The Game styles himself as the heir apparent to his uncompromising gangsta-rap forefathers, and he makes those connections explicit on the brutal, thoughtful cuts buried on his albums. Over a grim, mournful beat, “Runnin'” juxtaposes a soulful hook with the rapper's violent, street-level stories, while the smooth handclaps of “Game's Pain” punctuate his tribute to the legendary MCs who influenced his style.