“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope. He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going,” (Barack Obama). Rapper Nipsey Hussle, AKA Ermias Asghedom, was shot to death outside of his clothing company Marathon clothing in the same neighborhood where he lived and grew up in; Crenshaw.

Thousands of fans showed up to the Staples center to be a part of Hussle’s memorial. It was held there to show how honored and loved he was. By holding his memorial, the people in a way confirmed him as one of the greats. The last person whose memorial was held at the Staples center was someone who is said to be, “the world’s greatest entertainer,” Michael Jackson.

McMinnville senior Kobey Harlow said, “He’s the modern day Tupac.” Harlow is new to Hussle’s music and started listening to it just weeks before Hussle was shot. He didn’t have any close attachment to him but after he died Harlow started seeing glowing reports about Hussle popping up all over the internet and took the time to read them.

Hussle was more than just a famous rapper, he was a perfect example of coming up from nothing and making your own. He grew up involved with the Rollin 60’s Crips but gradually separated himself from the group and started raising money to support and bring up the neighborhood. While he didn’t have a huge name as a rapper, he did have a huge name and impact in the community. Such a big impact that non-rap listeners and even former president Obama knew his name.

Hussle truly was a leader in the community. Although his rap music often was sexist or talked about the gang life(as does a lot of rap), as he got older he matured and started companies such as Marathon Clothing and he even started a STEM program for the local children. He was incredibly community oriented and worked very hard to bring up his community.

When asked what he thought about the work Hussle had done in the community, Newberg Junior Daniel Arreola said, “I think, that if every community in the States had a Nipsey Hussle, then we would be the most successful country in the world.” Arreola believes that Hussle was one of the most important rappers and artists of the 2000th century.

Hussle should be an inspiration to all of us. Even through shortcomings in his youth he still grew to be a wonderful human being who cared for everyone around him. He deserves to be remembered as one of the greats and many people already view him as such.