Fans flood Twitter with tributes to Nipsey Hussle during funeral
On Thursday, thousands of people flocked the Staples Center in Los Angeles to attend the memorial of Nipsey Hussle. The rapper and community leader was shot and killed outside his clothing store at age 33 in south Los Angeles on March 31.
The service for the late artist, born Ermias Asghedom, lasted more than three hours. It included remarks from his mother Angelique Smith, his brother Samuel Asghedom and his girlfriend Lauren London. It also included performances from Jhene Aiko, Anthony Hamilton and Stevie Wonder.
While only California residents were able to attend, fans across the globe watched the livestream. Many even took to social media to share their thoughts, which sent the hashtags #NipseyHussleMemorial and #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle trending.
Several reacted to comments made by Hussle’s friends and family, tweeting some of the most memorable quotes.
“For God so loved the world, he gave us a good crip!
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 11, 2019
The late, great, neighborhood Nip!” - Snoop Dogg #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/1eanW5hVUT
"You can't possess people, you experience them." - Nipsey's words to Lauren.
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) April 11, 2019
SO. SO GOOD. And SO, SO REAL. #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle
"The best thing we can do for Ermias now is to celebrate his life and remember the years he spent with us...pray for his family and children so that they get comfort and strength." -Father Thomas Uwal #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle
— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) April 11, 2019
“What’s in you they can’t take away, and he’s in all of us” ~ Lauren London❤️😭 #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/tDFNSolKoR
— skyerenaee (@skyerenaee1) April 11, 2019
Others said they were moved to tears by the musical performances.
I'm crying and Anthony Hamilton barely sang a whole verse.
— Johnetta Elzie (@Nettaaaaaaaa) April 11, 2019
Jhene Aiko’s performance of Eternal Sunshine was everything! Nipsey is smiling down on us all! 🙏🏼💙#CelebrationOfNipseyHussle #NipseyHussleMemorial #BETRemembersNipsey pic.twitter.com/oTesC9FkL0
— Siobhain (@summer0001) April 11, 2019
I love this song. Stevie is such a national treasure. He’s out living so many people and having to play st their funerals. 😢
— Reagan Gomez (@ReaganGomez) April 11, 2019
» RELATED: Nipsey Hussle funeral to be held at Staples Center; tickets sold out in minutes
A few shared images of the funeral program.
Nipsey’s Obituary #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle #TheMarathonContinues 💙🏁 pic.twitter.com/lFfzMohHZX
— 💙🏁 (@DamnItShay) April 11, 2019
Lauren London includes in memorial program a heartbreaking text she wrote to #NipseyHussle on Jan. 21. “I’m in bed with you while you’re sleeping and I wanted to tell u something. I want you to know I feel real joy in my heart when I’m around you.” pic.twitter.com/jtNlzcQqYX
— NancyDillonNYDN (@NancyDillonNYDN) April 11, 2019
Rest In Peace #NIPSEYHUSSLE #Nipfuneral pic.twitter.com/TH7q07jDLr
— She Calls Me “Thaddy” (@LifeOfThad) April 11, 2019
Nipsey Hussle's funeral program includes photos & a message from JAY-Z
— JAY-Z Daily (@JAY_Z_Daily) April 11, 2019
He ends it with
“Sleep well King, The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider.
LOVE AND LIGHT, JAY”
Yesterday Hov attended Nip's private wake at Angelus Funeral Home in downtown LA pic.twitter.com/ZkJ815QYnk
Fans also paid tribute to Hussle by using the hashtag #TheMarathonContinues. Two of his 12 mixtapes were titled “The Marathon” and “The Marathon Continues.” And his clothing store, where he was killed, was called The Marathon Clothing.
This photo collage of Nipsey's life is beautiful. What a full, happy + rich life he must've lived. It's so nice to see him with his loved ones. How generous of them for sharing this with us all. #TheMarathonContinues
— Shelby Ivey Christie (@bronze_bombSHEL) April 11, 2019
One thing I noticed since Nips death is EVERY one that speaks on him speaks of his love, loyalty, work ethic, and compassion. This speaks more volume, I aspire to leave that empathic, we all should aspire for that #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle #TheMarathonContinues 🕊🏁💙
— Queen Noe 👑 (@QueenN0e) April 11, 2019
Take all the pain and grief and channel that into inspired action. Nipsey makes you want to grind smarter & love a little harder. #TheMarathonContinues 🏁
— KING B. (@bmurddaa) April 11, 2019
» RELATED: Nipsey Hussle killing: Suspected gunman pleads not guilty
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
