The version of The Documentary III that reached streaming services is apparently tamer than what The Game originally recorded. While promoting the album at Real 92.3 L.A., the Compton rapper revealed that “No Brakes,” his new collaboration with Drake, went through several iterations and some bars were removed before release because they were considerably less diplomatic.
Asked whether another Drake verse exists, Game left the possibility open. “Maybe. Maybe I pulled it off ’cause I didn’t need it,” he said. He then explained that listeners are not hearing the first version of the record. “There was about three versions and some other versions, they weren’t really too kind.” Game said he ultimately altered more than just that one song while assembling the final album because he wanted attention on the music rather than the conflict surrounding it.
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A Controversial Collaboration
“No Brakes” pairs Game with Drake at a time when his relationship with Kendrick Lamar has become a subject of debate among West Coast Rap fans. Game spits, “If I have to pick a side, I’m choosing homicide,” on the record, while other lyrics across the album address criticism that maintaining his friendship with Drake amounts to disloyalty toward Kendrick. Those bars fueled speculation that Game was taking Drake’s side, despite his insistence that he was not attacking his fellow Compton rapper.
The Real 92.3 hosts pressed him on whether those revisions were intended to protect particular people. Game widened the explanation beyond any individual artist. He said the goal was “to protect the West Coast as a whole” and argued that the album was better served without becoming another battleground. “I think it was better just to deliver an album full of music without no beefs,” he said. “I don’t think I’m dissing anyone on the album, if I can be perfectly honest.”
What remains unheard may now be as interesting as what made the cut. Game did not disclose exactly which lyrics were removed, who delivered them, or whether the alternate “No Brakes” recordings will ever surface.
"Maybe. Maybe I pulled it off 'cause I didn't need it," said Game. "To be honest with you man, that is not the first version of that song. There was about three versions and some other versions, they weren't really too kind. So, I pulled certain things off the album. I pulled a lot. I altered the album a lot to make sure that the focus would be more on music and less on B.S., man. To be honest."
He was then saked if it was "to protect certain individuals." Game answered it was "to protect the [West Coast] as a whole. I think it was better just to deliver an album full of music without no beefs. I'm not—I don't think I'm dissing anyone on the album, if I can be perfectly honest."
