Nipsey Hussle was killed in a fatal shooting Sunday afternoon outside of the clothing store he owned in the Hyde Park neighborhood of his native Los Angeles, law enforcement officials reported. He was 33.
Two other men were seriously injured in the shooting, which took place on the city’s infamous Slauson Avenue. The suspect of the attack remains at large.
The rapper, whose birth name was Ermias Ashgedom, acknowledged that he’d been connected to the street gang, the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips, before turning to more positive ways of contributing to his community in recent years. He participated in educational and financial empowerment programs, spoke openly about the need for togetherness in the Black community and employed Black people.
In fact, he told ESSENCE back in February on the red carpet for the Grammy Awards that his dream was “for our people to step into their greatness collectively.”
Hussle’s store Marathon Clothing was a shining example of the way Hussle emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship; a theme he explored on his debut studio album, Victory Lap, which was nominated for Best Rap Album at this year’s Grammy Awards.
Just hours before the deadly shooting, the Grammy-nominated rapper and longtime partner of actress Lauren London, tweeted: “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”
Hussle leaves behind a child with London, whom they welcomed in 2016, along with two other children from previous relationships.
Our hearts and prayer go out to the family and friends of Hussle.
