All across the country millions of people have been tuned in watching March Madness. The NCAA Basketball Tournament has been entertaining and filled with excitement. Saturday night, March 30, in Anaheim, California, Texas Tech battled Gonzaga. After sealing the victory, you can see one of the Texas Tech players interacting with Nipsey Hussle. Little did we know that this interaction would be the last public image of the Grammy nominated artist.
Born in Los Angeles, California, and given the birth name Ermias Asghedom, Nipsey Hussle found himself getting involved with gang life, as he became a member of the Rolling 60’s Crips Gang. Hussle became a true hustler when he decided to pursue the rap game. He released 10 mixtapes over a ten year span.
In February of 2018, Hussle released his debut album Victory Lap. The 16-track album includes features from Sean “Diddy” Combs, YG, Kendrick Lamar, Ceelo Green, and Marsha Ambrosius.Â
From day one as a mixtape artist, Hussle spoke about making money and spending it wisely. He talked about investing in businesses and his community. Hussle was a man of his word, as he practiced what he preached. In 2017 he opened Marathon Clothing Store in the Slauson Avenue strip mall. Hussle was dedicated to creating jobs and providing educational opportunities.
According to people connected to the crime scene, on March 31st, Eric Holder, a man who was recently released from jail, approached Nipsey Hussle. They apparently had a verbal dispute that resulted in Hussle calling Holder a snitch and asking him to leave his establishment. The underground rapper known as Fly Mac honored Hussle’s request and vacated the scene. Feeling angry and disrespected, Holder returned to Hussle’s establishment with a gun. He shot Nipsey Hussle five times in the torso, and once in the head. Two others were wounded in the shooting. Eric Holder ran to a getaway car as he fled the scene in a white 2016 Chevy Cruze. Hussle was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead thirty minutes later.
After collecting surveillance footage and statements from witnesses, law enforcement labeled Eric Holder a suspect in the murder of the slain rapper. Immediately following the public announcement, it became a race for justice. Law enforcement and street enforcement were in pursuit of the alleged gunman. Eric Holder was taken into police custody on Tuesday, April 2nd. The woman believed to be the getaway driver turned herself in. She spoke with detectives and was later released from custody.
Nipsey Hussle’s body was released on April 2nd by the coroner and transported to the mortuary.Â
Hussle is survived by two children and longtime girlfriend Lauren London. The two met in 2013 when London purchased Nipsey Hussle’s limited mixtapes as a gift for co-stars on the BET series “The Game.” London bought the mixtapes and started following Hussle on Instagram.
On April 2, London posted a heartfelt message on the social media site. “I am completely lost. I’ve lost my best friend, my sanctuary, my protector, my soul. I’m lost without you babe. I have no words.”
