By Wyatt B.

Influential rapper and philanthropist, Nipsey Hussle (33), was killed Sunday, March 31, 2019. He was shot in a drive-by while walking along the streets of Los Angeles.

Hussle was not into a luxurious way of life. Though most rappers would buy expensive cars and multi-story mansions, Hussle prefered to live under the radar. He often traveled without security.

Instead of marketing with popular brands and collaborating with wealthy companies, Hussle partnered with a developer to buy a local strip mall. He opened his first store there on June 17, 2017 and named it Marathon. Hussle wasn’t only focused on sales though, but began to sign autographs as well as comfort the ones in need.

Hussle’s most monumental accomplishments have come when nobody had been watching. Despite his mediocre popularity level, Hussle hasn’t attempted to chase Jay-Z or Drake, but has focused on communities in need.

April 2, 2019, two days after Nipsey Hussle was murdered, Russell Westbrook, point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, paid his tribute to the rapping icon. Westbrook was close friends with Hussle and he honored him in a monumental fashion. For just the second time in NBA history, Westbrook put up 20 rebounds, 21 assists, and 20 points. The only other player to accomplish such an achievement was the great, Wilt Chamberlain.Hussle had the opportunity to gain more money and buy more bling, but he decided to dedicate the majority of his life to a more significant cause: philanthropy. He will forever be remembered in our hearts.