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. Dot Music
    50
    The overriding impression is that “The Documentary” could be the biggest fanboy album of all time... and that The Game, as much as he thinks he’s a player, is being played by others far more powerful than himself.
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    If you're going to be literal and heartfelt, you'd better have something to say, and that's where the twenty-five-year-old rapper often falls short.
  3. The A.V. Club
    60
    Lots of great rappers draw inspiration from hip-hop classics, but The Game seems to be equally influenced by an almost obsessive-compulsive need to rattle off classic album titles.
  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    This album is legitimately well made, and despite his limitations as a rapper, The Game has skill enough to support his charisma.
  6. Village Voice
    40
    A rep-building, played-out retread of gangbang reveries set to so-so def beats by this hiphop minute's latest multiplatinum matinee thug-idol for the girls-gone-wild set.
  7. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    42
    This no-talent is masscult rock at its most brazen.

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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