In the eyes of many, he’s considered as the blueprint for independent artists.
But for Ermias Asghedom, or as the world knows him by Nipsey Hussle, it’s all just that – a hustle. Besides having the fame and all the accolades he’s achieved over the course of his career, it’s important to acknowledge that he’s been in the trenches giving back to his neighborhood – starting with the foundation of his Marathon store, his involvement with the Fatburger next door and Destination Crenshaw, as well as opening a co-working space called Vector 90. In a 2018 interview with Rap Radar, Hussle said that the location of his store is where it all started – with the goal to eventually buy up the entire block.
“This is where the Nip Hussle story – as far as doing music has started – as far as selling my mixtapes out of that parking lot,” Hussle said. “And even before the music just hustling out the parking lot … so there’s a story that’s connected to this space, and even before the store, the geography, the parking lot..”
Yesterday afternoon, the news broke that Hussle was shot in front of his store along with two other people, and eventually died from his wounds at the hospital. The news sent shockwaves all across social media platforms and shocked so many celebrities in the industry that many are still trying to figure out how and why did this happen. Hundreds of fans and family members came out to the Marathon store to show support for the slain rapper.
Even celebrities that respected the rapper sent out their condolences.
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 are born in .. I’m tired 🙏🏾 prayers for my brother and his family
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) 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
LAPD is still trying to find the suspect involved in this unfortunate and unexpected shooting, alluding that the situation may have been gang-related. Despite how this ends we here at Word Is Bond will send our condolences to all involved, including the families and loved ones.