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Nipsey Hussle: In His Own Words

The Crenshaw legend would have been 38 years old today.

As the world turns its gaze toward August 15, we are reminded of the legacy of a man who brought unparalleled artistry, inspiration, and empowerment to his community. Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, would have celebrated his 38th birthday today had his life not been tragically cut short on March 31, 2019. At 33, the rapper was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. 

With his unique blend of music, entrepreneurship, and activism, Nipsey left a mark on the world that continues to resonate deeply within the hearts of his fans and followers. On this day, we take a moment to reflect on the life and words of Nipsey Hussle, a visionary who dared to dream and make a lasting impact, even in the face of adversity. BET.com has pulled some lyrics and quotes from the Slauson soldier to remember his legacy.

Continue to rest in power, Nipsey Tha Great.

  1. Nipsey On Power

    “My thing is that I don't give no person that much power over my path that I'm walking. Not one person can make or break what I'm doing, except me or God.” (Complex, 2010)

  2. "Last Time That I Checc'd" (2018)

    “Dirty money get washed on royalty statements / Black owners in this game are powerful racists / Young n****s in the set that's doin' it makeshift / Out the garage is how you end up in charge / That's how you end up in cars.”  

  3. Nipsey On Equity

    "We don’t want advances, we want equity. We don’t want one-off endorsements, we want ownership." - Forbes, 2018

  4. "Hussle & Motivate" (2018)

    "Ain't really trip on the credit, I just payed all of my dues/I just respected the game, now my name all in the news/ Trippin' on all of my moves, quote me on this, got a lot more to prove/ 'Member I came in this b***h, fresh out the county with nothin' to lose."

  5. Nipsey On Influencing Young People

    "I wanted what I had to say to impact individuals like myself, young people that was in these areas controlled by gangbanging. I didn't want to preach to the choir, but I wanted to say I'm one of you. Wherever I go, wherever I end up you gon' know that you can end up there too." - The Breakfast Club, Power 105.1, 2018

  6. "Love?"(2010)

    “Told my mama I'mma gang bang graduate/ Pioneered the transition from this Crippin' wasn't easy nigga, but I mastered it/ That's why I still deliver raps so passionate/ Built my own lane, ain't no nigga ever hand me shit/ Slauson Ave., do you understand the averages?/ The fact I'm still standing speaks volumes to my savages.”

  7. "Am I Gonna Make It" (2014)

    “Try to have more faith and less fear, try to express it to your peers, I’m talking about dreams / Better to do it and let it be seen, cause then it’s so clear.” – "Am I Gonna Make It"

  8. Nipsey On Opportunity

    "Don't play yourself for an opportunity. You'll consume yourself in the opportunity. When it's done, it'll be discovered that the way you got the opportunity was fraud." - The Cruz Show, Power 106 Los Angeles, 2017

  9. "U Don’t Got a Clue" (2013)

    “If you sharing your success and not your struggle, you’s a fool.” 

  10. Nipsey On Truth

    "The truth is in you. Your life, it might not be on the top of your consciousness, but everything is there. So when you zero in, all the details will come back to you." – BET.com 2018 interview

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