HUSSLE and Motivate
Today’s blog is personal and I am attempting to pay homage to one of my all-time favorite rappers Nipsey Hussle. His parents both East Africans named him Ermias Asghedom. For those of you reading, he was shot in Hyde Park, Los Angeles outside his Marathon Clothing Store on Sunday, March 31, 2019. I first fell in love with him, on his mixtape “Bullets Aint Got No Name Vol. 1 and 2.” Or maybe I fell in love with the song “ Hussle In The House”. I think I have loved everything he has created and was looking forward to watching his next moves. His sound was so south LA, he was unequivocally himself, with no apologies. He discussed the importance of giving back to your community, being entrepreneurs, educating our youth, and creating black generational wealth.
How is Nipsey connected to my blog or my services you may be wondering? He was an inspiration to me through his life and lyrics so let’s connect this to career development, college preparation, and student-athlete eligibility.
On the album Marathon, Nipsey wrote a song called “7 Days A Week” in the song he said “the keys to success, are to multiply what you approach it with gotta roll a dice but the first time that you can go legit seize the opportunity, believe and take control of it. Then get on your marathon and grind it til it’s over with.”
Nipsey is explaining that in the race that we run in life view it as a marathon. It is okay to stay true to who you are and run your own race at your own pace. He illustrates the importance of having the ability to persist even through adversity. Once you get the moment you have been waiting for make sure you take advantage of it!
Take a Listen here: https://youtu.be/UZosSNMQwIk
On the album Crenshaw, probably my favorite album (TUH who am I kidding I loved everything he has created) he discussed choices, opportunity, and never forgetting where you came from. Nipsey wrote in the song, Don’t Take Days Off, “ Your own homies don't want you livin good, niggas for they self get it understood, a nigga used to dream now my reality is a dream now, I’m living out my dreams now”
Nipsey is explaining that with achievement comes envy, this could even be from the closes ones to you. Through it all, he explains, you have to stay solid to achieve your dreams. Nipsey also drops a “dime” explaining that it is important to watch your surroundings because your success isn’t everyone’s. How timely are these lyrics with his fatal death right outside his own business?
Take a Listen here: https://youtu.be/B0Ay9UE48ic
On the album Victory Lap, his latest album to date, which earned him his first Grammy nomination. Nipsey wrote in the song Dedication, “You take a loss? Shit, don't cry about it, just embrace it Minor setback for major comeback, that's my favorite. Dedication, hard work plus patience.”
This song’s complexity along with the album clearly went over several people’s heads. He encourages you to become an entrepreneur, take some ownership over not just your career but your life! He explains that whatever it is you do you must have patience to see your dreams come true. He discussed boxes, chains, and not being contained. These things are important for anyone seeking any level of success or progression in life.
Take a Listen here: https://youtu.be/9Tl2QqizAy0
*Please note I do not own the rights to any of these videos but they’re a few of my favorite songs.*
My heart is heavy but I am hoping you feel inspired from this visionary, father, son, husband, rapper, entrepreneur, friend, and GEM. In his own right, he was the black leader for my generation. Who will step up next?
Below you will find some websites to business’ Nipsey Hussle owned, show love and purchase something today. He is left behind by his two kids, and partner Lauren London. Let’s keep helping him with his vision of creating spaces that will anchor cultural and intellectual stimulation. Rebuilding OUR neighborhoods and creating generational wealth through becoming entrepreneurs and creatives!!
https://www.themarathonclothing.com/
LONG LIVE THE GREAT. THE HUSSLE.
NIPSEY HUSSLE
One,
Jazzie
