Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed outside his clothing store
in Hyde Park on March 31, 2019.
Hussle was a beloved figure in Los Angeles, known as much for his community activism as
his rap prowess.
Here's how Hussle's friends and admirers reacted upon learning of his untimely death.
Nipsey Hussle's final tweet, posted the day he was killed at the age of 33, has now assumed
a chilling and darkly ironic tone.
That afternoon, he wrote:
"Having strong enemies is a blessing."
The news of Nipsey Hussle's death shook social media as outpourings of love and grief filled
every corner of Twitter and Instagram.
Pop sensation Rihanna was one of many celebs who expressed their shock and grief, tweeting:
"This doesn't make any sense!
My spirit is shaken by this!
Dear God may His spirit Rest In Peace and May You grant divine comfort to all his loved
ones!"
Alongside broken heart and prayer hands emojis, Rihanna added:
The Toronto-raised rapper Drake also took to social media to express his sadness upon
hearing the terrible news, writing on Instagram:
Drake's thoughtful memorial went on to pay tribute to Hussle's singular presence.
Rapper Cardi B acknowledged Nipsey Hussle's commitment to his community and reminded her
fans to continue to support his music and businesses:
She added:
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James also lamented Hussle's passing, taking to Twitter
to offer his condolences:
"So so SAD man!!
DAMN man this hurt."
James wrote a lengthier message on his Instagram page:
Rapper and producer Pharrell Williams remembered Nipsey Hussle for his community advocacy and
inspiration, tweeting:
"You were about something..positive and for your community in every chance you had to
speak..and because of that You inspired millions..millions who will uphold your legacy forever.
rest amongst the stars."
Hip-hop mogul Diddy wrote his own heartfelt tribute on Instagram:
Diddy added:
R&B singer John Legend also took to Twitter to offer his thoughts:
"RIP Nipsey.
I just spent Thursday with him filming a video for a beautiful new song we created with Khaled.
We filmed in Inglewood, close to where he grew up.
He was so gifted, so proud of his home, so invested in his community.
Utterly stunned that he's gone so soon."
Legend also opened up about Hussle's tragic death in an interview with Magic 107:
"Even from the very beginning, he's been giving back to his community, he's proud of his community,
was investing, reinvesting back into his community."
Rap legend Nas took to Instagram to discuss the deep-rooted, socio-economic problems facing
urban communities, challenges he believes are partly responsible for Nipsey Hussle's
tragic death.
Rapper Meek Mill took to Twitter to discuss the violence in the hip-hop community and
the feelings of helplessness it gives those who live with it every day.
"Broke me…. we really fighting for our lives against our own kind and really have to take
risk and match the level of hatred that we are born in."
Activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick tweeted:
"This is so painful!
@NipseyHussle was doing great work for the people.
Keep his legacy alive by carrying on his work!
Sending love to his family.
Rest in Power King."
The Nike spokesman also attached a video to his tweet that featured a young Nipsey Hussle
encouraging up-and-coming rappers to think ahead:
"You're an up-and-coming artist?
What did you say you want to do?"
"I said invest in some assets as opposed to trick off my money on liabilities like diamonds."
Issa Rae, the creator and star of HBO's Insecure, paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle on Twitter,
explaining what the fallen rapper meant to her life.
"Watching Nipsey inspired me to invest and own in our communities.
He was a solid man who loved his woman, his family and his community.
This hurts."