Nipsey Hussle Gets Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star: ‘He Lives Forever

On Monday, August 15—what would have been Nipsey Hussle’s 37th birthday—the 2,729th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was dedicated posthumously to the late rapper.

The star, located in front of Amoeba Music on 6212 Hollywood Boulevard, was awarded to the Los Angeles native by the City of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for his many achievements in the fields of music and charity.

Tributes were paid to the late rapper, whose birth name was Ermias Joseph Ashegdom, by his family and close friends, including L.A. radio personality Big Boy and fellow rappers Roddy Ricch and YG.

Hussle’s girlfriend Lauren London was among the family members who spoke about their respect and gratitude for Hussle and his legacy. London said, “This would have been an honor for Nip.” To get to what’s possible, you have to be willing to take the first step, and I think he’d want everyone to keep that in mind. This doesn’t mean ignoring your heritage, but rather recognizing the world you were born into and the agency you possess to alter it.

So, if you find yourself in the City of Angels and happen to catch a glimpse of this star, may it encourage you to finally let go of whatever is holding you back and go for it anyway, all the way up to the finish line, or whenever God decides to call it quits.”
His sister Samantha Smith exclaims, “Hussle man, wow.” The day is bittersweet, but it would be an understatement to say that I am proud. Take a good, hard look at yourself, Nip the Great. Wow, that’s incredible, but I’m not really surprised.

Long before the acclaim did, you were already a star in my eyes, the eyes of the family, and God’s. Many people’s lives have been improved because of you. You have always been a rock for our family and our community, and your perseverance and strength have never ceased to amaze and inspire me. To have a brother like you is a blessing, and I am eternally appreciative.”

Dawit Asghedom, Ermias’s father, says a tragedy like his son’s murder can serve to bring people together. Even in the midst of this tragedy’s insanity, I am convinced that we must keep the faith and look forward to a brighter future. He left us far too soon, but his memory will endure in our thoughts and hearts. Even though Ermias has passed away, the spirit of hope and faith must endure. Preserving Nipsey’s memory for the rest of time is a daunting task that falls on my shoulders and those of Nipsey’s fans.”
His grandmother, Margaret Boutte, said, “Nipsey was the love of my life, always very respectful.” Even though his picture makes me sad, it also brings back happy memories of our time together. My daughter has blessed me with Nipsey, Sami, and Samantha, and I will be eternally grateful to her. All of you are wonderful, and I adore you. He will always be remembered fondly in my thoughts. To put it simply, he will never die.”

Before his untimely death on March 31, 2019, Hussle was well-known as a rapper, activist, and entrepreneur. He first made waves in the local music scene at the turn of the millennium with the release of mixtapes like Slauson Boy Volume 1 and the Bullets Ain’t Got No Name series before establishing his independent label, All Money In.

In 2010, Hussle released the label’s first mixtape, The Marathon, which landed him on XXL’s Freshman list and other best-of lists. His second mixtape, The Marathon Continues, was released a year later, and his third, Crenshaw, came out in 2013. The latter received widespread coverage because Hussle sold a thousand cassettes at $100 each and quickly ran out of stock.

Hussle’s 2017 partnership with Atlantic Records and the subsequent release of his major label debut album, Victory Lap, to widespread acclaim, cemented his impeccable grind. It was up for best rap album at this year’s Grammys. While the father of two was unsuccessful in that attempt, he was awarded two Grammys in his honour after his death in 2020: one for best rap performance for “Racks in the Middle,” which also featured Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy, and another for best melodic rap performance for his appearance on DJ Khaled’s “Higher” with John Legend.