Life is not good or bad, there are no winners or losers, there just is.

I try to keep this statement in mind at all times. But on this day, after finding out Nipsey Hussle was shot dead at age 33, this hits so much harder than before.

Nipsey Hussle was an American rapper from Crenshaw, LA whose latest album Victory Lap was nominated for a Grammy at this year’s awards, a Grammy many feel he should have won. Even if you didn’t listen to Victory Lap, one of the best albums of the year, you would have known of Nipsey Hussle. He was far from just a rapper, he was a business owner, investor, philosopher, leader in his community and much more.

Victory Lap was released on 16th February 2018 to an amazing reception. As a regular listener of The Joe Budden Podcast, I can’t count the number of times it was mentioned as the best album of the year. However, I only actually listened to it for the first time last month. One Friday evening whilst scrolling through YouTube a suggestion came up for Hussle’s Breakfast Club interview, I watched it and then went on to binge watch about 4 hours of Hussle’s music and other related content. What a man he was, he spoke with composure, he garnered respect from all and he made really good music. This convinced me to listen to Victory Lap, I woke up the next day and listened to the full album, it didn’t disappoint. I can’t count the number of times I listened to Double Up one of the highlight songs on the album, in a row. I could now see why there were so many positive reviews.

Although not familiar with his discography, I’ve known of Nipsey Hussle for quite a while, he made a popular song called Rose Clique in 2011. I discovered this when it’s instrumental was used by UK rapper Squeeks in his song Big Squeeko. Squeeks’ song is good but it doesn’t live up to the original by Nipsey. Nipsey Hussle was the realest Eritrean Crip you would have ever heard of, but it’s a real shame that I only became a fan of him last month. I regret not listening to his music earlier, it’s difficult to fathom that this man will never be able to release music again. I was looking forward to hearing more, so much so that I’m ashamed to say that just last Saturday I was excited to watch his latest video on GQ featuring his partner Lauren London.

Nipsey had been rapping for 15 years, he was a hood legend in America and it was time for the world to know and respect his name. He’d grinded, kept to his principles and it was now time to reap the fruits of his labour. Things were only looking up. Life is cruel in the way it gives and takes without judgement. You can work your butt off for 15 years, overcome many obstacles to reach the top and have it taken from you in the blink of an eye. In many eyes, including his own he was already one of the best. He didn’t need the praise but it was amazing to see someone put in the hours and eventually see results.

“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain” this is a quote by fictional villain Harvey Dent in Batman which resonates, Nipsey shouldn’t have died but he definitely died a hero at his highest height. That is the best way to go out. His music will live on through the ages, his light shone at it’s brightest for the world to see. Nipsey has a fan for life in me and I’m sure in many many others.

Rest in Peace Ermias Davidson Asghedom otherwise known as Nipsey Hussle, remember his name there will never be another like him.

Thanks to Musty for reading the initial draft to this.