Influence Profile
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Trending in Nipsey Hussle’s World
Latest Single
Still Ballin
Released Sep 11, 2015
Trending Globally
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Single
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Quick Facts
Born
1985
1985
From
United States of America
United States of America
Journey
Raised in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw district, Ermias Joseph Asghedom, known musically as Nipsey Hussle, was born to an Eritrean father and an African American mother. His work put a sharp, reflective spin on West Coast rap, grounding stories of survival in a broader push for financial autonomy and local investment. South LA wasn’t just a backdrop for his music; it was the focal point of his career and activism.
Hussle began releasing music in the mid-2000s, establishing himself through a steady run of mixtapes rather than relying immediately on major-label exposure. Projects such as "Bullets Ain't Got No Name," "The Marathon," "Crenshaw," and "Mailbox Money" helped him build a dedicated following. His 2013 "Crenshaw" campaign became a defining example of his independent business philosophy: he priced limited physical copies at $100, with Jay-Z purchasing 100. The strategy reflected his emphasis on ownership, direct relationships with supporters, and long-term financial independence.
After years of independent releases, Hussle issued his first full-length studio album, "Victory Lap," on February 16, 2018. The album brought together autobiographical storytelling, reflections on perseverance, and accounts of his journey through Los Angeles. It reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and earned a nomination for Best Rap Album at the 61st Grammy Awards. Songs including “Dedication,” “Last Time That I Checc'd” and “Racks in the Middle” reinforced his reputation as an artist whose music connected personal experience with broader ideas about ambition and self-determination.
Entrepreneurship and community investment were equally important to Hussle. Through 'The Marathon Clothing,' he established a business presence on Slauson Avenue, while his work with Vector90 reflected his interest in technology, education, and opportunities for young people in South Los Angeles. His approach centered on creating ownership and economic opportunity within the community that had shaped him.
Hussle was fatally shot outside The Marathon Clothing on March 31, 2019, at age 33. His posthumous recognition included two Grammy victories in 2020: Best Rap Performance for “Racks in the Middle” and Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Higher.” The Recording Academy lists him with two wins and five nominations.
His legacy extends beyond his recorded catalog. Nipsey Hussle became a symbol of independent artistry, entrepreneurship, community investment, and long-term ambition, with the “Marathon” philosophy remaining central to how his life and work are remembered.