Photo Credit: Daniel Ramos | @spiribolt
The city of Los Angeles came together for another heartfelt day today to celebrate the life of the late Nipsey Hussle. The service, held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, lasted almost three hours and had speeches from Hussle’s parents, his girlfriend Lauren London, and LA artists such as YG and Snoop Dogg.
For those who were not able to be in attendance, the service was live-streamed on several platforms. Here are some of the most memorable moments from the memorial below.
President Barack Obama expressed his condolences for the rapper via a letter addressed to Nipsey’s friends and family. The former president stated that Hussle’s work within the Crenshaw community is a “legacy worthy of celebration.”
Jhene Aiko, another Los Angeles native and friend of the late rapper, performed her song “Eternal Sunshine” in tribute to him. The lyrics were heavy with emotion as she sang “Is it strange for me to say that if I were to die today / There’s not a thing that I would change? I’ve lived well…” Nipsey, real name Ermias, and Jhené were known friends, with him even being featured in one of her music videos last year.
In addition to Jhené’s tribute performance, there were also vocals provided by Stevie Wonder. Wonder began by giving a short speech himself, and stating that he feels that the world is “becoming blind” before calling for tighter gun control laws.
Snoop Dogg was also among the A-list attendees at the service. He reminisced on memories he and Ermias shared when the latter was beginning his rap career. Snoop even hilariously admitted to rolling a blunt on one of Hussle’s earlier mixtapes before listening, and finally enjoying it. His speech was heart-felt and sincere, while also proving the attendees with a bit of comedic relief.
“One thing me and Nip had [in common] was a kind spirit. A spirit of love. When we met each other it was like a magnet coming together.” – Snoop Dogg at the #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/mghVhEQrgY
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 11, 2019
Lauren London revealed a heartfelt text message that she sent to Nipsey one day while he was sleep. Lauren stated that her relationship with the legend has changed her and she will continue to spread love. She ended her statement with claiming with conviction that the marathon continues.
Lauren London remains strong as she remembers her late boyfriend at the #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle:
“My pain is for my 2yo that probably won’t remember how much his dad loved him.” pic.twitter.com/tTxkRdL5gx
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 11, 2019
YG was accompanied by Mustard and made a statement about the brotherhood that he and Nipsey had. YG also spoke about how the conversations held with Nip he often spoke about their dreams and future goals.
.@YG and DJ @mustard pay respect to their friend #NipseyHussle. 🙏🏾🏁 pic.twitter.com/qZdtKE87Z6
— BET (@BET) April 11, 2019
