Rapper Nipsey Hussle’s death put an inspiring life in the spotlight

The Grammy nominee’s quiet rise from the Crips to community activist defines his legacy

You may not have heard the name Nipsey Hussle before he was shot and killed on March 31, 2019, in Los Angeles

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But news of Hussle’s death went viral and led to an online outpouring of grief and love from huge names in the music industry

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Former President Barack Obama even sent a letter offering condolences to Hussle’s family, commending a life well-lived

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A procession following the funeral reportedly attracted more than 21,000 fans, walking alongside Hussle’s casket

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Hussle, who was 33 years old when he died, was a Grammy-nominated rapper — as well as an entrepreneur, community activist, and father of two

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He also had a violent past and had spoken publicly about his long affiliation with the Rollin’ 60s, an LA-area gang that is connected to the Crips

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Born Ermias Davidson Asghedom in 1985, Hussle had been a force in the SoCal rap scene for nearly 15 years

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