Ermias Joseph Asghedom, largely known by his rap name Nipsey Hussle was assassinated in front of his business on March, 12th, 2019. I say assassinated because Nipsey was more than just a rapper, he was an advocate for gun violence, he re-invested in his community, and even had a meeting with the police chief of LA to curb gang violence in his neighborhood before his untimely passing. But that’s not to say that his music didn’t mirror his actions finishing 2 compilation albums, 1 studio albums and his 15 mix tapes. His lyrics of seeing the long-term goals in life, understanding nothing really worthwhile happens overnight, and just sticking to your script long enough to make something real happen saturated his beats which is rare today in a world built to give attention to the ones who least deserve.

Nipsey Hussle has come a long way since the first time we saw him in 2006 at the Russell Simmons’ Get Your Money Right summit and as we say goodbye to an artist, rapper, activist and most importantly a husband, father and son. Though there should be a time for mourning  I challenge you to do something that may seem impossible at this moment. I challenge you to not mourn the death of Nipsey, but celebrate his life and all of the fruits he has left behind in his community and in his music.