Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced that the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and West Slauson Avenue will be named the Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom Square in honor of the slain rapper.
The announcement, which was made on Tuesday according to the LA Times, follows a petition which received over 500,000 signatures calling for the intersection to be named in the rapper’s honor after his death.
“Ermias Asghedom, known as ‘Nipsey Hussle,’ was an icon and West Coast hero,” Harris-Dawson said in a statement. “Nipsey’s genuine nature allowed him to be a light to everyone he interacted with, from family, friends, fans and his larger community.
“As a father, brother and son, Nipsey was a rock helping to build an empire that will continue through generations. Nipsey will always be remembered for delivering a pure, authentic Los Angeles sound; his numerous philanthropic efforts; his innovative, community-focused business mindset; and his humble heart.”
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. He 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 he 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.
The suspected gunman, 29-year-old Eric Holder, was eventually arrested on Tuesday, March 2. He was charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon on Thursday, March 4. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to The New York Times.
Outside music, the rapper was widely known for his philanthropic works and entrepreneurial savviness, owning several businesses along the block he was shot. He also never stopped short of empowering the youth through various community outreach programs and helping residents in need whenever he could.
His memorial is set to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 11, with thousands expected to attend the sold-out event.
Leading to the memorial, Nipsey’s mother, Angelique Smith, paid a glaring tribute to her son calling on friends, fans and sympathizers to celebrate his life and legacy.
