‘He Loved Everybody’: Nipsey Hussle Remembered By Family, Rappers and Community Leaders At Memorial
Apr. 12 2019, Updated 12:53 a.m. ET
Nipsey Hussle was honored and remembered Thursday, April 11, by family members, fellow rappers, community activists and even a president.
More than 21,000 people packed L.A.’s Staples Center for a three-hour memorial for the slain rapper, who was just 33 when he was gunned down outside his clothing shop, The Marathon Store, in L.A. on Mar. 31.
Less than a week later, 29-year-old Eric Holder was charged with the killing. Police have said Holder and Hussle knew each other, and described the murder as being the result of a personal dispute. Holder has pleaded not guilty, and faces life in prison if convicted.
Meanwhile, a community mourns. Scroll through this RadarOnline.com gallery to learn how Hussle was remembered at his memorial service.
Angelique Smith
Nispey's mother, Angelique Smith, delivered an emotional farewell.
"I'm very proud of my son," Smith said through tears. "My son, Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was a great man."
Dawit Asghedom
His father, Dawit Asghedom, said he believed that perhaps his son had fulfilled his mission on earth.
"At 33 years old he had accomplished more than anyone else could have accomplished," he said.
Samuel Asghedom
"He loved everybody," Nipsey's brother Samuel Asghedom said during his eulogy. "He loved who he grew up with and where he grew up and just wanted to inspire and always bring something back."
Lauren London
Actress Lauren London was Nispey’s love for more than five years. They shared a two-year-old son, Kross Asghedom, and took a special moment to acknowledge his sadness.
“My pain is for my two year old who probably won't remember how much his dad loved him," London said tearfully.
Barack Obama
President Obama, who said he knew of the rapper's music because of his daughters, sent along a letter, praising Hussle for his contributions to South Los Angeles.
"He set an example for young people to follow and is a legacy worthy to follow," Obama wrote.
Louis Farrakhan
Minister Louis Farrakhan mentioned Hussle’s time with the Crips street gang, but praised him for trying to bring the group together with their rival gang, the Bloods.
"When we celebrate Nipsey, we must celebrate unity," Farrakhan said.
Shep Crawford
Pastor Shep Crawford reminded those assembled that God understood their pain.
“Nipsey lived in his 33 years what most of us won't do if we had a 1,000 years," Crawford said. “"There's no doubt in my mind that he was anointed by God."
Snoop Dogg
Rapper Snoop Dogg tried to keep his comments lighthearted, sharing personal stories and praising Nipsey’s parents.
“I just want to say you may have lost a son, but you picked up another son in me," Snoop said.
YG
Fellow rapper YG said while he and Nipsey were from rival gangs, they were still close.
"That's my brother from the other color," YG said. "He was like a real big brother to me."
Stevie Wonder
Musical legend Stevie Wonder mourned the loss, while also calling for stricter gun control laws.
"It is a heartbreak to again lose a member of our family," he said. "It is a heartbreak because it is so unnecessary."