Rapper Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was killed on March 31 after a shooting at his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles that resulted in him and two others being transported to a local hospital.Â
The victims were in stable condition upon hospital arrival, but Hussle died there. Within 24 hours, the Los Angeles Police Department identified 29-year-old Eric Holder as a suspect. Currently, Holder has been arrested by the LAPD and is in custody.Â
The recording artist and songwriter’s last message on Twitter said, “Having strong enemies is a blessing.â€
Within minutes of the news, celebrities and fans took to the Internet to express their condolences. Â
Artists with Memphis connections, like 8Ball, Juicy-J, Young Dolph and Yo Gotti, tweeted about the news. The news of Hussel’s death also spurred tweets from Memphis Grizzlies players Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson.Â
Hussle had recently opened the first Marathon Clothing smart store, which received wide-ranging media attention. He released his first album in 2018, “Victory Lap,†after reaching a deal with his All Money in LLC and Atlantic Records. The deal came after a decade-long mixtape series which started with his 2005 mixtape Slauson Boy and several commercial singles, most notably “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump).â€Â
Nipsey garnered collaboration with many well-known music artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, YG, Childish Gambino, Rick Ross, Meek Mill. He received nomination for the Best Rap Album for his Victory Lap album at the 2019 Grammy Awards. He credited his fans for his success in past interviews.
“A lot of artists come into the game with a radio record, but they don’t establish the fans as fan of their style of music,†Hussle said. Â
Hussle owned numerous businesses including record labels, a clothing line and stores. He invested in the STEM-based youth center surrounded around thinking, creativity and innovation. It has been reported Hussle had been scheduled to speak with students about gang violence April 1.
