The Game Says Earlier Versions Of “No Brakes” Weren't “Too Kind”

The Game's Tamer Album Version

The version of The Documentary III that reached streaming services may be softer than what The Game originally recorded. During an appearance at Real 92.3 L.A., the Compton rapper revealed that his collaboration with Drake, "No Brakes," went through several iterations, with some bars removed before release. He told the hosts, "There was about three versions and some other versions, they weren’t really too kind," as reported by HotNewHipHop and VICE.

The Game explained that he altered the album extensively to keep attention on the music rather than the surrounding conflict. He said, "I pulled certain things off the album. I altered the album a lot to make sure the focus would be more on music and less on B.S." When asked if the revisions were meant to protect specific people, he widened the explanation: "Maybe it was just to protect the [west] coast as a whole. I think it was better to deliver an album full of music, with no beefs. I don't think I'm dissing anyone on the album."

The Collaboration and Its Context

"No Brakes" pairs The Game with Drake at a time when The Game's relationship with Kendrick Lamar has become a topic of debate among West Coast rap fans. On the track, The Game raps, "Me, Drake and a Draco, we the Three Amigos… N*a said pick a side, then I'm picking homicide," a line that some fans interpreted as picking a side. HotNewHipHop reported that the line "If I have to pick a side, I'm choosing homicide" fueled speculation, though The Game insisted he wasn't attacking his fellow Compton rapper.

The Game addressed the line during his Real 92.3 L.A. interview, explaining he didn't need to pick sides. "With picking a side, I don't got to pick a side," he said. He offered a more existential take: "When I say pick a side, pick homicide." He also noted that he's remained in Los Angeles throughout his career, never moving away despite deaths in his community.

No Beef with Kendrick Lamar

The Game made it clear he holds no ill feelings toward Kendrick Lamar. At his album release party, he said he had helped people like Kendrick in the past but could no longer reach them. He also spoke about his loyalty to Drake, explaining that his relationship with Drake was strong and separate, and he couldn't turn his back on it.

Despite his reassurances, some fans argued that The Game dissed Kendrick on the album. On "LA Monster," The Game raps, "The GNX scare the hoes away," a lyric VICE noted as a possible reference to Kendrick's GNX album. The Game responded, "You can take [the lyrics] and make it what you want. I've seen people create their own narratives. I'm not where they are. We gotta get out of this realm of taking everything personal," while adding he can't blame anyone for having an opposing opinion.

Unheard Versions Remain a Mystery

The Game did not disclose which lyrics were removed, who delivered them, or whether alternate recordings will surface, as noted by HotNewHipHop. What remains unheard may now be as interesting as what made the cut, leaving fans to wonder what the harder-hitting versions of "No Brakes" might have sounded like.

Perspectives

The Game

The Game maintains that he doesn't think he dissed anyone on the album, emphasizing that his goal was to deliver music without beefs and protect the West Coast. He frames the "pick a side" line as existential rather than personal, and insists he has no beef with Kendrick Lamar.

Fans and Interpretation

Some fans and observers interpreted lyrics on the album, particularly on "No Brakes" and "LA Monster," as subtle disses toward Kendrick Lamar, despite The Game's denial. The Game acknowledges that fans create their own narratives and can have opinions opposite of his.