R.I.P Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle

Artist Biography by Neil Z. Yeung

American rapper Nipsey Hussle (born Ermias Asghedom) adopted his stage name
from comedian and actor Nipsey Russell. Raised in the Slauson district of Los Angeles,
California, Hussle initially drew attention for blending laid-back, hazy humor reminiscent
of West Coast stylings with the direct, street-centered narratives associated with early
gangsta rap pioneers.

Emerging in the mid-2000s, Hussle became a respected name in the mixtape circuit.
His early release Slauson Boy (2005) introduced his grounded storytelling and
independent hustle mentality. He followed with the Bullets Ain’t Got No Name
series (2008–2009), which strengthened his reputation within West Coast hip-hop.

In 2011, he released The Marathon and its sequel, further establishing his
brand of self-made independence. His eighth official mixtape, Crenshaw (2013),
gained significant attention for its innovative $100 limited physical edition strategy.
Despite the premium pricing concept, the project still entered the Top 40 of the
Billboard Heatseekers chart and featured collaborations with artists including
James Fauntleroy, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, and Rick Ross.

Mailbox Money arrived at the end of 2014 and included contributions from
Rick Ross, Dom Kennedy, Trae tha Truth, DJ Mustard, and DJ Khalil.
In 2016, Hussle teamed with YG on the politically charged single
“FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)”, which reached number 50 on the
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The following year, Hussle released “Still”, built around a sample of
Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E.”, and issued Slauson Boy, Vol. 2,
featuring appearances from Mozzy, Young Thug, Dave East, Snoop Dogg,
G Perico, Kirko Bangz, and Young Dolph. He also collaborated with
Bino Rideaux on No Pressure.

In early 2018, Hussle released his official debut studio album,
Victory Lap. Featuring guest appearances from YG, Puff Daddy,
Kendrick Lamar, The-Dream, and Cee Lo Green, the album debuted in the
Top 5 of the Billboard 200 chart and was later nominated for
Best Rap Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

Discography

• Slauson Boy (2005)
• Bullets Ain’t Got No Name (Vol. 1–3) (2008–2009)
• The Marathon (2010)
• The Marathon Continues (2011)
• Crenshaw (2013)
• Mailbox Money (2014)
• Slauson Boy, Vol. 2 (2017)
• Victory Lap (2018)