News of the shooting death of rapper Nipsey Hussle is sending shock waves through the music community, starting tributes from fellow artists and fans alike.
The Grammy-nominated rapper, 33, whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, was one of three individuals shot Sunday outside the storefront for his clothing company, called The Marathon Clothing, in South Los Angeles. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti affirmed his death on Twitter.
John Legend said he’d been with Hussle on Thursday “filming a video for a beautiful new song we created with Khaled.” He added, “He was so gifted, so proud of his home, so invested in his community. Utterly stunned that he’s gone so soon.”
“This hurts,” actress Issa Rae tweeted Sunday. “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,” actress Issa Rae tweeted Sunday. “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.”
Drake referred to Hussle as a “real one,” adding that his “whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this.”
The Canadian rappercontinued: “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.”
Pharrell Williams said Hussle was an inspirations to millions.
“You were about something..positive and for your community in every chance you had to speak,” he tweeted. “Because of that You inspired millions..millions who will uphold your legacy forever. rest amongst the stars.”
Meek Mill said the news “broke me,” adding that the rapper’s death in his own community proves that, “we (are) 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.”
21 Savage tweeted: “Real one after real one smh. R.I.P Nipsey the solid morals you stood on and your legacy will last (for life)!!”
Migos member Offset called Hussle’s death a “shame to our culture,” saying the rapper was a “black man on a journey of positivity.”
“Sad, mad and disappointed about my guy,” actor and rapper Ice Cube tweeted.
Rapper Fabolous tweeted, “So much determination in your eyes & forward thinking in your language.”
And Bas said of Hussle, “You left a King’s legacy.”
“Nipsey you a legend,” tweeted J. Cole. “I respect and admire your career path and what you did for the neighborhood. My heart broke today.”
And Khalid tweeted simply, “prayers go out to Nipsey man.”
Members of the music community were not the only to offer condolences. Sports figures also reacted to Hussle’s death, as the rapper was an avid basketball enthusiast, frequently sitting courtside at Los Angeles Lakers games.
“So so SAD man!! DAMN man this hurt,” LeBron James tweeted.
After news of his shooting, Stephen Curry tweeted, “God please cover and restore @NipseyHussle right now!!!
Colin Kaepernick said, “This is so painful! @NipseyHussle was doing great work for the people. Keep his legacy alive by carrying on his work!”
“May Nipsey Rest In Peace,” tweeted Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey. “This is an evil world! Stay prayed up and keep the Lord 1st!”
