The Game, whose forthcoming Jesus Piece album (and artwork) has fans buzzing, took some time to shine some light on fellow Compton California rapper, and Dr. Dre protege Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick’s critically acclaimed debut good k.i.d. m.A.A.d City, which hit stands October 22, sold an astounding 241,000 albums in its first week. Game, however, saw the young rapper’s success all along. 

“It says to me that Kendirck Lamar is the West Coast Nas. Lyrically, he’s a danger and threat to any competition, myself included,” The Game told CBS Local, weeks before Kendrick’s m.A.A.d City was released. “He’s young and innovative, smart and dope. He can flat out rap. He kills beats, sorta like black Eminemish to me. He will have a long career. I’ve heard joints off his new album. When it drops, you’re gonna see him move some records.”

While Game is proud that Kendrick shares his West Coast roots, he also wants to get away from the coastal discussions, and see rap as a force beyond regions.

SEE ALSO: The Game Is Baptized In Fire For “Gangster Jesus” Album Art

“Once I turned 30, I try to get away from generalizing West Coast or East Coast,” he said. “We are all in the same building. If hip-hop was an office building, maybe West Coast would be on the fifth floor, maybe East Coast would be on the seventh. Maybe South would be on the 19th. But I don’t like to separate. I think it causes instant tension and reminds me of the untimely demises of Tupac and Biggie.”

While Dr. Dre receives the lions share of credit for his work with Kendrick, Game says he also played a role in the rapper’s rise. 

“I’m glad thet Kendrick is doing his thing,” he said. “I took him around the world with me in the early stages and helped bring him to Dre. Now for him to continue receiving the praise and accolades, i’s really dope for hip-hop, not just the West Coast.”

–Erik Parker, CBS Local