What makes Explicit Game by Dru Down notable?

Explicit Game received critical acclaim for its authentic representation of gangsta rap culture and solidified Dru Down's position within the West Coast hip-hop scene. The album featured tracks that became staples in the genre, influencing later artists and contributing to the continued popularity of G-funk. Upon its release in 1994, Explicit Game was Dru Down's debut studio album, marking his entry into the hip-hop scene following several appearances on other artists' tracks. Positioned within the burgeoning G-funk movement, this album showcased his distinctive blend of laid-back grooves and hard-hitting narratives.

How many songs are on Explicit Game?

Explicit Game has 15 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Explicit Game

Dru Down · 1994

71 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A gritty exploration of street life infused with funky beats and sharp lyricism that defines the G-funk era.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Pimp of the Year — This track encapsulates Dru Down's persona, blending catchy hooks with a raw narrative about street life and ambition that resonates throughout the album.
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Ice Cream Man — With its infectious beat and memorable chorus, this song stands out as a hallmark of the G-funk sound while illustrating themes of hustling and survival.
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Realer Than Real — This track showcases Dru Down's lyrical prowess, offering a reflective take on authenticity in a world filled with pretense, making it a pivotal moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of G-funk with its beats and lyrical themes, though it doesn't fully stand out in the genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong lead track that sets a gritty tone, followed by several tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove.
Many songs feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns typical of G-funk, enhancing the communal feel.
Several tracks incorporate funk samples and bass-heavy beats, creating a danceable yet raw sound characteristic of the era.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Pimp of the Year 4:14
2 Ice Cream Man 5:18
3 Rescue 911 6:37
4 Realer Than Real 4:29
5 Rigged 4:21
6 Bad Boys 5:40
7 Should Have Said So 6:13
8 Talkin' Shit 4:45
9 Ain't No Stoppin' 3:40
10 Hoo Ride 4:54
11 Call Me Dru Down 3:38
12 No One Loves You 4:00
13 Talk How You Feel 3:45
14 Fools From The Streets 5:11
15 Bonus Track 4:38

What to play next

Listen next

Can You Feel Me

1996

Go back to

Fools From the Street

1993

Full Dru Down discography Artists like Dru Down

G-funk gangsta rap hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata