Police seek clues in rapper’s death
Man fled scene after Nipsey Hussle shot.
The Los Angeles Police Department says homicide detectives are looking for the man who fled the scene after Sunday’s fatal shooting of Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle, as well as canvassing for witnesses and securitycamera footage that may provide clues.
The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was shot multiple times outside his South Los Angeles apparel store, The Marathon Clothing, around 3:20 p.m. PDT. Two other men were shot along with him but survived and are in stable condition, officers added.
LAPD Officer Mike Lopez told USA TODAY that one man fled in a vehicle.
“LAPD South Bureau Homicide is conducting an investigation to locate him and anyone else involved,” the post read.
In a tweet confirming the rapper’s death Sunday, Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote, “Our hearts are with the loved ones of Nipsey Hussle and everyone touched by this awful tragedy. L.A. is hurt deeply each time a young life is lost to senseless gun violence.”
Garcetti added, “My Crisis Response Team is assisting the families coping with shock and grief.”
A native of Crenshaw, Hussle said in a 2014 interview with Vlad TV that he had joined the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips as a teen.
“I grew up in gang culture,” he told The Los Angeles Times in 2018. “We dealt with death, with murder. It was like living in a war zone, where people die on these blocks and everybody is a little bit immune to it. I guess they call it post-traumatic stress, when you have people that have been at war for such a long time. I think L.A. suffers from that because it’s not normal yet we embrace it like it is after a while.”
Shortly before the shooting, the rapper tweeted, “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”
In the years before his death, Hussle was invested in technology and community development.
Last year, he cut the ribbon on a co-working space and STEM center in his neighborhood with the goal connecting it to Silicon Valley and increasing diversity in those fields.
“In our culture, there’s a narrative that says, ‘Follow the athletes, follow the entertainers,’ ” he told The Los Angeles Times last year. “And that’s cool, but there should be something that says, ‘Follow Elon Musk, follow (Mark) Zuckerberg.’ “
Hussle also started Marathon Clothing, a “smart store” where visitors could use an app while shopping. He also helped develop Destination Crenshaw, an open-air museum devoted celebrating the achievements of black artists.
“The man was instrumental in a lot of stuff,” community activist Malik Spellman told The Los Angeles Times. “Fighting gentrification, trying to stop gang violence.”
Steve Soboroff, president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, revealed on Twitter that he and Police Chief Michel Moore had a Monday meeting scheduled with Hussle and entertainment company Roc Nation, “to talk about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us help kids. I’m so very sad.”
In his own tweet, Moore added, “Tonight’s homicide in South LA represents the latest loss in a troubling surge in violence. Since last Sunday 26 victims have been shot & 10 homicides — that’s 36 families left picking up the pieces. We will work aggressively with our community to quell this senseless loss of life.”
At this year’s Grammy Awards, Hussle’s debut studio album, “Victory Lap,” was nominated for best rap album.
Hussle leaves behind a 2year-old son with actress Lauren London and a daughter from a previous relationship.