Critics and Fans Weigh In on The Game's 'Jesus Piece'

Yesterday The Game dropped his highly-anticipated new album, Jesus Piece.

The 13-track album features a who's who of hip-hop, with guest verses from the likes of Kanye West, Common, Meek Mill and Lil' Wayne. "It’s just balancing that belief with the streets. In the ’hood, you pray and rock Jesus pieces but at the same time, you gotta do what you gotta do to survive. We’re still fighting the devil. That’s basically what it’s about," the rapper described in his recent sit down with VIBE.

Now, critics and fans alike are weighing in on the album. Across the board, early reviews seem to be strong. Music hub Artist Direct gave the album 5 out of 5 stars and stating "Game takes rap to a divine place." The Huffington Post lauds Game for not being outshined by his cavalcade of guest features. On the topic of how The Game balances religion with gangsterism on the effort, The Washington Post cheekily writes, "The album is a bold, thought-provoking collection of songs, most of which ponder whether one can smoke a little weed, hit the strip club on occasion, knowingly do the wrong thing to make ends meet and still have a relationship with God." Although it's his fifth studio album, The LA Times applauds the hometown boy for his Kendrick Lamar-esque sensibilities. "Game, who spends his new record pondering the gangsta's paradigm with a Lamar-like eye toward faith and family."

Comedian Kevin Hart, who appears on skits on the album, gave Jesus Piece Twitter love as did collaborator Big Sean. Perhaps the biggest shout out came from The Game's mentor, the OG Dr. Dre, who texted his support: "“Your album is Dope,” wrote Dre. “The song with the D’Angelo sample ['All That'] is fuckin Crazy. Great job. Congratulations!!!!” --Sowmya Krishnamurthy