Skip to Content
Music

L.A. Already Loved Nipsey Hussle ~ Tributes Pour In as South Los Angeles Loses One of its Champions

Credit: Alejandra K on Twitter

[dropcap size=big]'N[/dropcap]ipsey Hussle was more than a rapper.' That seems to be the sentiment as tributes and feelings of shock poured in about the slain Crenshaw native, who was beloved by his community — a community he championed, invested in, and held up for the world to see.

But those of that grew up south of the 10, east of the 405, know that rap as its purest form has always been about much more than gold-plated consumerism.

Born Ermias Asghedom in South Los Angeles on August of 1985, Nipsey Hussle would grow up to embody the spirit of early hip hop that gave a voice to the community. He told true stories from the streets, and gave young people of color an outlet to express pride and often times disillusionment. In the gilded age of rap music, Nipsey was a throwback.

https://twitter.com/longdrivesouth/status/1112780927824855040

Several younger people on social media who weren't around to see it, compared his murder and our loss from it to that of L.A.'s adopted son Tupac Shakur.

Most of the tributes to the business mogul and Grammy-nominated rap artist reflect his impact as a leader of the community. His approach to music, his skills a business man, and his belief in investing in his people, served to uplift the parts of L.A. that are often times in a three-way tug of war between systemic poverty, crime, and opportunistic gentrifiers.

https://twitter.com/DavidDTSS/status/1112556334698954757
https://twitter.com/shaunking/status/1112713762526527488

RELATED: Highlights From the Rogue 99: In Praise of South Los Angeles

The pain appeared almost too unbearable in its closeness for those who grew up in communities just like Crenshaw and have dedicated their life to improving it without stealing its soul.

Overall, many people wanted to remember the 33-year-old entrepreneur and father of two in his own words.

RELATED: L.A. Rapper Nipsey Hussle, 33, Shot Dead Outside His Clothing Store at Slauson and Crenshaw [Updated]

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Six Musical Legends You Forgot Are From South L.A.

While the world may be familiar with the South Los Angeles roots of Dr. Dre, Serena Williams, Kendrick, and Flo-Jo, numerous musical legends people forget come from the city's heart. That’s why L.A. TACO is here to remind you of some musical legends from South L.A. 

May 16, 2025

‘Deportation Set Me Free:’ Deported Influencer Is Building Community and Thriving In Mexico

"I view the U.S. as a golden cage with many of our immigrant brothers and sisters trapped inside a system out of fear of the unknown in their home countries," says Anni Garcia, an influencer who has been documenting herself thriving in Jalisco.  

May 16, 2025

This SELA Taquería Cooks Its Tacos Straight In The Fire…

This weekend, we're also pointing you, loyal L.A. TACO members, to pho brisket tacos, a secret Beirut sandwich spot, and a new noodle shop in Venice from a winner of The Great Food Truck Race.

May 16, 2025

The People of Los Angeles Can Finally Go Back to Therapy

If you are one of the 4.9 million Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California who have been unable to see your regular therapist since mental health workers began striking in October 2024, the good news is that the strike is finally over.

May 15, 2025

A Running List of Mom N’ Pop Businesses In Danger Of Closing That Need Community Support Right Now

It feels like almost every other month, we hear about a business closing its doors or attempting to stay open. To help these businesses stay open rather than report on them once they’ve closed, we created this ongoing list of restaurants and businesses in Los Angeles that need the most support. Did we miss any? Let us know which ones also need love in the comments.

May 15, 2025
See all posts