Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
President Obama first heard Nipsey Hussle's music thanks to his daughters, and though he never met the musician, that didn't stop him from offering his condolences in a letter at Hussle's funeral procession, praising the Grammy-nominated rapper for his work in southern Los Angeles.
Details: Obama's letter was read aloud by hip-hop personality Karen Civil at Hussle's memorial at the Staples Center. The procession spanned 25.5 miles and went through the neighborhoods he had been active in, the New York Times reports.
"While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where [Hussle] grew up and see only gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope. He saw a community that, even though its flaws, taught him to keep going. His choice to invest in that community rather than ignore it."— President Obama
Background: Hussle — born Ermias Joseph Asghedom — was fatally shot outside of Hussle's clothing store in L.A. last month. The suspected shooter has been charged with murder, reports CNBC. Hussle was also an active member of the Eritrean community,
Other speakers and performers:
- Lauren London, Hussle's girlfriend and actress
- Angelique Smith, Hussle's mother
- Leader of the Nation of Islam Louis Farrakhan
- Jhené Aiko
- Stevie Wonder
- Snoop Dogg
- Marsha Ambrosias