infxmouss
    Apr 4, 2021
    9
    A fantastic album from a fantastic rapper. Honestly underrated as an album!
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