The Marathon Continues. Forever. “Nipsey Hussle’s Celebration of Life” took place yesterday at a capacity-filled Staples Center in LA. It was one of the biggest send-offs for an artist since Michael Jackson had his home-going celebration in the very same arena a decade ago.
Beyond fans, the audience included almost as many stars as February’s Grammy Awards. Looking around the room, you could see a range of talent showing respect, including Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and T.D.E., Meek Mill, G-Eazy, Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Smoke DZA, Goaepelle, Y.G., Usher, DJ Mustard, The Game, O.T. Genasis, Snoop Dogg, Too Short, Master P, Mars and the 1500 Or Nothin band. And it went further than just musicians, with NBA All-Stars and legends like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Isaiah Thomas, John Salley, film directors Lena White and Ava Duvernay, and Power’s Omari Hardwick.
The event featured touching performances from Marsha Ambrosius, Jhene Aiko, Anthony Hamilton and Stevie Wonder.
With all of that star power, however, the stadium was mostly filled with fans from Nipsey’s LA hometown. Fitting, as he was a man of the people nicknamed “Neighborhood Nip.”
Stevie Wonder spoke of the need for stricter gun laws and sang “Rocket Love” with impassioned soul. A montage featuring personal and iconic pictures of Nipsey was displayed on a large monitor to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”
The Minister Louis Farrakhan spoke eloquently, painting the picture of Nipsey as a modern-day pharaoh. A king who gave unselfishly to his people, and while his music caused his stardom, his generous deeds in the community is what will make him an eternally loved legend.
Nipsey’s family had comforting words. His children, siblings and parents told tremendous stories and delivered messages of hope in spite of tremendous despair.
“At the count of three, I want everyone to said ‘Respect’” said Lauren London’s son.
His older brother Samiel Asghedom gave an emotional speech that recounted the arc of Nipseys career, from his early days to becoming a Grammy-nominated artist.
“I hope he knows I loved him and I was proud of him,” Asghedom said. “I know he loved me, man.”
His mother Angelique Smith, told everyone that Nipsey was at peace and so is she. “I have perfect peace. I am happy. I am complete. I am strong. And if I can feel this way, you can, too.”
Karen Civil and Nip’s management team read a letter from Barack Obama, where the former President praised the Grammy Award nominated rapper’s contributions to society.
“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential,” read the letter. “He saw hope. He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going.”
“I’ve never felt this type of pain before,” Hussle’s longtime soul mate Lauren London said from the stage, garbed in all white. The actress said her deepest grief comes from thinking about the two-year-old she and Nipsey created who may be too young to remember how much his dad loved him.
“Stay ten toes down. It’s not on you, it’s in you” said Lauren. “What’s in you can’t be taken away. He had all of us. To Ermias the love of my life... until we meet again the Marathon continues.”
After the memorial, a large motorcade procession took place from the Staples Center Crenshaw to various areas throughout the city, landing at Slauson where Nipsey’s Marathon Clothing store resides. The procession ended at the Angelus Funeral Home, which is handling Hussle’s final arrangements. Family members gathered inside, while outside the outpouring love from his fans was in full stride. Nipsey would have been proud. His race may be over, but the Marathon clearly continues.