Nipsey Hussle was honored at the Staples Center on Thursday, April 11, with “Nipsey Hussle’s Celebration of Life” paying homage to the Crenshaw rapper who was shot and killed in late March. Nipsey’s family and friends were in attendance, in addition to thousands of fans in the area.
During the memorial service, there was a special moment thanks to former President Barack Obama.
Obama sent a letter to Nipsey’s family and friends. The letter was read at the memorial service by Karen Civil, with Obama praising the rapper for all of the work he had done in the community.
“Nipsey saw potential, he saw hope, he saw a community,” the letter read.
You can read the full letter below.
Thank you to @BarackObama for sending this letter for me to read celebrating @NipseyHussle’s life & legacy.
pic.twitter.com/qwEjjb6O9d
— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) April 11, 2019
“I’d never met Nipsey Hussle, but I’d heard some of his music through my daughters, and after his passing, I had the chance to learn more about his transformation and his community work.
“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope. He saw a community that, even though its flaws, taught him to always keep going. His choice to invest in that community rather than ignore it — to build a skills training center and coworking space in Crenshaw; to lift up the Eritrean-American community; to set an example for young people to follow — is a legacy worthy of celebration. I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it.
“Michelle and I send our sympathies to Lauren, Emani, Kross, and the entire Asghedom family and to all those who loved Nipsey.”
The memorial service for Nipsey was attended by approximately 21,000 people.
Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed on Sunday, March 31 outside of his clothing store — Marathon Clothing — in Los Angeles, California. The rapper was 33 years old. Hussle was recently nominated for Best Rap Album at the 61st Grammy Awards for his debut studio album “Victory Lap.” Initially, reports claimed that the murder in broad daylight was a result of gang violence, but it was later revealed that it stemmed from a personal issue between Nipsey and the shooter, Eric Holder, who is now in police custody and charged with murder.
