LA Native and Grammy-Nominated Artist Nipsey Hussle was killed in a shooting that took place Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred at his Marathon Clothing store located in the Crenshaw district, Two others were also shot but were not killed. Hussle was shot at multiple times and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The shooting occurred in the parking lot at West Slauson Ave. No information on who the primary suspects are, some allegations reported that it was not associated with gang violence.
It’s a sad moment for our culture and hip-hop community; to lose another innocent life to a senseless act of violence is devastating. This was a pleasant surprise of course; a few months ago Nipsey Hussle was nominated for Best Rap Album of the year for the 60th Grammy Awards. Victory Lap was Nipsey’s first major commercial release of his career and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Album success left a profound impact upon the hip-hop world. Victory Lap was a unique representation of the West-Coast Rap culture. The critically acclaimed project included a clout of guests like Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, Belly, Dom Kennedy, CeeLo Green and more. Aside from his musical successes, Nipsey also invests his energy into the South Central LA community in hope of making cultural contributions for the people.
Aside for him illustrious rap career Nipsey Hussle embraced the serial entrepreneur role and took it to a whole other level. He showed high levels of interest in community building, technology, and crypto-currency. Hussle opened up the Marathon Clothing Store in the Crenshaw District in June of 2017. His objective for opening up a brick and motor was to provide a way to give back to his community and loyal fans. Growing up in the Crenshaw/South Central LA area Nipsey choose a path inflicted with the street culture, he was an avid member of the “Rolling 60’s” Crips.
But, His experiences learned from the streets were paramount in his development as an artist and entrepreneur. Our culture was begun to praise the elevation of Nipsey Hussle and his fans are an embodiment of what he represents. In late 2018, Hussle became an investor in Vector 90, which is a co-working space in the South Central LA area. Young individuals can take a variety of different classes and get involve in business opportunities. This space has become a centre for African-Americans from the inner city.
Throughout the summer of 2018, Nipsey Hussle revealed that he was in the process of making a documentary on the life of Dr. Sebi. The Doctor who believed that he cured AIDS. Dr. Sebi was known for his all natural remedies that can cures individuals from several diseases as well. In 1985 Dr. Sebi went to trial against the State of New York because he put that he cured AIDS in a newspaper. However, Dr. Sebi won the case. On August 6,2016 Dr. Sebi died on his way to Hospital Vincente D’Antoni, he was suffering from ill health while being in prison. Dr. Sebi framework has greatly influenced many holistic physicians of this generation. Rumours has stirred up a conspiracy theory that Nipsey’s death was not gang related but a connection to controversial figure Dr. Sebi.
The lost of Nipsey Hussle has gravitated across the globe, touching a wide array of people. He had that type of presence; Hussle was a man of integrity, compassion, and great intentions. Nipsey sent his whole life fighting for the community that raised him. They took more than a Rapper away from the world. They took a brother, a father, a leader, and a devoted man. But, I truly feel that Nipsey’s soul and legacy will live eternally through us. His wisdom imparted on our generation will spark the minds of powerful people, world-class leaders, and Industry leaders. The Crenshaw District will continue to embrace that platform you’ve built for them. Rest in Paradise Ermias Asghedom!
Ermias Asghemdom (Aug 15, 1985- Mar 31 , 2019)
Sending our prayers to your family during this troubled time. May your soul and Legacy live on forever! - Hussein.A