NBC reports that Nipsey was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital. Two other men were in serious condition.
Born Ermias Asghedom in 1985, Nipsey released his debut mixtape Slauson Boy Vol. 1 in 2005. After signing a record deal with Cinematic Music Group/Epic in 2008, he released the first two instalments of his Bullets Ain't Got No Name mixtape series, releasing a third entry in 2009. Early collaborations included work with Drake, Snoop Dogg, French Montana, Rick Ross, the Game and more.
In 2010, Nipsey left Epic to form his own imprint, All Money In. He released mixtapes The Marathon and The Marathon Continues through the imprint in 2010 and 2011, respectively. In 2013, he made waves the release of his Crenshaw mixtape, selling 1,000 CD copies of the effort for $100 each alongside its free digital release. He reportedly sold every copy, with JAY-Z buying 100 of them.
In 2016, Nipsey appeared on YG's protest song "FDT." The year also saw him release his Famous Lies and Unpopular Truths mixtape.
Nipsey released his debut studio album, Victory Lap, in February 2018. The effort, which was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 61st annual Grammy Awards, featured collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Puff Daddy, YG, Buddy, Marsha Ambrosius, The-Dream and more.
Outside of music, Nipsey was praised as a community leader and entrepreneur in recent years. The rapper opened his Marathon Clothing as a "smartstore" with accompanying app, and had a hand in launching a co-working space and business incubator named Vector 90. Nipsey was also involved with the launch of Destination Crenshaw, an outdoor art and culture exhibit celebrating Africa-American artists.
In the wake of the tragic news, tributes have been pouring in for Nipsey Hussle. You can see some of those below.
R.i.P Nipsey 😞🙏🏾
— its DOLPHHHHHH! (@YoungDolph) April 1, 2019
Watching Nipsey inspired me to invest and own in our communities. He was a solid man who loved his woman, his family and his community. This hurts.
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) April 1, 2019
Real one after real one smh R.I.P Nipsey the solid morals you stood on and your legacy will last 4L!!
— Saint Laurent Don (@21savage) April 1, 2019
RIP Nipsey man. This is tragic
— Chance Owbum 📅 (@chancetherapper) April 1, 2019
Rip Nipsey Smh sad!
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) April 1, 2019
BREAKING: Rapper Nipsey Hussle has been pronounced dead at the hospital after being shot outside his clothing company in south Los Angeles, multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the incident tell @NBCNews. https://t.co/IY2Np29zFm - @anblanx
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 1, 2019
Nipsey was so important to the movement, I'm so sad
— Boi-1da (@Boi1da) April 1, 2019
Say a prayer for nipsey hussle one time 🙏🏿🙏🏿
— spread love (@mickjenkins) March 31, 2019
RIP Nipsey. I just spent Thursday with him filming a video for a beautiful new song we created with Khaled. We filmed in Inglewood, close to where he grew up. He was so gifted, so proud of his home, so invested in his community. Utterly stunned that he's gone so soon.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 1, 2019
Post up them Nipsey Interviews. He has a wisdom and a knowledge that you need to acquaint yourself with. It's in his music but when he speaks it really shows just how much of an intellectual giant he is. Find solace in his own words, his integrity and his actions. He ain't done.
— "DROGAS WAVE" NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) April 1, 2019
RIP Nipsey.. Aside from great music he was doing so much to make a positive impact and add on to the growth of his community. Senseless is an understatement.
— Crime Rhyme Houdini (@JustBlaze) April 1, 2019
rest in peace nipsey. I hope people listened to what you were attempting to teach. amazing that we live in a world where somebody would want to stop you.
— Open Mike Eagle (@Mike_Eagle) April 1, 2019
RIP NIPSEY HUSSLE
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) April 1, 2019
Nipsey was a model for me: his music, his intelligence, his entrepreneurship, his love for his woman, his focus on community & education. He was an honorable chief in a time where honor is scarce. I still don't want to believe the good die young #RIPNipsey
— Jidenna (@Jidenna) April 1, 2019
REST IN PEACE NIPSEY HUSSLE
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) April 1, 2019
