Veteran West Coast rapper The Game has confirmed that he’s dropping his first ever Gangsta Grillz mixtape, and surprising many he’s tapped Kanye West for a new track titled “Crack Music 2.” The mixtape, hosted by legendary DJ DJ Drama, signals a major return for The Game and offers fans a nostalgic yet fresh collaboration with one of hip‑hop’s biggest names.

What Is “Gangsta Grillz” — And Why This Matters for The Game
“Gangsta Grillz” is the iconic mixtape brand hosted by DJ Drama, known for launching and showcasing raw, unfiltered projects from major and underground artists alike. Over the years, many rappers have used the platform to drop music outside the constraints of a studio album often with freestyles, street cuts, and collaborations that speak directly to the culture.
For The Game, doing a Gangsta Grillz project now reflects a return to roots embracing mixtape culture and giving fans something gritty, real, and less polished than a standard album. According to him, this project was recorded quickly and “from scratch,” suggesting a raw, high‑energy vibe rather than overproduced mainstream polish.
What We Know: Mixtape Title, Collaborations & Production
What We Know: Mixtape Title, Collaborations & Production
- The upcoming project is titled Every Movie Needs a Trailer and it’s slated to drop December 5, 2025.
- The mixtape is produced entirely by production duo Mike & Keys, known for cinematic, soulful beats a choice that suggests the tape will blend classic West Coast grit with carefully crafted soundscapes.
- Among the confirmed guest appearances:
- Kanye West on “Crack Music 2.” This marks the first time The Game will deliver a full verse on a track originally written by Kanye (the original “Crack Music,” released on Kanye’s 2005 album Late Registration, featured The Game only on the hook).
- Other collaborators include West Coast rapper Mozzy and R&B singer Jeremih.
- The tape reportedly features 19 songs pared down from an initial 60 recorded during a two‑day session. The Game said the entire project was built “from scratch” in roughly 48 hours.
Why “Crack Music 2” Is Drawing Huge Buzz
The announcement of “Crack Music 2” is generating significant excitement among fans of both artists. The original “Crack Music” was a standout track on Kanye’s Late Registration album known for its hard-hitting commentary, smooth production, and memorable hook featuring The Game. With this sequel:
- The Game gets to deliver a full verse for the first time on the track, fulfilling long-time fan speculation.
- Given Kanye’s evolving sound and the pair’s history, the new track could offer a fresh take that blends social commentary, street sensibility, and musical maturity appealing to longtime listeners and a newer generation.
- For The Game, this collaboration isn’t just nostalgia it’s a statement. As he gears up for his long-awaited album The Documentary 3, this mixtape acts as a primer and reintroduction.
What This Means for The Game’s Career & The Hip-Hop Landscape
With this move, The Game is embracing both legacy and reinvention. On one hand, tapping Gangsta Grillz and linking with West Coast legends like Mozzy and soulful voices like Jeremih keeps him rooted in the streets and mixtape tradition. On the other, collaborating with Kanye a global icon whose sound and influence have transcended eras gives him cross-generational appeal and relevance.
Moreover, “Every Movie Needs a Trailer” could set the tone for “The Documentary 3,” highlighting a matured, reflective, and possibly more spiritual side of The Game, as he has hinted in recent interviews.
In a music landscape where streaming and singles dominate, a full-bodied mixtape like this with features, cinematic production, and classic rap sensibilities might remind fans of the power of cohesive, album-style artistry. It could even inspire other veteran artists to step back into full‑project mode rather than just chasing hits.
What Fans Should Watch Out For
- Release date & rollout details: While December 5 has been floated, The Game has already pushed back the release once so fans should stay alert to official updates.
- Expectations vs. reality: Given the legacy of the original “Crack Music,” fans’ expectations for “Crack Music 2” are high. The mixtape’s success will hinge on executing a worthy sequel.
- Legacy and context: As hip-hop evolves, the collaboration will be judged not only on nostalgia but also on whether it speaks to today’s listeners while respecting roots.
The upcoming release of The Game’s first Gangsta Grillz mixtape “Every Movie Needs a Trailer” featuring Kanye West on “Crack Music 2” is shaping up to be one of the biggest hip-hop events of late 2025. From fast-paced recording sessions to heavy guest features and cinematic production, the project represents both a nod to mixtape culture and a strategic reset ahead of The Documentary 3. For fans of classic rap, West Coast vibes, and thoughtful collaborations, this is a release worth watching.

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