Chapter 14: "Game On" - A Line Crossed
July 1st, 2000, marked a boiling point for Holmes. Despite strong suspicion, the police were unable to bring charges against Grimm due to a lack of concrete evidence and Grimm's known affiliations with a powerful and dangerous gang in Chicago. This infuriated Holmes, who felt that justice was being denied.
Fueled by a mix of anger, fear, and a burning desire for retribution, Holmes decided to unleash his fury in another diss track. This time, however, he crossed a line, venturing into territory that was darker and more violent than anything he had done before.
"Game On" was a relentless barrage of insults, threats, and graphic imagery. Holmes recounted the details of the assassination attempt, taunting Grimm for his failure and issuing explicit threats of retaliation.
"Verse 1 - Holmes"
Ten shots, you missed, you pathetic clown
Should've aimed better, should've shut me down
But I'm still here, breathing, alive and well
While you're hidin' in the shadows, livin' in hell
"Verse 2 - Holmes"
You can't face me one on one, you coward
Sendin' your goons to do your dirty work, a disgrace to the power
But I'm ready for war, I'm locked and loaded
This ain't a game no more, you're 'bout to get folded
"Verse 3 - Holmes"
I'm comin' for you, Grimm, you can't escape
I'll make you regret the day you ever tried to shape
My destiny, my future, my career
This is 'Game On,' motherfucker, the end is near"
Before releasing "Game On," Holmes played it for Mr . Davis, the CEO of Platinum Records. Mr. Davis was visibly concerned, advising Holmes against releasing the track.
"Holmes, this is too much," Mr. Davis said, "It's too violent, too aggressive. It could jeopardize your career. It could even put you in more danger."
Holmes was adamant, however, and ignored his CEO's pleas, determined to get his message out.
He released the song himself through various online platforms, bypassing traditional distribution channels.
Within days, "Game On" stormed the world, dominating airwaves, streaming services, and social media feeds. The track resonated with audiences worldwide, driven by its raw emotion, its controversial lyrics, and the real-life drama surrounding Holmes and Grimm.
In five days, the song reached number 1 on the Billboard charts, and it held the top spot for weeks, breaking records for the longest-reigning rap song on the Billboard, getting close to 2Pac's iconic diss records.
The media reaction to "Game On" was explosive. Critics and commentators were divided, with some praising Holmes's lyrical skill and his ability to capture the raw emotion of the situation, while others condemned the violence and the explicit threats. Many called him a madman.
Media and Critic Comments:
- Rolling Stone: "'Game On' is a descent into darkness. Holmes Williams has crossed a line, blurring the boundaries between art and violence. This is a dangerous track, but it's also undeniably powerful."
- The New York Times: "Holmes Williams has unleashed a lyrical firestorm. 'Game On' is a brutal and unflinching response to his attackers, a testament to his anger and his determination."
- Billboard: "'Game On' is the most controversial song of the year. Holmes Williams has pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, creating a track that is both captivating and disturbing."
Celebrity Reactions in 2000:
1. Eminem: "Holmes is a lyrical savage! 'Game On' is crazy!"
2. Dr. Dre: "This track is intense."
3. Jay-Z: "Yo, Holmes is playin' a dangerous game, real talk,
4 . Snoop Dogg: "Holme! This guy has the guts to speak what others can't"
5. Nas: "The hunger and raw emotion in that cat's voice."
6. Queen Latifah: "I respect the artistry, I hope people think before they let their emotions drive them."
7. Missy Elliot: "The production and the raw lyric in that song is something I would have loved to produced myself!"
8. Busta Rhymes: "It's real in the streets and Holmes proved this."
Song Procedures and Earnings:
- Independent Release: To avoid censorship and maintain control, Holmes released "Game On" independently through online platforms, digital music stores, and his own website.
- Marketing: Holmes leveraged social media, music blogs, and online forums to promote the track, generating buzz and driving downloads.
- Revenue: "Game On" generated approximately $500,000 in revenue in its first month, surpassing his previous earnings.
Despite the success and the support he received, Holmes had crossed a line with "Game On." The track had solidified his image as a controversial figure, blurring the boundaries between art and reality, and potentially putting him in even greater danger.