Yesterday, Grammy Nominated and beloved rapper Nipsey Hussle was tragically shot multiple times in front of his own Business. The murder of Nipsey Hussle is not only a huge gut-check to Hip Hop and pop culture, but is a devastating blow to African American Culture in general. Nipsey was something different, a hybrid, someone who’s ascension could not be stalled by the boundaries of the system. The 33-year-old father of two was not only extremely intelligent, and spiritually aware, he was someone so street, yet simultaneously eloquent. He was a strong black family man, straight out of a Crip neighborhood in South Central LA, who proved he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. He reached such acclaim by staying true to himself and never selling out which made him a true neighborhood hero. After years of grinding and marketing, around this time last year Nipsey’s Debut album ‘Victory Lap’ grabbed the #4 spot on Billboards 200 Album Chart, securing his Grammy Nomination. Make no mistake, although he didn’t win, his talent with the pen was as sharp and calculated as any of his 2010 XXL Freshman peers.
Nipsey had purchased a store in a small shopping complex in the neighborhood he grew up in. Hussle had a lot of history with this location, specifically the parking lot area in front of it. It was the location he made his hangout growing up, it’s where he spent time with loved ones, fought, laughed, met the love of his life, and later started a T-shirt business, before presently transforming the space into his brand’s flagship Clothing Store “Marathon Clothing.”. Nipsey was doing what smart men do, helping secure the future of his community and culture by investing there. This is one of many things that set Nipsey Hussle apart from other rappers. He felt a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that he was now the owner of that establishment. He understood the problems of his community and that as a member of that community with resources, he had a responsibility to help save it. His friends and almost everyone who claims to have spoken to him corroborate the stories of his genuine soul, and love for others.
There were seemingly no gimmicks to Nipsey Hussle. While watching his many interviews throughout his rap career, whether ones from the very beginning up until the end, what you heard when Nipsey spoke was an enlightened Black Man with a plan and a hunger to build. This is also a common theme all throughout his music. Nipsey Hussle was Pro Black and Pro Community. He often used his platform as an artist to drop profound jewels and his perspective on the state of black culture. For example these lyrics from one of best songs “Blue Laces 2”
I wonder what it comes to in your brain for you run to
Ones that hate us, handcuff us and mace us
Call us dumb n*ggas ’cause our culture is contagious
Third generation, South Central gang bangers
That live long enough to see it changing
Think it’s time we make arrangements
Finally wiggle out they mazes
Find me out in different places
I’m ‘The Spook By The Door’ this the infiltration
Double back, dressed in blue laces
Nipsey also expressed his views on social incidents like the death of Trayvon Martin on his song “50 N*ggas”, on his EP Mailbox Money. Criticizing the jury’s decision to acquit George Zimmerman after the shocking trial played out on television. “It’s Legal to kill unarmed black people” is how the song starts. Ending with Nipsey repeating the phrase “Would you just accept if we murdered your children”. Beyond rap Nipsey Hussle represented a powerful image, one that young black men from any hood in America could look up to. This is what makes the tragic passing of Nipsey Hussle so hard for his fans, and the entire black community. We lost a warrior in the movement for African American Improvement. However, for the black community there are many things we can take away from Nipsey’s life and messages to continue the Marathon he started, and help improve the lives of African Americans across the country.
Take Risk/Invest in Yourself
Nipsey Hussle was the ultimate risk taker. Unlike most rappers he went the independent route, and when things got tough he did not budge, he stayed down and believed in his vision until it paid off. A perfect example of this was back in 2013 when he released his Mixtape Crenshaw, he also made physical copies and sold them for $100. A bold move that could have backfired into bad publicity especially in this social media age. However, Nipsey believed in himself and his vision and sold physical copies of the album for $100 while releasing the digital version for free on streaming platforms. It turned out that Nipsey’s gamble was a success, because on the first day he sold 1,000 copies or 100k worth of mixtapes. The move also got the attention of many people including the GOAT of rap, JAY-Z who bought 100 copies of Nipsey’s Mixtape. Crenshaw is now a certified classic mixtape. Here’s nip discussing the move.
Entrepreneurship
Even though he grew up in what most would consider an extremely dangerous and underprivileged neighborhood, Nipsey was wise beyond his years. He understood the importance of entrepreneurship, creating cash flow with multiple forms of income, and leaving a legacy behind for his children. Nipsey was becoming a real estate mogul. He had purchased and invested in many properties and businesses in the LA area. One of his more ambitious ideas is his business Vector 90 which he built to serve as a cultural hub, where ambitious people can come together and co-create with one another in a creative space built just for that. Nipsey taught us the importance of investing in our communities, and this is another reason why his death is a huge loss for the culture. Although he was only 33 when he died, a library was definitely burned down when he was killed. Here’s one of Nipsey’s most famous and earliest interviews. You can tell that he always had the right mind state and that success for him was only a matter of time.
It’s obvious what Nipsey Hussle meant to the African American community, whether your someone who was inspired by his music like myself, or someone inspired by his moves and the way he carried himself as a black man. Nipsey Hussle had JAY-Z potential and their rise to fame is extremely similar. I hate that his life was cut short, but I know that he inspired so many people including myself, I only hope that Black Men continue to stand up for what they believe in and risk their lives to tell their truth. Right now our prayers go out this his family and the love of his life Actress Lauren London who undoubtedbly needs all the support and love she can get at this time. R.I.P Nipsey you will live forever in Rap’s Hip Hop Hall of Fame.
