Entertainment, Music - Marine Corps Times

Reviews: Game, DragonForce, Knowles

The Game

“LAX” (4 stars out of f)

Twenty years after N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton,” their musical godchild celebrates the hood life on his third - and reportedly last - album. In between bookend prayers by DMX, the controversial Compton native exalts West Coast thug culture, and Ice Cube shows up early on to give his nod of approval on “State of Emergency.”

Throughout, The Game flays rivals and trumpets his own skills and success. He attacks the beats - provided by the likes of J.R. Rotem, Kanye West, Cool & Dre, Scott Storch, Hi-Tek and DJ Toomp - with lyrical ferocity. His stellar guests - Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Raekwon, Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, Nas, Travis Barker - help him load a full clip of street-ready missives and radio-friendly jams.

Much like Lil Wayne earlier this year, “LAX”’s release was moved often as anticipation mounted. And again like Lil Wayne, The Game doesn’t disappoint. - Steve Jones

Download: “My Life,” “Ya Heard,” “Gentleman’s Affair,” “Game’s Pain,” “Letter to the King”

Skip: “Money”

DragonForce

“Ultra Beatdown” (2 stars)

Ax-shredding showpiece “Through the Fire and Flames” turned DragonForce into a “Guitar Hero” sensation, and now the U.K. speed demons seem determined to break the sound barrier on “Beatdown”’s throwdowns. The rapid-fire drums, high-velocity riffing and manic wails are even louder, faster and cheesier in marathons that revive hair metal with the kind of adolescent flamboyance and adrenaline spikes that Beavis and Butthead lived for. Carbon-based headbangers might prefer metal with more muscle and less bustle. - Edna Gundersen

Download: “The Last Journey Home”

Skip: “A Flame for Freedom,” “The Fire Still Burns”

Solange Knowles

“Sol-angel & the Hadley St. Dreams” (2½ stars)

At 22, Solange is determined to separate herself musically from big sis Beyonci, going for a mid-’60s/early-’70s Motown vibe. It works as a declaration of independence, but over-reliance keeps her identity from being fully established. Still, she’s moving in a good direction. Maybe next time, she’ll take bolder steps. - Steve Jones

Download: “I Told You So”; “I Decided, Pts. 1 & 2”; “Would’ve Been the One”

Skip: “6 O’Clock Blues”