"Nipsey Hussle Square" Unveiled In His Honor At Los Angeles Intersection

In the time since Nipsey Hussle’s death, he’s been venerated and lauded and applauded as possibly the Len Bias of hip hop. Though some folks will argue Big L held that crown, Nipsey’s memory could quite easily assume that throne. Truthfully, he earned his name on Crenshaw and Slauson streets in Los Angeles where he succumbed to gunshot wounds.

A negative has been transformed into a positive with just a few signatures. Nip’s brother Blacc Sam and his widow Lauren London took the time to address the public to say that the corner where the streets meet will be known to all as a landmark to Nipsey Hussle.

For his efforts on the mic, he positioned himself as one of the smartest workers in hip hop. Hussle’s ingenuity and integrity propelled him to heights that few newcomers could bear to witness. With this street set in his name, it’s poetic justice that it is at the same place where his life was stolen from him. He possessed the temerity to once say in an interview at an awards show when asked how it feels to be around uber famous people like Paris Hilton. He flipped it on the interviewer and said how they should be honored that he showed up in the first place.

That confidence and boldness carries on to this day. As the seventh anniversary of his demise is on the minds of those nearest to him, Nipsey will forever be a figurehead in the realm of rap. His power over the microphone will be remembered but also his works to improve the conditions of those closest to him and in the Los Angeles region.

Miss London mentioned that she had rode with Nipsey around the now hallowed area and remembered him saying “they’re going to name this whole section after me.” In such a bittersweet moment, it brims with reality as Nipsey Hussle Square unveiled to the public. In just a few years, Hussle remains as one of the potential rappers that could have been absolutely phenomenal. His work ethic, unmistakable voice, and relentless flow will follow him all the days of his remembrance.

Nipsey Hussle Square represents far more than just the idea of a fallen rapper who stood on the precipice of eminence. By guiding his ship as a captain of the hip hop world, he sadly sank and never recovered. He did, however, inspire new generations under the power of his influence. While he may not be here to reap the benefits and know what it’s like to have a corner named after you, his wife and kids will know.

After being looked at as a mixtape rapper and finally releasing his first posthumous album, Nipsey switched up the game and applied his “Marathon Mindset” to the mix. That sense that life is not a sprint but a marathon has played out and continues to benefit the youth who may not have ever heard of Nipsey Hussle until now. It means that you grind all your life because it stretches out in miles instead of mere meters.

For his family to be present at the unveiling is a boon to the world. It shows how deeply committed the entire set of individuals remain despite the dour occasion. They made it celebratory. They lifted up Nipsey’s name and ensured that all people would know his name and legacy. While some might argue that it’s too much too soon, the fact remains that Nip’ had the power and influence to bring together people of all colors and cultures under the banner of what real rap is.