Nipsey Hussle Cause of Death: A Tragic End for a Beloved Rapper
Nipsey Hussle, a Grammy-nominated rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist, was shot and killed outside his clothing store in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. He was 33 years old. His death shocked and saddened his fans, peers, and family, who mourned the loss of a talented and influential artist who was dedicated to uplifting his neighborhood.
Who Was Nipsey Hussle?
Nipsey Hussle was born Ermias Joseph Asghedom on August 15, 1985, in Los Angeles. He grew up in the Crenshaw district of South L.A., where he was exposed to gang culture and violence at an early age. He joined the Rollin’ 60s, a faction of the Crips gang when he was 14.
Hussle developed a passion for music and started rapping under the name Nipsey Hussle, a play by the comedian Nipsey Russell. He released his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Vol. 1, in 2005, and gained local recognition for his gritty and authentic style. He later signed a deal with Epic Records but left the label in 2010 to pursue his own independent career.
Hussle became known for his innovative marketing strategies, such as selling his mixtapes for $100 or $1,000 each, earning him the respect and support of fellow artists like Jay-Z and Rick Ross. He also built a loyal fan base through his prolific output and consistent quality. He released several acclaimed projects, such as The Marathon, The Marathon Continues, Crenshaw, and Mailbox Money.
Hussle’s breakthrough came in 2018 when he released his debut studio album Victory Lap. The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. The album featured guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, YG, The Dream, and more.
What Did Nipsey Hussle Do for His Community?
Nipsey Hussle was more than just a rapper. He was also an entrepreneur and a community activist who used his influence and resources to create positive change in his neighborhood. He opened several businesses in South L.A., including his clothing store, the Marathon Clothing Company, which also served as a smart store that allowed customers to access exclusive content through an app.
He also invested in real estate, education, technology, and art projects. He bought a strip mall on Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue, where he planned to build a residential complex with affordable housing units. He partnered with Vector90, a co-working space and STEM center that provided opportunities for young people of color to learn and network.
He supported local schools by donating shoes, clothes, and backpacks to students. He funded the renovation of a basketball court and a playground at an elementary school near his store. Hussle was also involved in various philanthropic initiatives that aimed to reduce violence and improve health in his community.
He collaborated with the Los Angeles Police Department to organize a meeting to discuss ways to prevent gang-related conflicts. He was working on a documentary about Dr. Sebi, a controversial herbalist who claimed to have cured AIDS and other diseases with natural remedies.
Hussle’s vision was to inspire and empower his people to achieve their full potential and overcome the challenges they faced. He often spoke about his philosophy of “The Marathon”, which meant pursuing one’s goals with perseverance and resilience despite the obstacles. He also coined the term “All Money In”, which meant investing in oneself and one’s community instead of spending money on material things.
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How Did Nipsey Hussle Die?
Nipsey Hussle died from gunshot wounds to the head and torso on March 31, 2019. He was shot at least 10 times by a man who approached him in the parking lot of his store around 3:20 p.m… The shooter also kicked Hussle in the head before fleeing in a vehicle driven by a woman.
The motive for the shooting was allegedly a personal dispute between Hussle and the shooter, who were both members of the same gang, the Rollin’ 60s. The shooter was identified as Eric R. Holder Jr., a 32-year-old aspiring rapper who went by the name “Shitty Cuz”.
Holder had confronted Hussle earlier that day about snitching allegations. Hussle had reportedly heard that Holder was a snitch and told him to “clear that up” before he could do business with him. Holder left, but returned later with a gun and opened fire on Hussle and his associates.
He then escaped in a car driven by a woman who claimed she did not know about his plans. Holder was arrested two days later after a massive manhunt. He was indicted by a grand jury on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
He pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial. Two other people were also wounded in the shooting but survived. They were taken to a local hospital and listed in stable condition.
Rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot outside his clothes store in south Los Angeles and was later declared dead at the hospital:
BREAKING: Rapper Nipsey Hussle has been pronounced dead at the hospital after being shot outside his clothing company in south Los Angeles, multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the incident tell @NBCNews. https://t.co/IY2Np29zFm – @anblanx
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 1, 2019
How Did the World React to Nipsey Hussle’s Death?
Nipsey Hussle’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from his fans, fellow artists, celebrities, politicians, and activists. He was praised for his music, which blended streetwise lyrics with inspirational messages, and for his entrepreneurship, which aimed to create economic opportunities and social change in his community.
Hussle’s funeral was held at the Staples Center on April 11, 2019. It was attended by over 20,000 people, including his longtime partner Lauren London, their son Kross Asghedom, his daughter Emani Asghedom from a previous relationship, his parents Angelique Smith and Dawit Asghedom, his brother Samiel Asghedom, and many celebrities and dignitaries.
Hussle’s casket was then taken on a 25-mile procession through South L.A., passing by landmarks such as his childhood home, his elementary school, and his store. Thousands of fans lined up along the route to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
Hussle’s music also received a boost after his death. His debut album Victory Lap re-entered the Billboard 200 chart at number two. His songs and albums also topped the iTunes and Amazon charts. His streaming numbers increased by over 1,700 percent.
Hussle’s legacy continues to inspire and influence many people around the world. He has been honored with several posthumous awards, such as the BET Humanitarian Award, the BET Hip Hop Award for Best Impact Track for “Higher”, and two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap/Sung Performance for “Racks in the Middle” and “Higher”, respectively.
Hussle has also been immortalized in various forms of art, such as murals, paintings, sculptures, tattoos, and clothing. His store has become a pilgrimage site for his fans, who leave flowers, candles, notes, and other items in his memory. His slogan “The Marathon Continues” has become a rallying cry for his supporters, who vow to carry on his vision and mission.
Nipsey Hussle was more than just a rapper. He was a leader, a visionary, a role model, and a hero. He was a man who used his talent, passion, and influence to make a positive difference in his community and beyond. He was a man who lived up to his name: Ermias, which means “God will rise” in Amharic. He was a man who left behind a legacy that will never die.
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