The Game breaks silence on Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out,” says his Absence was intentional 2 avoid confrontation

The Pop Out, Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth concert in Los Angeles, will go down as one of the most powerful moments in modern West Coast hip-hop. The event celebrated culture, legacy, and unity, bringing together icons and rising stars on one stage. Naturally, fans noticed one major name missing from the lineup: The Game.

Over a year later, the Compton rapper finally explained why he stayed away from the Pop Out moment, even though he had the freedom to attend. His reasoning wasn’t rooted in bitterness or exclusion, but rather in awareness and restraint, something not often highlighted in rap narratives.

Speaking candidly on BackOnFigg’s livestream, The Game broke down his decision with honesty, emotion, and respect for Kendrick Lamar’s vision. His explanation sheds light on the complicated dynamics of Los Angeles hip hop and why sometimes stepping back can be the most supportive move.

The Game explains his absence from the Pop Out concert

During his appearance on BackOnFigg’s podcast, The Game made it clear that his absence from the Pop Out concert was intentional. He emphasized that Kendrick Lamar deserved a peaceful, uninterrupted moment to shine.

“I wasn’t there on purpose,” he said, explaining that his presence could have shifted attention away from the celebration. “It’s too much gang politics with me when I come somewhere,” he said. “It was nas at the Pop Out that I don’t f*ck with. So, why go to the Pop Out? Bring my bring homies to the Pop Out, get into a confrontation at the Pop Out when a n**a is having a great moment, bro?”

According to The Game, long-standing personal tensions in the city made the situation delicate, even on a night meant to highlight unity.

While co-host T-Rell framed the event as a symbol of togetherness, The Game pushed back slightly, acknowledging how unpredictable real-life dynamics can be. “You say that, but all it take is one na from this sh*t to get out of pocket with one na. And that’s what comes with me,” he explained.

Rather than risk changing the energy of the Pop Out event, he chose to remove himself completely.

Respecting Kendrick Lamar’s historic pop-out moment

Despite not attending, The Game made it clear that he fully respected Kendrick Lamar’s achievement. The Juneteenth show featured appearances from Dr. Dre, Tyler, The Creator, and Mustard, a rare and powerful lineup that reflected the depth of West Coast talent.

The Game praised Kendrick for setting a new bar for Los Angeles artists and for creating a moment that centered the culture rather than controversy. He acknowledged that the night belonged to Kendrick and that his role was to support from afar.

He also dismissed rumors that he wasn’t invited, stating plainly that he didn’t need permission to show up. His absence from the Pop Out stage, he explained, was about timing, not access. That distinction matters, especially in hip hop, where narratives can quickly get twisted.

In the same discussion, The Game reflected on how far Kendrick Lamar has come and the responsibility that comes with leadership in rap. He even revealed that he was once offered partial ownership in Kendrick’s former label, Top Dawg Entertainment, highlighting a deeper history between them.

Rather than turning the conversation into drama, The Game focused on growth, both his own and the culture’s. He acknowledged that sometimes the smartest move is knowing when not to be visible, especially when the spotlight belongs to someone else.

The Pop Out concert, in his eyes, was bigger than individual relationships. It was about legacy, representation, and showing the world what West Coast hip hop still stands for.

By choosing restraint, The Game believes he contributed to the success of the moment in his own way.

The Game’s explanation adds another layer to the Pop Out story, one rooted in self-awareness and respect. In a genre often driven by headlines, his decision to step back speaks volumes about maturity and understanding. Sometimes, supporting the culture means knowing when not to be on stage at all.