#28: “Red Nation” by The Game

In 2012, The Game’s Red Nation faced bans from multiple radio stations and MTV due to its overt references to gang culture and drug use. The song’s strong affiliation with the Bloods gang and its gritty lyrics and visuals made it too controversial for mainstream platforms.

However, the bans only fueled its popularity, drawing even more attention to the track. Embracing the irony, The Game joked that he wished for more bans, as they seemed to boost his success. Despite the restrictions, Red Nation became a fan favorite, further cementing The Game’s reputation as a defiant rap icon.