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Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle was an American rapper, activist, and entrepreneur from Los Angeles.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nipsey Hussle was an American rapper, activist, and entrepreneur from Los Angeles. Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, he became known for his West Coast mixtapes and his 2018 debut studio album *Victory Lap*, which received a Grammy nomination. He was fatally shot in Los Angeles in 2019.

Early life

Nipsey Hussle was born Ermias Joseph Asghedom in Los Angeles, California, on August 15, 1985. He was raised in the city and later became associated with the Crenshaw area of South Los Angeles.

Music career

He gained recognition through a series of mixtapes in the mid-2000s and became a notable figure in West Coast hip hop. His 2018 album *Victory Lap* marked his debut studio release and brought mainstream critical recognition.

Entrepreneurship and activism

Beyond music, Hussle was involved in entrepreneurship and community-focused work. He is associated with the Marathon brand and the Marathon Clothing store, which reflected his independent business approach.

Death and legacy

Hussle was killed by gunfire outside Marathon Clothing in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. His death led to widespread attention to his music, public image, and community work.

Key facts

  • He emerged from the West Coast hip hop scene in the mid-2000s.
  • He became known for mixtapes including the *Bullets Ain't Got No Name* series, *The Marathon*, *The Marathon Continues*, and *Crenshaw*.
  • His debut studio album, *Victory Lap*, was released in 2018 and earned a Grammy nomination.
  • He was also known for entrepreneurship, including the Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles.
  • He was fatally shot outside his store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Nipsey Hussle?
He was an American rapper, activist, and entrepreneur from Los Angeles who became known for West Coast mixtapes and his album *Victory Lap*.
What was Nipsey Hussle's real name?
His birth name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom.
What is Nipsey Hussle best known for?
He is best known for his mixtapes, especially the *Bullets Ain't Got No Name* series, and for *Victory Lap*, his 2018 debut studio album.
Did Nipsey Hussle receive a Grammy nomination?
Yes. *Victory Lap* received a Grammy nomination after its 2018 release.
How did Nipsey Hussle die?
He was fatally shot outside his store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nipsey_Hussle
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates, occupation, career overview, death in Los Angeles.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2596169/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, death date, music career summary, death outside Marathon Clothing.
  3. HipHop Scriptures — https://www.hiphopscriptures.com/nipsey-hussle
    Supports: Overview of his career, debut album *Victory Lap*, Marathon Clothing, and community activism.
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/01/entertainment/nipsey-hussle-biography
    Supports: Biographical context and his public impact after his death.