The sold-out out funeral for Grammy-nominated West Coast rapper Nipsey Hussle took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Attended by family, friends, fans, sympathizers and notable industry players, the solemn and emotional ceremony included various tributes that touched on all aspects of Nipsey Hussle’s life including his devotion to his family, his music, his philanthropy, his activism and his strides in making sure he always gave back to the community that raised him.
Born to an Eritrean father and an African-American mother, the 33-year-old rapper was fatally shot in front of his Marathon Clothing store at 3420 W. Slauson Ave. in South Los Angeles on Sunday, March 31.Nipsey Hussle is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship and a son with whom he has with actress and girlfriend Lauren London.
Neighborhood Nip, as Nipsey Hussle was affectionately known was on course to have a stellar year riding off the success of his 2018 Grammy-nominated Victory Lap album after being underground and independent for so long.
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Outside music, Nipsey Hussle was widely known for his philanthropic works and entrepreneurial savviness, owning several businesses along the block he was shot.
Below are some of the memorable moments at the funeral which was more of a celebration of his life:
His mother, Angelique Smith, spoke fondly about his life and legacy
His father paid tribute
His girlfriend Lauren London delivered a very emotional but inspirational tribute
His brother Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom shared some fond memories and tearfully eulogized him
His children were also on stage to pay tribute to him
His stepson, Cameron Carter, whose father is fellow rapper Lil Wayne reflected on a dream he had of him:
Snoop Dogg paid tribute
There were eulogies from President Barack Obama, Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar
Take a look at them below:
“In 2009, I remember trekking cities alongside Nipsey and family. Both performing as opening acts on The Game LAX Tour. Our sprinter van trailed their mobile home from state to state.
Though I was a there as support for my brother Jay Rock, Nipsey greeted me as one of his own. And that was very commendable. Casually I would go out to the crowd and listen to the substance he spewed on stage. Thinking to myself, this is the type of talent I want to be apart of. His charisma and way with words was powerful. But his integrity as a person, made me even more enthused.
I watched a young, ambitious black male orchestrate fellowship amongst the men around him on that tour. Determined to execute one thing — and that was Greatness. Greatness in knowledge, greatness in wealth, and greatness in self.
My curiosity about who he really was started to grow from that moment in time. Was he a product if Crenshaw and Slauson? Was he a radical? Or was he a thinker? That mystique kept me engaged throughout his life career. The years progressed, and my admiration grew from up close and from afar. Watching his interviews, his philosophies, and his work amongst the black community.
Time surely revealed itself. I realized Nipsey was all of those perspectives. But most importantly, he was a vessel from God. As my heart aches for him and his family. I understand that the Most High doesn’t make mistakes. I pray that Ermias Foundation continues to blossom. I pray for those who trespass against it.
A true King will be tested in adversity. To stand in fearlessness in what he believes will impact on earth, as well as in heaven. So thank you Nipsey The Radical. Nipsey The Husband. Nipsey The Friend. Nipsey The Great. And from now on, Nipsey The Messenger…… Shalom,” – Kendrick Lamar
