Nipsey Hussle: What you need to know about the rapper shot dead at 33

Christy Somos, CTVNews.ca
Published Monday, April 1, 2019 9:20AM EDT
Last Updated Monday, April 1, 2019 10:51AM EDT

The entertainment world has reacted with shock at news of yesterday’s shooting death of U.S.-born rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Hussle, whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, created his stage name as a nod to comedian and actor Nipsey Russell.

Hussle hailed from the Crenshaw neighbourhood of south Los Angeles and had been active in the music industry for more than a decade.

Hussle’s debut studio album “Victory Lap” earned him a Grammy nomination, and it peaked at number four on the Billboard chart on March 3, 2018.

Hussle had previously mentioned in interviews that he had an upcoming collaboration with the rapper Meek Mill set to be released this summer, and had worked with other major names in the rap industry such as Kendrick Lamar and Rick Ross.

John Legend wrote on Twitter that he had recorded music with Hussle and DJ Khaled earlier this week, while Drake revealed on Instagram that he had plans to work with the late rapper this summer. Drake had previously worked with Hussle on the track “Killer” in 2013.

Condolences from all over the world, from celebrities including Rihanna, Pharrell, Kehlani and Snoop Dogg continue to pour in, and Hussle’s fans have inundated the social media feeds of both the rapper and his fiancé, Lauren London.

Hussle died after being shot Sunday afternoon outside his Los Angeles clothing store, Marathon Clothing.

With files from the Associated Press.

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