FIGHT FOR KID
Nipsey Kin: Let us, not mom, raise girl, 10
Nipsey Hussle’s mom and brother are joining forces with the slain rapper’s sister to gain guardianship over his 10-year-old daughter.
The trio filed an amended petition this week asking co-guardianship of Hussle’s daughter Emani Asghedom be given to them, instead of the child’s biological mom, Tanisha Foster.
Sister Samantha Smith filed her initial petition in April and has been caring for the child since the Grammynominated rapper was shot dead outside his Los Angeles clothing store March 31.
Hussle’s brother Samiel Asghedom, known as Blacc Sam, and his mom Angelique Smith attended a recent hearing in the guardianship case and spoke at Hussle’s massive public memorial service at the Staples Center.
The paternal uncle and grandmother say in the new petition they’ve been a “constant and strong presence in Emani’s life.”
“They have participated in her care and upbringing since her birth. Since the unfortunate murder of Emani’s father in March 2019, Samiel and Angelique have assisted in providing care for Emani,” the paperwork reads.
“The request to appoint Samiel and Angelique as co-guardians is ... a form of ‘insurance policy’ so that should anything happen to one of Emani’s guardians, other guardians are already in place to continue in providing for Emani’s care without having to return to court,” it states.
A hearing on the matter is set for July 15.
Foster, meanwhile, has attended multiple hearings and is fighting to be a presence in her daughter’s life.
Her lawyer Larry Lewellyn previously told The News his client is not giving up her custody claim.
“It’s pretty amicable, but obviously this is a matter of high emotion given the totality of the circumstances. Both sides are being careful to maintain and pursue peace,” he said after Foster left a May 20 hearing in tears.
Foster and Hussle — whose real name was Ermias Asghedom — shared legal custody of Emani before the rapper’s shooting death outside his Marathon Clothing store, but Emani lived with her dad.
“She was primarily with her dad, but the father never kept her away from her mother,” Lewellyn said.
“Her intent is that she wants her child,” he said of his client. “Obviously, as a mother, she’s willing to do what’s in the best interest of her child, but our position is that she’s the natural guardian.”