Well known rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed on Sunday, March 31, leaving behind his wife Lauren London and his children Kross and Emani Asghedom. He was killed outside of his clothing store, The Marathon Clothing, at the young age of 33. Nipsey was has been featured on dozens of albums and has released up to 14 albums of his own. Rapper Joey Badass had a message for Nipsey and posted this on his Instagram saying, “You were always super solid and super humble, I’ve admired you since 2011 before my career even started. Regretful we never got to make that song we planned on but I am motivated now more than ever to carry on this real rap legacy in your honor and the many who have fallen”. Joey Badass is not the only artist who has hopped on Instagram or Twitter to pay his respects. Artists like Dave East, Meek Mill, Smooky Margielaa, Nas, and J Cole have taken to social media to remember their dear friend and inspirational peer. Along with being a respected rapper, he was a businessman, entrepreneur, and the owner of a clothing store, The Marathon Clothing.

Since his passing Nipsey’s music sales have increased by 2,776%. Since he owns his masters, his elevated sales will benefit his family. Up and coming rapper Kota the Friend posted a tribute to Nipsey on April 2, saying “Own your masters or your masters own you”. Iconic artist Kanye West has filed a lawsuit against Jay-Z’s former label Roc-A-Fella Records, Island Def Jam Records, and EMI Publishing for not allowing him to buy publishing rights to his earlier music. Nipsey Hussle has served as a perfect example of why an artist should own their masters. It benefits the artist in life and it benefits their loved ones in the event of their death.

The LAPD has a suspect in the shooting. The suspect is a man named Eric Holder has been taken into custody. Police say Eric Holder is a 29 year old Los Angeles man who walked up to three men outside Marathon clothing and fired multiple shots at the Crenshaw rapper. As of now, he has not been charged with the murder.