Nipsey Hussle. Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty
Nipsey Hussle was on the verge of a serious mainstream breakthrough when the L.A. rapper was shot and killed in March 2019. His legacy has continued to blossom, and on Monday August 15, what would have been the rapper's 37th birthday, the Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously awarded Hussle a star on its famous sidewalk.
Hussle's partner Lauren London spoke at the livestreamed ceremony. "I think I speak for the entire city of L.A. when I say that we've always known Hussle was destined for greatness," London said after thanking the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. "This only amplifies it for us."
"Whenever you're in the City of Angels and you see this star," she continued, "I hope it encourages you to break away from whatever might be holding you back and for you to run your marathon until God says that it's finished."
Nipsey's sister Samantha Smith addressed the gathered crowd of Hussle's fans, friends, and family. "I've always been amazed and impressed at the example that you set," she said. "I feel so blessed and grateful to call you my brother.'' His grandmother, Margaret Boutte, accepted the star on behalf of the family.
Hussle was murdered in the parking lot of his Marathon Clothing Store on March 31, 2019 by Eric Hodler Jr., who was convicted of first-degree murder in July of this year. He is currently awaiting sentencing and could face life in prison.
In the wake of his murder, Hussle was nominated for five Grammy Awards and won two in 2020 (Best Rap Performance for "Hussle and Motivate" and Best Rap/Sung Performance for "Higher" with DJ Khaled and John Legend).
Watch the entire ceremony below via Variety, beginning at 26:30.
