The Documentary III is the eleventh studio album by American rapper the Game, released on August 21, 2026, through Numati and FTS Global Management. It is a surprise album, which was announced the evening before its release. It features notable guest appearances by Black Thought, Drake, Drakeo the Ruler, E-40, Kanye West, Larry June, Leon Thomas, Lil Wayne, Marsha Ambrosius, PartyNextDoor, Snoop Dogg, Tyga and YG, among others. Production was handled by various producers including Bangladesh, Beat Butcha, Cool & Dre, Conductor Williams, Cubeatz, JasonMartin, Kanye West, London on da Track, Maneesh, Mike & Keys, Statik Selektah, TBHits and Traxster.
The album acts as the fourth addition in his The Documentary series, following The Documentary 2.5 in 2015.
Background The Game first mentioned The Documentary III during an interview with Tacos n Shawarma in August 2024. He later hinted at it on November 9, 2024, in a Facebook post promoting his tour. Additionally, the Game teased the album's track listing on September 5, 2024, in an Instagram post.
Collaboration with Kanye West The Game revealed that American rapper Kanye West, gifted him two custom 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S680s in February 2025. He also stated that West asked him to announce The Documentary III. In another post, Game said that West would serve as the album's executive producer. On February 25, 2025, the rappers released "Tina" following several previews. "Tina" was originally intended for The Documentary III, though West later separated his involvement from the project after a feud with the Game, due to his support of Canadian rapper Top5, who threatened West.
Every Movie Needs a Trailer On December 5, 2025, the Game and DJ Drama released their mixtape Every Movie Needs a Trailer. Game described the mixtape as "preparing for the release of Documentary 3." The mixtape's deluxe edition, The Credits, was released on January 30, 2026.
Promotion and release The album's lead single "No Brakes" featuring Drake was premiered by podcaster DJ Akademiks on August 20, 2026. That same day, Game announced that The Documentary III would be released on streaming services at 9 p.m. Pacific Time that evening. Game previewed the album's cover art was shot by photographer Jonathan Mannion and revealed that he co-produced the album with Tommy Brown, Mike & Keys, and Travis Wilson.
The Documentary III was officially released on August 21, 2026, through Numati and FTS Global Management.
Composition and lyrics Lyrically, the album revolves around themes of abandonment, death, legacy, family, gang life, and love. The Documentary III is noted for its use of sampling and club-oriented production.
Critical reception
The Documentary III received mixed reviews from critics. Music journalist Quincy Dominic gave the album a positive review on his website RatingsGameMusic, praising its versatile production and Game's performances, though criticizing the album's 'gimmicky' moments. Writing for Shatter the Standards, Miles Everette assigned the album a mixed rating, criticizing certain songs' subject matter while praising others.
Track listing
Notes
"The Part" initially included vocals by AZ Chike; he was replaced by Mark Lux on streaming services "LA Monster" interpolates "I Love It" by Kanye West and Lil Pump; and interpolates "What Happened to That Boy" by Baby featuring Clipse "I Won't Be Afraid" features a sample of Sade’s "Cherish the Day"
Charts + Chart performance Chart (2026) Peakposition
References