Through both his music and lifestyle, Nipsey Hussle was able to shine as a beacon of hope for fans who related to his expressive, gritty lyrics. The Los Angeles representative stood as an independent artist and successful entrepreneur as his authentic self, creating a legacy VIBE describes as “bigger than rap.”
“At the core, one of my original goals is to redefine what the streets expect, and amplify the pressure we put on these young people once they step into decision-making mode,” explained the Grammy-nominated rapper to Forbes in 2018.
“There was a level of ignorance and self-destructiveness in the narrative that was pushed on us through music in our generation. I see how damaging that was, for myself included, and we’re all subject to the social pressure. I wasn’t above it. Each of us are impacted by what’s going on around us. For me, understanding the platform I have and who it speaks to, it’s about being strategic. We can’t stand on the corner with the bull horn and preach, that isn’t going to work. We have to be strategic and make an impact through influence. I wanted to redefine the lifestyle and what we view as important.”
Fans walk as they wait outside The Marathon Clothing store for the funeral procession for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle on April 11, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed in front of his store, The Marathon Clothing, on March 31, 2019 in Los Angeles.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Unfortunately, his life was cut short in March 2019 when he was shot to death outside of his Marathon clothing store. In February 2023, Eric Holder Jr. was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder.
Still, the marathon continues. Through his music, the slain rapper offers hope to a generation of young hustlers running their own races. A recurring theme throughout Neighborhood Nip’s entire discography is advancing personally, professionally, financially, and spiritually.
Nipsey Hussle performs onstage at Live! Red! Ready! Pre-Show, sponsored by Nissan, at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BET
From his early mixtapes such as Slauson Boy to acclaimed albums including Victory Lap, the Crenshaw hero has a moral to every story. Autobiographical narratives, vivid storytelling, harsh warnings, and life lessons are all emoted by the rapper, inspiring listeners to reach their potential.
In honor of what would be Nipsey Hussle’s 38th birthday, VIBE lists eight of the rapper’s most motivational verses.
Standout Lyrics: “Told you ’08 this sh*t was ours/ Gettin’ this cake, yeah, ni**a, then gettin’ more/ Look at this world, young ni**a, this really yours/Ni**a, this really mine, my niggas is really for it”
Standout Lyrics: “Say it’s all uncomfortable when you transition (let’s go)/But it’s all beautiful when you get rich in it (don’t stop)/When you start killin’ s**t (elevatin’) and they all witness it (keep rockin’)/Money grow faster (keep rollin’) than ni**as could spend the s**t (get down)/Open more businesses with you and your ni**as…”
Standout Lyrics: “Forget about the risk we took, I never can/Rebel in this white man’s world until they bury him/Being broke is so un-American/That’s why I’m screaming all money Till the End!”
Standout Lyrics: “It ain’t a force in this world like the focused drive/ You gotta focus on yourself like an only child/ You make your dream realer, and you make your team better/ You wake your game up, and you make your scheme better”
Standout Lyrics: “F**k livin’ basic, I’m takin’ risks/F**k what they sayin’, I’m sayin’ this/Don’t waste your time, it don’t make you rich/It don’t mean nothin’, so f**k ’em, let’s make a grip”
Standout Lyrics: “Streets love me cause they know I got crackin’ in ’em/Took a stand, never ran and got gaffled in ’em/Bailed out with block money, kept trappin’/And I took this rap game and put some real ni**a passion in it”
Standout Lyrics: Can’t be actin’ like a bi**h tryna get saved, bruh/Get that dirt up off your shoulder, step your game up/Can’t be chasin’ pu**y, switch your ways up/Can’t be fu**in’ off your Lucci, gotta save up”
Standout Lyrics: “Yeah, this your life, you can play with it/You make your bed, you gon’ lay in it/Do your thing, just be safe with it”
Source: News
