The 'Doctor' is in

On 2005's The Documentary, The Game became known for a few simple things: (1), a fantastic understanding of what made a rap song viscerally enjoyable; (2), the backing of OG Dr. Dre and New G 50 Cent, and (3), a tireless desire to name-drop anybody and everybody related to the rap game. \nThose combinations made The Documentary listenable, but not legendary; The Game, even in his first album, seemed far too comfortable in the clutches of Dre and 50 to produce anything serious or exciting. It was an entire album of by-the-numbers gangsta rap in desperate need of rebellion.\nOn his second album, Doctor's Advocate, The Game provides rebellion. And anger. And the most clever tongue in all of hip-hop, including that, um, other rapper who just released an album, the one who just might not be the best rapper alive anymore. \nGame also provides name-dropping, but of a more refined sort. Instead of paying homage -- or blasting -- everyone in hip-hop, The Game focuses mostly on Dr. Dre. Namely, he wants to be like Dre ("If you knew me you'd say I was the new Dre"), wants Dre's respect (the title track is an ode and apology to Game's troubled relationship with the Doc), and wants to split with Dre, to prove his own success (Dre produced none of the songs on the album). Those confusing desires produce something of an anomaly; Doctor's Advocate spends a ton of time looking up to Dre as the prototype, but eschews his beats in favor of an all-star cast. \nScott Storch produces two of the more "West Coast" tracks on the album, "Let's Ride" -- a pure Dre clone, with a heavy backbeat and ringing keys -- and "Too Much," featuring Nate Dogg -- a Dre staple -- on chorus. \nBut even with this formulaic (and excellent) songs in tow, The Game takes his flo to quirkier places, from a guest spot by will.i.am on "Compton" to a hilarious, Kanye West-infested take on those groupies that crowd rappers' dressing rooms, "Wouldn't Get Far." He's trying something new, proving he's every bit as brash as his 15-minute 50 Cent beef song "300 Bars" would suggest he is. \nThat burgeoning confidence -- and the ability to thrive without his idol -- bodes well for Game. Move over, Jay-Z. Move over 50. There's a new hottest rapper on the block, and he still struggles with daddy issues. Imagine what he'll be like when gains a little braggadocio.