Though in form a compilation album for Rap Junkie Records, Independent Game actually functions more like another B. Down album. The Los Angeles-based rapper/entrepreneur handles most of the songs on the album -- to be exact, B. Down either writes, co-writes, or produces 15 of the album's 17 songs. So there's a good chance if you've enjoyed B. Down's past albums -- Rap Tactics and The L.A. Rap Junkie -- then you'll probably enjoy this compilation as well. Some of the other rappers making appearances include Blue Steel, Poppin' Fresh, Drastic, J. Dandridge, Mr. Sinatra, Big Rags, and more. The music is very much grounded in the West Coast gangsta rap idiom, particularly the Los Angeles strain. B. Down isn't particularly gangsta, but his roster of guests definitely is. ~ Jason Birchmeier