The Game's song "Death Row Chain" reflects on his experiences growing up as a young African American in Compton, California, particularly during the rise and fall of Death Row Records. The lyrics depict his admiration for artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur, who were associated with the iconic record label. The song starts by acknowledging the Game's upbringing and his identification as a "young nigga on the block." He highlights the significance of Suge Knight signing Tupac Shakur and his affinity for Dr. Dre, who played a significant role in shaping West Coast hip-hop through his involvement with N.W.A. However, the lyrics suggest that everything changed when Ice Cube left the group to pursue a solo career. The Game reminisces about his youth and the dangerous environment he grew up in, where he had encounters with gang violence and law enforcement. He also mentions his enjoyment of smoking marijuana and his mother's unawareness of his actions. During this period, the artist shows his admiration for albums like Jay-Z's "Reasonable Doubt" but admits that he was not as interested in Tupac Shakur's music while he was still alive. The artist then shifts his focus to the impact Tupac had on him and his community, expressing how Pac was embraced on the West Coast, particularly when he wore the Death Row Records chain with an electric chair pendant. The Game reflects on how Death Row Records became a symbol of the West Coast rap scene, and he proudly displays his affiliation with the label by slapping a Death Row sticker on his car. The song also addresses the aftermath of Tupac's death, the departure of Dr. Dre from Death Row Records, and the resulting decline of the label's influence. The Game expresses his frustration that Death Row Records did not provide enough support for West Coast artists, leading to territorial divisions among musicians. The track concludes with the tragic deaths of Eazy-E and Tupac Shakur. The Game mentions the violence that ensued following Tupac's death, referencing the fight at the Mirage Hotel where he stomped someone for disrespecting the West Coast. The song implies that the feud ultimately resulted in the deaths of Tupac and Baby Lane, both occurring over a perceived lack of respect for the Death Row chain. Overall, "Death Row Chain" depicts the Game's nostalgia for the golden era of Death Row Records and the impact it had on him as an aspiring artist. The song also serves as a recollection of the turbulent times surrounding the West Coast hip-hop scene and the repercussions of the music industry rivalry.
