Nipsey Hussle aimed to end gang violence. Gang violence put an unfortunate end to him.
For years, Nipsey Hussle – real name Ermias Joseph Asghedom – has worked with the black community in Los Angeles to end both gentrification and gang violence.
Now, the Grammy-nominated rapper’s vision has come to a violent end.
On Sunday afternoon, a young man with known gang ties shot Asghedom and two other people multiple times. The shooting happened outside of Hussle’s store, The Marathon Clothing, at Slauson Ave. and Crenshaw Blvd. in Hyde Park. The rapper was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. He was 33.
One victim remains in stable condition. The second victim reportedly refused treatment. The shooting happened at around 3:25 p.m.
According to local sources, the young man opened fire at close range. He then ran into a waiting getaway car.
Just minutes before the shooting, Asghedom wrote on his Twitter account,
“Having strong enemies is a blessing.”
Condemning the shooting, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote,
“Our hearts are with the loved ones of Nipsey Hussle and everyone touched by this awful tragedy. L.A. is hurt deeply each time a young life is lost to senseless gun violence.”
Garcetti vowed to console and offer support to Asghedom’s family.
L.A. Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff confirmed a meeting that Asghedom had arranged. The rapper, along with members of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, would’ve met with Soboroff and Police Chief Michael Moore to discuss ways to stop gang violence and aid inner-city youth.
“We (@LAPDChiefMoore and I) were meeting, at the request of @NipseyHussle, with him and @rocnation tomorrow at 4 pm to talk about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us help kids.
“I’m so very sad.”
Tributes pour in for the late Nipsey Hussle.
On Sunday evening, a large crowd gathered around the site of the shooting.
Describing Asghedom’s legacy, Matthew Talley, a local engineer, said,
“It ain’t just Los Angeles. He was an inspiration that was bigger than Los Angeles. You see all these people out here?”
“He was really cool. He was a dope individual every time I met him.”
On social media, artists expressed grief over the news.
Drake wrote,
“My whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this.
“I want the world to know I saw you as a man of respect and a don. Rest easy my g.”
Rihanna said,
“This doesn’t make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this!”
21 Savage added,
“Real one after real one smh R.I.P Nipsey the solid morals you stood on and your legacy will last 4L!!”
Stating he would also likely die in his own neighborhood, Meek Mill said,
“Broke me…. We really fighting for our lives against our own kind and really have to take risk and match the level of hatred that we’re born in .. I’m tired. Prayers for my brother and his family.”
Talib Kweli added,
“What a damn tragedy. We have lost another brilliant black man to senseless gun violence. One of my favorite things in the world to do was tell people how much they were sleeping on Nipsey Hussle. He has inspired me so much as an artist. Salute young Nip. RIP.”
Expressing the label’s gratitude for having worked with the rapper, Atlantic Records stated,
“Words can’t express our sadness. Nipsey was not only one of the greatest artists we worked with but an amazing father and leader in his community. One of the kindest and brightest stars in the universe, he was inspiring to all.
“We will miss him, his music and everything he stood for. Our deepest sympathy, love, and prayers go out to his family. May Nipsey Hussle Rest in Peace.”
Featured image by Nipsey Hussle (YouTube screengrab).
