The song "Number One" by The Game is a rap track that showcases the artist's confidence and dominance in the music industry. The lyrics depict The Game asserting his position as the best rapper, or "number one," while challenging his competitors. The song begins with a reference to Dr. Forrest, possibly a fictional character, being asked to dial 118, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. This could symbolize The Game's desire for attention and recognition. The lyrics mention Diddy, a prominent figure in the music industry, implying that he hasn't acknowledged The Game as the true leader of the city. The Game then compares himself to a stewardess, suggesting that he can control and put down inferior rappers. He further declares his superiority by mentioning boxing champions Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, stating that he is as influential as them, ranking as number one or two. He expresses his ability to verbally attack and dismiss other rappers, comparing it to chewing tobacco. The Game boasts about his success, describing it as "Major League shit" that is hotter than Tabasco sauce. He implies that his critics can't see him, even with no tint on his Bentley car, emphasizing his invincibility. He then compares himself to a magician, claiming to make other rappers disappear. The lyrics acknowledge that drama leads to foolishness, which eventually escalates to violence and firearms. This suggests The Game's awareness of the negative consequences that may arise from his actions. The artist asserts his dominance by mentioning his association with the late rapper, The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Big Poppa. He threatens to harm and eliminate anyone who challenges his status. The chorus repeatedly reinforces The Game's declaration of being number one. He questions who has inflated the egos of his competitors, treating them with disrespect and leaving them vulnerable. The lyrics continue with a reference to R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo, alluding to their song "If You Think You're Lonely Now." The Game suggests that his critics will experience true loneliness when they realize the impact he has on their lives. He mentions using black tape to bind someone's wife and daughter, implying a violent and threatening act. The artist describes his lyrics as a form of torture brought forth by his greatness. The Game encourages his listeners to fear him, stating that no one should mess with someone superior like him. He claims to put other rappers to sleep and penetrate their souls with his music, referring to a dildo as a metaphor. He mentions falling off the charts slowly, suggesting that other rappers' careers will decline while his remains strong. The second verse begins with The Game dismissing the idea of someone being ranked number two or three when he is number one. He refers to the success of his first album, which sold five million copies, and the second album, which sold four and a half million copies. The artist then references his association with rapper Dr. Dre, who is known for his album "The Chronic" and the label Aftermath Entertainment. He subtracts two quarters, indicating that even after removing some success, he is still on top. The lyrics mention Lil' Penny, a puppet character from a series of Nike commercials in the '90s. This could symbolize The Game's control over the rap game and his assertion to play his own position. He asserts that his talent doesn't discriminate based on physique, mentioning celebrities like Bruce Bruce, who is known for his size, and skinny individuals. The lyrics emphasize his ability to kill swiftly, suggesting his proficiency with a gun. The Game references the film "Menace II Society," comparing himself to the characters Caine and O-Dog. He implies that he possesses both their ruthlessness and determination. The artist expresses his need for material wealth, referring to money and jewelry, specifically green money and carrots. This suggests that his success is driven by financial gain and material possessions. The song concludes with The Game restating his position as number one. The mention of Evil Empire and laughing all the way to the bank signifies his victory and financial success. Overall, "Number One" is a rap anthem where The Game confidently asserts his dominance and talent, while challenging his competitors and emphasizing his supremacy in the music industry.
