By Fawn Renee

Whether Lebron James is the greatest player today is debatable. What isn’t debatable is whether he’s the most marketable. With endorsement contracts with Nike, Sprite, Glacéau, Bubblicious, and Upper Deck, and a hefty co-sign from Hip-Hop’s MVP, James has solidified himself as not only a basketball beast, but a pop culture icon. With this much mass appeal at the mere age of 24, it’s clear to see why Harvey Mason, Jr. took an interest in the young star.

A former Arizona men’s basketball player and renowned producer-songwriter, Harvey Mason, Jr. brought his expertise to the silver screen when he partnered with director Kris Belman to produce More Than A Game. The film follows LeBron James and four of his teammates through high school as they chase their hoop dreams, and chronicles that dream coming to pass for James. An inspirational film, and a personal one for Harvey, it’s no wonder he took on the role of executive producer of the documentary’s soundtrack.

The soundtrack features an eclectic group of performers, from Drake and T.I., to an All-Star cast of R&B crooners. Most of the songs on the album do their part to both support and add momentum to the film with their subject matter and positive energy. There are a few displaced tracks, but the album’s strengths override its weaknesses.

The lead single, “Stronger,” produced by Polow Da Don, is performed by Mary J. Blige, and is subsequently the second single from her forthcoming album of the same name. The song was inspired by James and his teammates’ trials and tribulations during their journey to the top. On the track, Mary’s voice is beautiful and angelic as she sings “I will survive as long as it’s you by my side. I’m stronger.” The video features quotes from King James himself as vivid images from the movie are interspersed throughout.

The second single from the soundtrack to be released was singer-songwriter Ester Dean’s “Drop It Low.” The song, featuring Chris Brown, does little more than provide a dynamic introduction for Polow Da Don’s coveted new “it girl,” who has made a name for herself co-writing hit songs for other artists, including the hit “Never Ever” by Ciara. A smart marketing move by Interscope Records; despite its irrelevance to the film, the song is a treat for listeners and has made quite an impact on the airwaves with its frantic synths and timely hi-hat, supporting Dean’s raspy alto.

Drake enlists the help of Hip-Hop greats Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, and Eminem on the track “Forever,” on which he arrogantly states, “It may not mean nothing to ya’ll, but understand nothing was done for me. So I don’t plan on stopping at all. I want this shit forever man.” The parallel between Drake’s passion in his lyrics and James’ well deserved triumph is compelling. The beat is amateur at best, but lyrics such as these that can be overlooked, and while Drake may be Hip-Hop’s rookie of the year and Lil Wayne and Kanye are battling over the top spot, Eminem eminently kills everyone on this track. Certainly this’ll be one of many theme songs for the upcoming NBA season.

“I’m Ballin’” is an ode to James. Soulja Boy takes a page from Lil’ Wayne’s book and pays homage to his “MVP, baller of the year” on this gritty, head-nodding track. Even with his nursery rhyme approach to rap, the song successfully gets your adrenaline pumping and ready for game-time.

It’s been a while since there’s been a joint effort on one track by R&B artists, but on this soundtrack, Harvey teams up with Tank, Tyrese, Toni Braxton, Jordin Sparks, Omarion, Faith Evans, JoJo, Charlie Wilson, Tamar Braxton, and Steve Russell to produce the inspirational song “If You Dream.” While a bit sing-a-long in arrangement and delivery, the song is uplifting and powerful, making you long for the days of heartfelt R&B music.

The album wouldn’t be complete without a track from James’ biggest investor, Shawn Carter. On “History” Jay pours his soul into the track and it comes across as genuine as he verbally paints a picture of the struggle for victory. In the first verse, Jay reverberates, “All I got is dreams nobody else can see. Nobody else believes; nobody else but me. Where are you victory? I need you desperately. Not just for the moment, to make history.” The use of victory  as a woman, and history as the child produced from that union is both compelling and inspirational. The song, which was performed live at President Obama’s inaugural ball, is easily the most relevant song on the album.

Despite some fluff, the resounding theme of the soundtrack coincides with that of the film- pursuing your dreams, withstanding the difficult times, and being the best at what you do. It’s amazing that a young, Black athlete can evoke such an awe-inspiring theatrical and musical experience, proving that it is, indeed, More Than A Game.
out of 5

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