Two lyrics from The Documentary III have continued to keep Kendrick Lamar linked to The Game’s promotional run, despite the Compton rapper maintaining that neither line was intended as a diss.
Mentions of a “GNX” and “raising the Boogeyman” quickly sparked speculation that the bars were aimed at Kendrick, but Game says fans are reading deeper meanings into lyrics that were based on his own personal experiences.
During an appearance on Real 92.3 L.A.’s The Cruz Show, Game first addressed the “GNX” lyric. Kendrick famously used the Buick model as the inspiration behind the title and visuals for his 2024 album, but Game explained that his reference came from a vehicle he personally owned.
“Think about it. I had a GNX, and my chick at the time, she didn’t really want to ride in that,” he said. “All black, dark windows. To a pretty girl, that’s like a gang-banging car.”
Game also admitted that Kendrick’s album changed how some listeners viewed the line. “Kendrick dropped the GNX album, so, I mean, it’s one of those things where you can take it how you want.”
The “Boogeyman” mention has attracted even more attention, especially after Kendrick embraced that image during his feud with Drake. However, Game insisted his own lyric was meant to highlight his influence rather than take a shot at Kendrick.
“As far as ‘raising the Boogeyman,’ I actually did,” he said. “My music, I came first.”
Game referenced Kendrick’s own song, where the rapper reflected on watching Game’s rise from Compton before achieving his own success. “Kendrick told you himself on ‘Black Boy Fly,’ and countless times of how much he looked up to me and what my career did inspiration-wise,” Game said. “So, it’s like, that’s no cap.”
The explanation comes as Game continues to reject the idea that working with Drake means he has chosen a side in their feud. The Documentary III features Drake on “No Brakes,” and several lyrics from the project have sparked discussions about whether Game is sending indirect shots at Kendrick. Throughout the album’s rollout, he has denied those claims while still being open about the current distance between them.
Game has also claimed that Kendrick no longer answers his calls, while repeatedly highlighting the support and encouragement he provided during Kendrick’s early career. That history has become a key part of Game’s explanation of his current stance.
He maintains that collaborating with Drake is not a betrayal and that recognizing his own influence on Kendrick is not meant as disrespect.
“That’s just me being transparent after him being transparent,” Game said about the “Boogeyman” lyric. “But, it’s all love, homie.”
