By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
The world was robbed and hip hop culture was brought to its knees when visionary rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle was murdered in front of his Los Angeles store. Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom (August 15, 1985 – March 31, 2019) widely known as Nipsey Hussle and Neighborhood Nip preached self determination and entrepreneurship to anyone who would listen. I met Nipsey Hussle around 2016, in New York City at a major record label. At the time I was unaware of his music but his presence was absolutely unforgettable. He was the type of person whom you never forget. He preached about liberation, Stoicism, self awareness and really moved everyone in the room to thought. At that time I had no idea who he was. I just knew he was insightful and very handsome. I was shocked to find out he was a rapper. He came across as a philosopher, a visionary, a leader, a person whom once you speak with him you’re never quite the same. Even in death his impact is felt widely defined by his mantra “The Marathon” it truly continues. His voice immortalized.
On August 14, 2026, one day before the great Nipsey Hussle would have turned 41-years-old his estate released Prolific, the first posthumous album featuring Bino Rideaux. Recorded ten years ago the album is prophetic alluding to issues and attitudes that impact us today more than ever. Lyrics like his first verse on the album define his mission driven self-informed character, “I know this cash don't make me, I know this fame don't make me. You know this game get crazy, I know this pain can't break me. I don't got down time lately. Giving you the dial tone lately. I ain't been around much lately. And you know I don't do no explaining.”
Bar after bar Nipsey continues to elevate the rap game with this lyricism despite his missing physical presence. Known for his hustle mentality and hits like “FDT” and album Victory Lap, Nipsey never shied away from social issues. Nip voiced his opinion on what folks should be doing to progress themselves and the culture as a whole. On the track “Miami Off the Plan” Nip raps, “I ain't perfect man, just working my brand. Dealing with circumstances in this new sedan.” The honesty and vulnerability in his music is part of what makes him so relatable, that and top tier beats and bars.
Nipsey had so much ahead of him, but sometimes it takes losing our true visionaries for folks to sharpen up and see that we must do better for ourselves and for our culture. This album Prolific, has something for everyone; deep lyrics, artful beats, and of course freak joints. This is a classic from top to bottom, a full album and a strong testament to Nipsey Hussle’s legacy.
Nipsey left us many gifts and his brother Black Sam has taken the torch and ran with it. From brand deals, to merchandise, even a restaurant Black Sam has ensured that the marathon truly continues and fans like myself can’t wait to see what will come next. Long Live Nipsey Hussle!
