Rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose 2018 album Victory Lap was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, died Sunday after a shooting in his native Los Angeles.
Hussle, born Ermias Davidson Asghedom, broke through to the mainstream last year after a long run as an independent artist, and was a noted NBA fan who particularly connected with Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas. And Warriors guard Stephen Curry interviewed Hussle last July as part of his 5 Minutes from Home series on YouTube.
As news of Sunday’s incident surfaced and quickly spread, raw emotions poured from social media accounts across the NBA.
NBA reacts Nipsey Hussle – Curated tweets by NBAcom
After the Warriors’ 137-90 victory over Charlotte on Saturday, Curry addressed Hussle’s passing during the postgame press conference.
Steph Curry had developed a recent friendship with Nipsey Hussle. He shares some thoughts on his death. pic.twitter.com/sBeD4YnOQz
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 1, 2019