While there have been many tributes onstage at the Nipsey Hussle memorial service taking place at Los Angeles’ Staples Center today, there are many more within the event’s program. Tributes from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, YG, the Game and athletes such as Russell Westbrook and James Harden are included in the program.
Jay-Z wrote:
“Renown[ed] late Professor Dr. Howard Thurman introduced us – many years ago – to the existence of a new black man …..
“’…. there is something in every one of us that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in ourselves and that IT is the only true guide that we would ever have. And that if we cannot hear it, we will all of our lives spend our days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls!’”
“’Top of the top,” this is how Nip always greeted me in the morning as if he was reminding me that he was steadfastly holding on to the top of the top of his own life string and destiny!
“So, Top of the top – Nip
“The world just got to see a flash of your brilliance.
“You were a curious soul who was evolving at a speed that was truly inspiring.
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“The seeds you have planted are already bearing fruit.
“The outpouring of admiration is testimony to the love and respect you’ve farmed.
“Sleep well King, The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider.
LOVE AND LIGHT, JAY”
Fellow South L.A. native Lamar, who is featured on Hussle’s song “Dedication,” remembered working with the rapper early in his career.
“In 2009, I remember trekking cities alongside Nipsey and family. Both performing as opening acts on The Game LAX tour. Our sprinter van trailed their mobile home from state to state.
“Though I was there as support for my brother Jay Rock, Nipsey greeted me as one of his own. And that was very commendable. Casually, I would go out to the crowd and listen to the substance he spewed on stage. Thinking to myself, this is the type of talent I want to be a part of. His charisma and way with words was powerful. But his integrity as a person made me even more enthused.
“I watched a young, ambitious black male orchestrate fellowship amongst the men around him on that tour. Determined to execute one thing—and that was Greatness. Greatness in knowledge, greatness in wealth, and greatness in self. My curiosity about who he really was started to grow from that moment in time. Was he a product of Crenshaw and Slauson? Was he a radical? Or was he a thinker? That mystique kept me engaged throughout his life and career. The years progressed, and my admiration grew from up close and from afar. Watching his interviews, his philosophies, and his work amongst the black community.
“Time surely revealed itself. I realized Nipsey was all of those perspectives. But most importantly, he was a vessel from God. As my heart aches for him and his family, I understand that the Most High doesn’t make mistakes. I pray that Ermias Foundation continues to blossom. I pray for those who trespass against it.
“A true King will be tested in adversity. To stand in fearlessness in what he believes will impact on the earth, as well as in heaven. So thank you Nipsey the Radical. Nipsey the Thinker. Nipsey the Father. Nipsey the Brother. Nipsey the Husband. Nipsey the Friend. Nipsey the Great. And from now on, Nipsey the Messenger……Shalom.”
