Family, friends and fans came together on Thursday to mourn the loss of slain rapper Nipsey Hussle at a packed memorial at Los Angeles’ Staples Center.
The late rapper was remembered by his children, parents, and partner, actress Lauren London, who tearfully read a text message she sent to Hussle one morning.
“I want you to know that I feel real joy when I’m around you,” London read. “I feel safe around you. Protected…You’ve been my turn up and my church. I wouldn’t want to go through this journey with anyone but you.”
“His soul was majestic. He was the strongest man that I ever knew. A gentle father, a patient leader, a divine light.”
Karen Civil, Hussle’s friend
“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and only see gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw hope,” Obama wrote. “He saw potential. He saw a community that even though its flaws, taught him to always keep going.”
Hussle was killed on March 31st outside of his Los Angeles clothing store, The Marathon Clothing. Hundreds immediately gathered outside of the store to pay their respects to the slain rapper, while celebrities took to social media to remember Hussle.
During the memorial, Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Jhené Aiko, and Stevie Wonder all gave tearful performances as photos and home videos of the rapper were shared.
“He loved everybody. He loved who he grew up with and where he grew up,” Samiel Asghedom tearfully said of his brother. “You made the world proud.”
The full stream of Hussle’s memorial can be found on CBS, Tidal,