Rapper Nipsey Hussle Shot and Killed in Los Angeles
The Grammy-nominated artist was 33 years old
Photo by Jimmy Fontaine/Atlantic Records
Veteran rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed outside of his own Marathon Clothing Company store in Los Angeles on Sunday. Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was just 33 years old.
Two others were also injured in the shooting, which occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. local time in the 3400 block of Slauson Avenue in South L.A.’s Hyde Park, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson told NBC News. The suspect or suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing, as the LAPD have yet to detain anyone.
Hussle was transported from the scene of the shooting—his Marathon Clothing line’s flagship store—to a local hospital, where he was reportedly pronounced dead.
Hussle’s last tweet, posted within an hour of the shooting, referred vaguely to “strong enemies.”
Having strong enemies is a blessing.
— THA GREAT (@NipseyHussle) March 31, 2019
Born in L.A. in 1985, Hussle began his prolific rap career in the mid-2000s, releasing numerous mixtapes over the years, beginning with 2005’s Slauson Boy Volume 1, and collaborating with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Rick Ross, Ty Dolla Sign, Meek Mill, DJ Mustard and Young Thug. Hussle teamed up with his fellow L.A. native YG for 2016 protest single “FDT (F*** Donald Trump),” which we highlighted as one of that year’s best songs.
Hussle released his first and final studio album, Victory Lap, in February 2018, which featured collaborations with YG, Lamar, Cee-Lo Green and others. The acclaimed LP, released via Hussle’s own All Money In No Money Out label in partnership with Atlantic Records, debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and earned the rapper his first Grammy nomination, a nod for Best Rap Album.
In addition to his work with Marathon and All Money In No Money Out, Hussle owned multiple businesses, appeared in several small film and TV roles, and had recently launched Too Big to Fail, a STEM center benefitting local youth in Crenshaw, Calif., where he grew up.
Hussle is survived by his girlfriend, actress Lauren London, and his children, Kross and Emani.
This doesn’t make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this! Dear God may His spirit Rest In Peace and May You grant divine comfort to all his loved ones!
I’m so sorry this happened to you @nipseyhusslepic.twitter.com/rKZ2agxm2a— Rihanna (@rihanna) April 1, 2019
Rest In Peace @NipseyHussle
— ashy daddy (@Thundercat) April 1, 2019
REST IN PEACE NIPSEY HUSSLE
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) April 1, 2019
This is so painful! @NipseyHussle was doing great work for the people. Keep his legacy alive by carrying on his work! Sending love to his family. Rest in Power King pic.twitter.com/hE2MNibbZ7
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) April 1, 2019
This is so fucking lame, one of the most genuine and authentic people I’ve ever met. INFINITE PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY AND LOVED ONES R.I.P NIPSEY HUSSLE
— Cordae’ (@YbnCordae) April 1, 2019
Rip The Legend @NipseyHussle
— Desiigner (@LifeOfDesiigner) April 1, 2019
God bless you forever. Thank you for your activism. May it continue through your legacy. https://t.co/sUn5GhwgFv
— |L I Z Z O| (@lizzo) April 1, 2019
Real one after real one smh R.I.P Nipsey the solid morals you stood on and your legacy will last 4L!!
— Saint Laurent Don (@21savage) April 1, 2019
You were about something..positive and for your community in every chance you had to speak..and because of that You inspired millions..millions who will uphold your legacy forever. rest amongst the stars. https://t.co/7gZ795wcQT
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) April 1, 2019
It’s a shame how fragile life is, even for the toughest of our brothers. Rest easy Nipsey Hussle
— Mike G (@GoMikeG) April 1, 2019
From my City.. From my High School.. A truly good dude.. Gone to Fn soon! This is NOT ok! I’m Fd up.. Man!! RIP Nip. https://t.co/Cvw4GNwUp5
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) April 1, 2019
You left a King’s legacy. RIP Nipsey Hussle.
— Bas (@Bas) April 1, 2019
I’ll remember him this way. Bright, genuine, forward thinking.
I’ll remember the beauty that he saw in our community. And the beauty that he was.
He loved us. He’s left that love with us. And it cannot die.
Rest in Power, King. You mattered. #FarewellNipseypic.twitter.com/fiSvURrz3U
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 1, 2019
This is tragic and unthinkable news. No one was loved in this city more than Nip. RIP to one of the realest ones ever. https://t.co/QIHchbowlP
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) April 1, 2019
Rest in paradise Nipsey Hussle. wishing strength for his family
— Rich Brian (@richbrian) April 1, 2019