News of the death of Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle on Sunday shook the entire hip-hop and entertainment community with several tributes pouring in.
Born Ermias Davidson Asghedom on August 15, 1985, to an Eritrean father and an African-American mother, the 33-year-old was fatally shot multiple times in front of his Marathon Clothing store at 3420 W. Slauson Ave. in South Los Angeles, according to the LA Times. He is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship and a son with whom he has with his girlfriend, actress Lauren London.
The gunman also shot two other people who were subsequently hospitalized. He, however, remains at large, according to law enforcement officials.
Nipsey had a rough childhood growing up as a member of the Rollin’ 60s Crips gang in South LA but he managed to rise up above all obstacles to having a very successful rap career.
In what was his last post on Twitter on Sunday before his unfortunate demise, the rapper shared how having strong enemies was actually a blessing.
Riding off the buzz from his Grammy-nominated first studio album Victory Lap which was released last year, the Slauson rapper was tipped to have a stellar 2019 after being underground and independent for so long, releasing 12 critically acclaimed mixtapes along the way.
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.
“The man was instrumental in a lot of stuff. Fighting gentrification, trying to stop gang violence,” Malik Spellman, a community activist told the LA Times. “The facts are he was a good person.”
Below are some tributes from some celebrities in honour of the slain rapper:
