Supporting a three-part television documentary series that bears its name,
Streets of Compton comes off as a street release from
the Game, running with a guest list that lacks superstars (
Problem, Boogie, and Payso are the biggest names here) and a small production team that includes Bongo, DeUno, and League of Starz. Think of it as an appendix, or extra, coming after his recent masterpiece(s)
The Documentary 2/2.5 and things get brighter, especially as "Support Compton" comes out of the gate with a rock-solid hook and up-to-the-minute ("Sit back with their heads bobbin', analyzing Kendrick") view of the city. Single "Roped Off" is a ghostly, dark highlight with
Problem and Boogie getting their showcase, and later there's the brilliant "Gang Signs," which breaks the rules of time by sounding like it is running backwards. The percussive bragger "Like Me" gives fans their uncompromising
Game lyrics as if the
G-Unit beef was back on, and if "For the Homies" sounds a shade below the tributes on
Documentary 2, it's really designed to usher guests Micah and Payso into the spotlight, and does so very well. All and all, a solid sideline release. ~ David Jeffries