Many people across the world are mourning the loss of Ermias Asghedom, also better known as Grammy-Nominated rapper and philanthropist Nipsey Hussle, whose life was tragically taken on Sunday, March 31, 2019, when gunman Eric Holder fatally shot the father and well-loved gentleman outside of his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles.
No one deserves to die in a cold-blooded and heartless manner of this magnitude. Everyone was quite shocked to learn that someone had the audacity to shoot Nipsey in the community that he loved and worked tirelessly to rebuild from the ground up. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Police Department captured the assailant on Monday, April 2nd, 20 miles outside of the Crenshaw neighborhood where the crime occurred. The process of justice being served can slowly begin and hopefully bring closure with details to what really happened during this madness.
At the age of 33-years-old, Nipsey Hussle’s heart touched so many that were young, old, rich, poor, and those who just needed an ice cold drink. Stories started pouring in describing how Nipsey played an important role in the lives of people we never knew existed until now. A wife on Instagram stated how her husband worked on the electrical wiring outside of the strip mall where the entrepreneur’s clothing store was located. At the time her husband had no idea that the man who provided free drink, snacks, and complimentary clothing during his job duties was a highly successful businessman. When the husband learned about Nipsey’s passing he immediately was overcome with emotion and realized how deeply this man cared for his community.
The most heartbreaking experience that is challenging for all of us to fathom is that Nipsey will leave behind his beautiful children, the love of his life Lauren London, and a family that adored him since birth and watched him develop as an inspiring adult.
Nipsey also spiritually adopted several brothers who call him family till this day. Texas Tech #1 Guard, Brandone Francis, expressed his grief and heartfelt sentiment when he shared the joy of seeing Nipsey stand with his family at the 2019 NCAA Gonzaga vs. Texas Tech March 30th game. This was the last event he would attend before his death. Watching the smile on Nipsey’s face when Texas Tech advanced to the Final Four lets you know that he will be watching down from heaven above, rooting Brandone on the championship.
Actress Lauren London, the woman whose glow and dimples would light up every time Nipsey’s spirit touched her heart, is mourning the life of her child’s father. On Tuesday, April 2 she shared a brief message on her Instagram page stating the devastation she and her family are facing. Our thoughts and continuous prayers are with them all during this difficult time of bereavement.
Beyond the world of music and being a Grammy-Nominated rapper for his debut studio album “Victory Lap” which was released on February 16, 2018, Nipsey Hussle believed in being a pillar in the Crenshaw community he called home. As the owner of the million dollar strip mall that housed his clothing store, Marathon Clothing, Nipsey was embracing the process of building businesses that would bring more jobs to the disenfranchised and circulate the black dollar within the community.
As an investor in the Vector 90 co-work space that is housed in South Central L.A., Nipsey created this opportunity for entrepreneurs and children interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to take educational classes to help build their futures. This man was not only working in front of the microphone, but he was also constructing a staircase behind-the-scenes that will impact the minds of people for years to come.
Therefore Matthew 10:28 states, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…” We may have lost Nipsey on earth however, his legacy was designed by God to keep moving forward even after death. The birth name of Ermias solidifies the meaning of “God will rise” and it is a testament to the life he lived. Therefore Nipsey’s parents gave birth to a man who would rise above the negativity and disappointment set before him.
Although we mourn for him to return, let us not mourn hopelessly and continue the love and successful path Nipsey prepared before his journey to a higher calling above. His death is a wake-up call and should inspire us all to work towards bettering our local communities. Will the work be easy? No. Will the work be treacherous? Yes, at times. No matter what, don’t give up and always remember that Nipsey’s labor was not in vain.
The work will continue and it is time for us to look inwardly and make better decisions as to how we can improve our lives and those around us one day at a time. God Bless you Nipsey and thank you for shining your light for the world to witness. Rest in the arms of God above.
Houston, Texas will host a special candlelight vigil to honor Nipsey Hussle on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Midtown Park 2811 Travis St. from 6-8 pm. tonight. We will post other vigils being held across the country when available.
