A few weeks ago, my cousin and I were having a random conversation about Nipsey Hussle. I don’t recall how he became the topic of discussion. We are both fans of his music so talking about Nipsey’s charismatic vibe, and laid back disposition was not uncommon. Fast forward to Sunday evening, March 31st. I am chilling with my girls while sipping on a glass of red Cabernet. I scrolled through my phone and saw “BREAKING NEWS” about the melee surrounding Nipsey. My initial reaction was that he was going to pull through. Minutes later, news reports stated that he had succumbed to his injuries. My social media timeline was inundated with posts from celebrities and followers about Nipsey Hussle’s untimely demise. It was like a ubiquitous dark cloud had infiltrated the Internet, and we all felt it.
Nipsey Hussle was not only a musical artist, but he was a man who loved his community. He was a businessman. He was a philanthropist. His message of motivation and success permeates throughout his latest album “Victory Lap.” His music left us with an undisguised message of Black entrepreneurship, hustler’s ambition, and personal growth. In his song “Last Time I Checked” Nipsey says:
For every n*gga in the streets trying to feed the babies
The single mamas workin’ hard not to miss a payment
And dirty money get washed on royalty statements
Black owners in this game are powerful races
Young n*ggas in the set that’s doing it makeshift
Out the garage is how you end up in charge
It’s how you end up in penthouses, end up in cars, it’s how you
Start off a curb servin’, end up a boss
It’s how you win the whole thing and lift up a cigar
With sweat drippin’ down your face ’cause the mission was hard.”
So often we hear the words “The good die young.” Time after time, we see young Black men like Nipsey at the very peak of success and finally getting their just due only to be gunned down in senseless acts of violence. Nipsey’s impact on rap culture superseded mixtapes and album releases. He was out in the streets, pounding the pavement and putting in work. He hired former inmates to work at his Marathon Clothing Store because he knew the struggles that would befall former inmates post prison release- especially Black ones. His impact on those around him shows because they all speak so highly of him. He was more than a rapper. He was a philanthropist, a humanitarian, community-driven and a go-getter.
Nipsey left behind a legacy – a legacy that will stand the test of time.
Nipsey’s passing should be a lesson to all of us that we must do all we can while we can. Not only that but it’s never too late to be the change you want to see. Our past does not dictate our future. Nipsey has done more in his 33 years than some have done in a lifetime. This young man sparked a significant change in his community, and it won’t stop at his untimely demise. He left a legacy. He is more than his past as a gang member turned rapper; he is a hometown hero to so many people. He was highly respected as a musical artist, a businessman, a partner, a friend, a brother, son, and father. My heart aches for his loved ones – especially his partner Lauren London and children.
My heart breaks for Lauren. She lost the love of her life – the father of her child. I’m not saying they had the perfect relationship, but they seemed to have a genuine bond and were true soulmates. When I watched the GQ video of Laura asking Nipsey 30 questions about her, it was quite endearing. He answered every question with confidence and urbane Nipsey swag! We are praying for Lauren. That type of loss is unimaginable.
I may not have known Nipsey Hussle personally, but after hearing about his philanthropy, his love for his community made me feel like I did. He never posted about his charitable efforts on social media for all to see. He didn’t have a camera nearby to document his philanthropic acts. He was humble and did what he was called to do – serve his community. He is a prime example that although we may be products of our environment, we all have what it take to rise above and do better. He took what he had and made it 10x better. He could have stopped once he made it as a rapper and just enjoyed the good life. Instead, he took what he had, multiplied it and started businesses. He encouraged Black people to “buy the block.” As I watched some of his interviews, I could feel his confidence, authenticity, and humility but I could also see his fearlessness. Amid his lightweight physique, he had the heart of a lion.
While Nipsey’s sudden passing is a shock to the world, let his legacy spark the fire of motivation within you to change the world! Nipsey’s legacy is a reminder once again that not all heroes wear capes!
RIP Nipsey.
The marathon continues…
The Honest Aquarian 