Nipsey Hussle, a Grammy-nominated rapper just this past year, was shot dead outside of his own clothing boutique in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
He was 33 years old.
A multitude of insiders told TMZ and NBC News that the artist was among three victims struck by bullets in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, with the LAPD writing the following Tweet:
"At approximately 3:20 pm there was a shooting reported in the area of Slauson Ave and Crenshaw Blvd. 3 victims were transported to a local hospital where one was pronounced deceased."
"At approximately 3:20 pm there was a shooting reported in the area of Slauson Ave and Crenshaw Blvd. 3 victims were transported to a local hospital where one was pronounced deceased."
The incident took place outside of the Marathon Store he opened back in 2017.
It wasn't immediately known whether Hussle, whose real name is Ermias Ashgedom, had survived the shooting, as all three victims were taken to a local hospital and two were listed in stable condition.
(Police said a male suspect fled by car and, as of this writing, had not yet been apprehended.)
However, NBC News has now Tweeted that Hussle has, indeed, been prounounced dead.
The outlet quotes "multiple law enforcement sources" in making this statement, as you can see below:
Right before being killed, Hussle appeared to acknowledge some sort of beef or feud, Tweeing the following just a few hours ago:
Having strong enemies is a blessing.
The rapper hails from the Crenshaw area of California and has been rumored to possess ties to the Crips.
But TMZ notes that he's made music with both YG and The Game, both of whom have been ties to Bloods; having gang ties of any kind, it ought to be noted, is pure speculation at this point.
We cannot say for certain if these affiliations exist or if they played any role in Hussle's murder.
(UPDATE: TMZ now writes with confidence that the homicide WAS gang-related, stating that the shooter walked right up to Hussle and shot him on the street; he then ran to a waiting vehicle.)
Hussle's debut studio album, "Victory Lap," was nominated for Best Rap Album at this year's Grammy Awards. (He lost out to Cardi B in this category.)
Prior to this release, he had come out with numerous mixtapes over the course of a decade-long career.
In September of 2018, gunfire also rang out nearby Hussle's clothing store. But he was not around at that time.
The rapper and actress Lauren London are the parents of a two-year-old child; he has another kid from a previous relationship.
As the sad word spread that Hussle had been shot, numerous performers and athletes, including LeBron James, 50 Cent and Steph Curry, quickly tweeted best wishes.
Wrote Curry, prior to learning that the star was dead: God please cover and restore @NipseyHussle right now!!
And 50 Cent: Thoughts and prayers for @NipseyHussle
James. meanwhile, simply included a series of exclamation points after tagging Hussle's Twitter handle.
Drake, for his emotional part, wrote this on Instagram after Hussle was confirmed to have passed:
F-ck. My whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this. We just linked for the first time in years and said we were gonna do a new song this summer cause it had been too long.
You were having the best run and I was so happy watching from distance fam nobody ever talks down on your name you were a real one to your people and to the rest of us. I’m only doing this here cause I want the world to know I saw you as a man of respect and a don.
Rest easy my g.
May Nipsey Hussle rest in peace.
UPDATE: TMZ and many other outlets have also confirmed Hussle's death.
Meek Mill has said the loss "broke me," writing on social media:
"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 .. I'm tired. prayers for my brother and his family."
Pharrell Williams tweeted:
“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.”
Rihanna first posted this photo of Nipsey and his daughter...
... and then wrote as a caption:
"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!
"I’m so sorry this happened to you @nipseyhussle."
We send our condolences to his friends, loved ones and relatives.
