Interscope Records

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Lore & Background

The source outlines a specific narrative regarding Game's relationship with Interscope Records. After resigning back with Interscope in 2009 and then re-signing with Aftermath Entertainment in early 2010, there was significant anticipation that the single "Red Nation" would be his first release under both labels since his debut album The Documentary (2005). This expectation was fueled by a prior beef with G-Unit labelmate 50 Cent, which had previously forced Game to release albums on Geffen Records. Despite this buildup, the source confirms that the belief that "Red Nation" marked his return to Interscope and Aftermath was proved untrue. The single, produced by Cool & Dre and featuring Lil Wayne, instead followed a path distinct from those specific label arrangements, highlighting the fluidity of industry contracts during that period.

In Their Own Story

On March 10, 2011, Game sent "Red Nation" to Hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex for its premiere on WQHT Hot 97 in New York City. The song was well received by listeners, a stark contrast to his previous four released singles which had failed to chart. Although fans and rumors suggested this track would signal a return to the Interscope and Aftermath banners, the source clarifies that this narrative did not hold true. The single was officially released to the iTunes Store on April 12, 2011, followed by releases in Australia and Switzerland on April 15, and worldwide on May 3, 2011. During this rollout, Game faced controversy when MTV and BET banned the music video due to alleged gang affiliations with the Bloods. Despite these bans and the disproven label rumors, Game vowed to release the video online, where it quickly garnered over 3 million views on YouTube.

Reader's Guide

For those tracking the specific label history of "Red Nation," the source provides critical corrections to common assumptions. While the song features Lil Wayne, who is associated with Cash Money/Young Money in broader contexts, this text focuses on Game's attempt to re-establish ties with Interscope and Aftermath Entertainment. The guide emphasizes that although Game resigned back with Interscope in 2009 and Aftermath in early 2010, the release of "Red Nation" did not actually occur under these two labels as initially thought. The text details how previous singles like "Krazy," "Big Money," "It Must Be Me," and "Ain't No Doubt About It" were removed from the album due to chart failures, only for "Red Nation" to be confirmed by producers Cool & Dre on March 2, 2011. The single debuted at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its commercial viability despite the label confusion and music video bans.

Did You Know?

• The source explicitly states that the belief 'Red Nation' marked Game's return to Interscope Records was proved untrue, despite it being a major talking point before release.
• 'Red Nation' features a sample of 'Kernkraft 400' by Zombie Nation, a track known as one of the most famous electronic dance music songs often played at sporting events.
• The music video for 'Red Nation' was banned from airing on both MTV and BET due to being deemed an inappropriate portrayal of gang culture.
• Lil Wayne's contribution to 'Red Nation' includes vocals during the song's chorus, marking his second collaboration with Game after their 2008 hit 'My Life'.
• The single was premiered by DJ Funkmaster Flex on WQHT Hot 97 in New York City on March 10, 2011, before its official digital release on April 12.