The Game isn’t holding back—again. The outspoken West Coast rapper lit up social media this week after Complex dropped their latest ranking, “The 50 Best L.A. Rappers of All Time.” And let’s just say, he’s not feeling the love.
The Game Calls Cap on Complex’s “Disrespectful” Ranking
The Compton-bred artist, born Jayceon Taylor, came in at #11—a placement that sent him into full clap-back mode.
“Game at 11 is nasty work…” the rapper tweeted.
“I’ll bust that whole list ass!!!”
Known for his lyrical prowess and deep roots in the West Coast scene, The Game felt his catalog speaks for itself—and that ranking him outside the top 10 was a major insult.
The tweet went viral fast, with fans and hip-hop heads chiming in on whether The Game had a point.
Who Took the Top Spot? Kendrick Lamar Reigns Supreme
At the top of Complex’s list? None other than Kendrick Lamar. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper has long been celebrated for redefining conscious rap and pushing lyrical boundaries. Since Section.80, K-Dot has delivered genre-defining albums and turned Compton into a global cultural symbol once again.
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“No one’s pen hits like Kendrick’s,” one fan commented.
“He deserves that top spot.”
Kendrick’s placement wasn’t met with much controversy—his dominance in the rap game is hard to deny. But for The Game, being placed ten spots behind his fellow Compton native stung.
Legendary Names Fill Out the Top 10
Complex’s list wasn’t just about current streams and TikTok virality—it celebrated impact. Right behind Kendrick were the OGs who helped define the sound of the West Coast:
- Snoop Dogg
- Ice Cube
- Dr. Dre
These hip-hop giants didn’t just contribute bars—they built the entire blueprint. Dre’s production launched empires, Cube’s storytelling gave a voice to South Central, and Snoop’s laid-back charisma made gangsta rap a global export.
“Without Dre, there is no Kendrick. No Game. No nothing.”
— Music historian Justin Hunte
Other legendary figures like DJ Quik, Ice-T, and Nipsey Hussle were also honored in the top rankings, giving love to the pioneers who helped shape L.A.’s hip-hop legacy long before it was trending.
The Game’s Legacy: Does He Deserve a Higher Rank?
Let’s talk facts.
The Game debuted with the classic The Documentary in 2005—a project that put West Coast rap back on the map during an East Coast and Southern domination. His collaborations with 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Dr. Dre became instant anthems.
Since then, he’s dropped over 10 albums, launched viral beefs, and stayed in the cultural conversation for nearly two decades.
So, was Complex really trippin’?
“Game ain’t just a rapper—he’s a soldier for the coast. Put respect on that,” a Twitter user wrote in support.
Still, critics say that while The Game has bars, his reputation for drama and name-dropping may have hurt his ranking in the eyes of curators trying to spotlight legacy over clout.
Who Else Made the List? A Fusion of Old & New
Complex’s ranking wasn’t just about history—it bridged generations:
- Tyler, The Creator: A genre-defying artist who evolved from rebellious teen to Grammy darling.
- Doja Cat: Controversial but undeniably talented, Doja brings pop finesse with L.A. roots.
- Vince Staples and Roddy Ricch also made appearances—proof that L.A.’s new school has just as much to say.
And of course, Nipsey Hussle’s inclusion drew emotional praise. Complex didn’t just rank him for his music—but for The Marathon blueprint he left behind, fusing entrepreneurship with community empowerment.
“Nip was more than music—he was movement,” one fan commented on Instagram.
The Game’s Frustration Isn’t New
This isn’t the first time The Game has voiced frustrations over being overlooked or underrated. He’s long claimed that the industry underappreciates his contributions, and he’s not afraid to say it—loudly.
In the past year, he’s also called out the GRAMMYs, Eminem, and even Dr. Dre over creative and career grievances. The Complex list was just the latest spark to set him off.
But unlike other artists who get salty and stay silent, The Game uses controversy as fuel—something he’s mastered since day one.
What Fans Are Saying Online
The internet has opinions—and they’re not shy about them:
???? “Game absolutely deserves top 5. His impact is undeniable.”
???? “He’s got bars, but Kendrick and Cube have deeper catalogs.”
???? “Game arguing again? Must be album season.”
One thing’s clear: the debate isn’t dying down anytime soon.
The Final Word: Did Complex Get It Right?
Complex called their list a “love letter” to Los Angeles rap—a celebration of culture, bars, and legacy. But for artists like The Game, who have poured blood, sweat, and verses into representing their coast, anything less than top-tier placement feels like a diss.
Still, lists are subjective. And whether you agree with The Game or not, he’s definitely keeping the conversation going.
What Do You Think? Should The Game Have Ranked Higher?
???? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
???? Stay tuned for more hip-hop heat and exclusive celebrity updates.
