It was just like any given day. I was watching television, scrolling on my Instagram feed. Then suddenly, I came across a post that seemed impossible of being true. Before I knew it, an unsettled feeling came over me. I could not quite explain it.
Rapper Nipsey Hussle shot in L.A.
As I stare at the headline, I knew it could not be. It had to be fake. Unfortunately, it was not. Because if so, I would not be writing this:
Nipsey Hussle was born as Ermias Joesph Asghedom in Los Angeles, California. To an African American mother and an Eritrean father. Something I could relate to, like Hussle, I too was half African. As a kid, Hussle’s life was not all ‘Ocean Views,’ but that did not stop Hussle from ‘Hustle And Motivate.’ Described by his family and friends, Hussle was loyal, dependable, intelligent, and always had an eye for entrepreneurship. You did not have to know him personally to see him in that light. His rhymes, the way he moved and carried himself are indications of his character.
By the time of 2008, Hussle was gaining local success but also success in the music industry. Appearing alongside Drake and Snoop Dogg, Hussle was making his mark. But it was ‘Hussle In The House’ for me at the age of 16 that made me pay attention to the rapper. From featured singles to being on The XXL Freshman Cover and even projects shelved, Hussle thought it was better to do things his way.
Additionally, he left Epic Records and started his record label, All Money In. And the rest is history. Because at this moment, this was the start of ‘The Marathon’ series. ‘The Marathon’ (2010) and ‘The Marathon Continues’ (2011) were huge successes. But it was ‘Crenshaw’ (2013) that set the tone and the true entrepreneurship of Nipsey Hussle. Hussle sold 1,000 copies of ‘Crenshaw’ at $ 100 apiece. Jay-Z personally brought 100 copies. Less than 24 hours, Hussle reportedly raked in $100,000.
Later, Hussle released ‘Mailbox Money (2014) and ‘Slauson Boy 2’ (2016). After many delays, Hussle released ‘Victory Lap’ in 2018. Intended to be a mixtape at first, ‘Victory Lap’ was the last and final installment of ‘The Marathon’ series. It debuted #4 on the Billboard Chart and sold 53,000 sales in the first week. Plus, receiving widespread reviews from critics who could not get enough of the album. Although losing for ‘Best Rap’ Album at the 61st Grammys Awards to Cardi B’s ‘Invasion Of Privacy,’ things were looking up for Hussle. But who would ever think ‘Victory Lap’ was indeed his last victory lap…
Here we are two years later since Hussle tragically was from us. And it does not even seem surreal at times. As stated, you did not have to know him personally to know him. You knew who he was by his actions. He never left his community and hood. Despite being a millionaire, he was always there, and he gave back. Nipsey Hussle was the 2Pac of my generation. You can not prove to me otherwise. To seeing him first on MTV Jams to the Grammys stage– is like watching your kid riding with training wheels and suddenly taking off the training wheels. To see your kid ride the bike perfectly fine.
After all, I was there from the beginning of his career up until his death. So it feels like I lost an older brother or uncle despite not knowing him personally. Nipsey Hussle may not any longer be here with us. But he has a catalog of music that is timeless. Whenever you need a little motivation, there are videos online to watch. Just like 2Pac, Nipsey Hussle left behind memories. And even on this day, we celebrate him as Nipsey THA GREAT. Because that is what he was. And that is what he is.
