S. Samuel
West Coast rapper Game has stepped forward to address the controversy stemming from his new Jesus Piece cover art, which shows the religious figure draped in gang-affiliated attire.
Rather than work up an apology, Game embraced the mixed reactions.
“RT @jerPREE: @thegame wins most ignant album cover – well heres my speech: “1st I’d like 2 thank God because without him I wouldn’t be here”,” he tweeted Sunday (October 21).
“RT @Antwonsodmg: @thegame worst Abulm cover in the history of rap – u leanin on a chair wit ya back arched in front of a graffiti wall SMH”
“RT @OOOhCassanova: Wow @thegame looking for attention with his #jesuspiece cover… – everyone lookin 4 attention… Thats Y u on twitter”
“RT @NinoSleem: @DailyLoud @thegame why black jesus game? – why white jesus ?”
“RT @Boi_Ambitious: Do yall think @thegame went to far wit his album cover? – I do !!! Lol” (Game’s Twitter)
The colorful cover art landed across the Internet this past weekend.
Game is no stranger to controversy and he’s about to ignite another firestorm with the illustrated cover for his upcoming album Jesus Piece. The religious-themed artwork features a portrait of Jesus with a teardrop tattoo under his eye, a Jesus piece chain around his neck, and red bandana over his mouth. The image has already sparked outrage from some fans. “You took this sh*t too far,” wrote one of Game’s Instagram followers, while another added, “Open minded people see this concept, but I think this cover can push some people away homie.” (Rap-Up)
In September, the former G-Unit member explained the motivation between mixing religion and urban culture into his new solo effort.
“I’m calling [my new album] Jesus Piece ’cause last year in August I got baptized and so I’ve been going to church, but I still been kinda doing me out here,” Game said in an interview. “I still love the strip club and I still smoke and drink. I’m faithful to my family, so I wanted to make an album where you could love God and be of God, but still get it poppin’ in your life.” (Jenny Boom Boom TV)
The West Coast rapper recently detailed why his previously titled F.I.V.E. underwent a name change.
“Trey Songz came with his album Chapter V, and of course 50 had 5 (Murder by Numbers), I just felt like I should jump off that wagon,” says Game. “So I went back into the studio and started doing songs that leaned more towards the title. I think people gon’ appreciate the concept once they hear the music. — Jesus Piece gives me an opportunity to speak about situations that people like me who love God but are still street and still wanna remain themselves without going the Pastor Mase route. It gives the opportunity to know that it’s somebody out there that feels them.” (VIBE)
Check out a recent Game interview below:
