Mar 31, 2020
Nipsey Hussle — One Year Later
March 31, 2019, was the day rapper/activist/entrepreneur Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom was murdered. A moment that first paused the Hip Hop community and later the world. And although his death makes even less sense today than it did a year ago, the journey within the past year is a testament to his legendary life.
The universal feeling of Nipsey’s death was shock and disbelief, which opened the door for shameless propaganda. Online conspiracist immediately began to spread factless stories that Nipsey’s murder was a reaction from his attempt to make a documentary of a deceased controversial healer.
A short time later, memorials began to emerge to spotlight Nipsey Hussle’s existence. Graffiti artist(LA especially) brought to life concrete walls with visuals of an all blue-dressed Nipsey with wings. At the same time, the televised funeral at Staples Center showcased his human side as close friends and family spoke proudly of the loved son and father, who was also a dedicated philanthropist.
As the year continued, Nipsey Hussle began to show up onscreen like a walking spirit through music videos and TV. His presence became haunting when he rapped on Higher with John Legend & DJ Khaled and sad when he appeared on Rhyme + Flow. To see Nipsey Hussle finally getting the recognition in the afterlife became a reminder of his vast potential that was now gone.
Respect for Nipsey Hussle continued through heartfelt tributes from his partner-N-rhyme YG’s BET Awards performance to Meek Mill & Roddy Ricch sincere dedication at the Grammys. However, it was the three and a half minute Forever Stronger video starring his(Nipsey) widowed life-partner Lauren London standing strong despite her loss that assured the lifespan of Nipsey’s legacy.
A year later and the murder of Nipsey Hussle still cannot be completely understood. Whether the act itself was simply jealousy or case of a fragile ego, his death birth confusion and need to create fabricated stories that displayed people’s inability to grieve. The aftermath is that the growth of his legend created a public process of healing for those affected. His business ventures became motivational while his charitable acts created inspiration. The lesson of Nipsey Hussle’s death is a reminder that none of us are in control of our outcome while his life remains an example that legacies build along with a marathon that will always continue.
