Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and More Pen Heartfelt Letters In Memory of Nipsey Hussle

On Thursday, family, friends and fans of Los Angeles rapper and activist, Nipsey Hussle, gathered at the Staples Center to pay their respects to their beloved father, friend, son, significant life-partner and colleague. 

During the home going ceremony, Karen Civil read a heartfelt letter penned by our Forever President Barack Obama, while his longtime girlfriend, Lauren London, shared a personal text message and stories about Hussle, showing her unwavering love and devotion to the slain rapper. Meanwhile, others like LeBron James, Issa Rae, YG, The Game, DJ Khaled, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar memorialized Hussle in the ceremony’s program.

“There is something in every one of us that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in ourselves and that IT is the only true guide that we would ever have,” Jay-Z wrote, quoting Dr. Howard Thurman. “And that if we cannot hear it, we will all of our lives spend our days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” 

“Top of the top,’ this is how Nip always greeted me in the morning as if he was reminding me that he was steadfastly holding on to the top of the top of his own life string and destiny,” Jay continued. “So, Top of the top – Nip. The world just got to see a flash of your brilliance. You were a curious soul who was evolving at a speed that was truly inspiring. The seeds you have planted are already bearing fruit. The outpouring of admiration is a testimony to the love and respect you’ve farmed. Sleep well King, The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider.” 

Elsewhere in the program, Lamar reflected on his time with Hussle and opened up about the impact the rapper left on his community and the world.

“In 2009, I remember trekking cities alongside Nipsey and family. Both performing as opening acts on The Game LAX Tour. Our sprinter van trailed their mobile home from state to state,” Lamar wrote. “Though I was a there as support for my brother Jay Rock, Nipsey greeted me as one of his own. And that was very commendable. Casually I would go out to the crowd and listen to the substance he spewed on stage. Thinking to myself, this is the type of talent I want to be apart of. His charisma and way with words was powerful. But his integrity as a person, made me even more enthused.” 

“I watched a young, ambitious black male orchestrate fellowship amongst the men around him on that tour,” he continued. “Determined to execute one thing — and that was Greatness. Greatness in knowledge, greatness in wealth, and greatness in self. My curiosity about who he really was started to grow from that moment in time. Was he a product if Crenshaw and Slauson? Was he a radical? Or was he a thinker? That mystique kept me engaged throughout his life career. The years progressed, and my admiration grew from up close and from afar. Watching his interviews, his philosophies, and his work amongst the black community.”

“Time surely revealed itself. I realized Nipsey was all of those perspectives. But most importantly, he was a vessel from God. As my heart aches for him and his family. I understand that the Most High doesn’t make mistakes. I pray that Ermias Foundation continues to blossom. I pray for those who trespass against it,” Lamar wrote. “A true King will be tested in adversity. To stand in fearlessness in what he believes will impact on earth, as well as in heaven. So thank you Nipsey The Radical. Nipsey The Husband. Nipsey The Friend. Nipsey The Great. And from now on, Nipsey The Messenger…… Shalom.”

Rest in Paradise Nipsey Hussle.