Nipsey Hussle’s family took to social media to announce the death of his grandmother and also pay tribute to her, iHeart reported. On several occasions, the deceased Eritrean-American rapper spoke about his close relationship with Margaret Boutte and how the matriarch played a key role in his childhood as well as that of his siblings.
On DJ Khaled’s Higher song, Hussle rapped about how Boutte struggled to conceive for 10 years before she eventually gave birth to his mother. “My granny 88, she had my uncle and then, a miscarriage back-to-back every year for like ten,” Hussle raps on the John Legend-assisted track. “Pregnant with my moms, doctor told her it was slim/Was bed rode for nine months, but gave birth in the end.”
Lauren London, who shares a son with Hussle, took to Instagram on Sunday to pay homage to Boutte. “Forever Honored. Granny Gran,” London captioned alongside a photo of the deceased matriarch.
Hussle’s sister, Samantha Smith, also shared a throwback photo they took with their grandmother as she celebrated one of her birthdays. “My angels,” Smith captioned with a white heart emoji.
The slain rapper’s Marathon Clothing Store also paid tribute to Boutte by posting a video montage with Boyz II Men’s How Can I Say Goodbye to Yesterday song.
Boutte was present at the August ceremony honoring Hussle with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also paid tribute to her deceased grandson in a short speech she gave at the event.
“Nipsey was the love of my life, always very respectful,” Boutte said. “I miss him, but I look at his picture and remember all the wonderful times we had together. I thank my daughter for blessing me with Nipsey and Sami and Samantha. I love you all. He will never be gone in my heart. He lives forever.”
Born Ermias Asghedom, Hussle was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in his South-Central Los Angeles neighborhood in March 2019. The man accused of killing him, Eric Holder, was convicted of his murder in July.
During her speech, Boutte said she was praying for her grandson’s killer. “I’m praying for him too,” she said. “I hope he does not get killed in custody. Have enough time to ask God for forgiveness. I’m Catholic, I do believe in prayer, and I’m praying for him. It was a young, ignorant situation, and I’m hoping he’s sorry for what he did.”
