The shooting death of Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle in Los Angeles on Sunday has evoked widespread disbelief among fans, celebrities and law enforcement officials alike.
“This doesn’t make any sense!” Rihanna tweeted. “My spirit is shaken by this. Dear God, may His spirit Rest in Peace and May You grant divine comfort to all his loved ones! I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
Fellow rapper Drake took to Instagram to post a similar message:
“My whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this. We just linked for the first time in years and said we were gonna do a new song this summer cause it had been too long. You were having the best run and I was so happy watching from distance fam nobody ever talks down on your name you were a real one to your people and to the rest of us. I’m only doing this here cause I want the world to know I saw you as a man of respect and a don. Rest easy my g.”
Mark Ridley-Thomas, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who represents the southern part of the city, released a statement Sunday night mourning the death.
“Nipsey Hussle, was a father, businessman, entertainer, and inspiration to many,” said Ridley-Thomas, who urged his district to stay calm and reflect on the tragedy. “Our communities have lost too many young men and bright futures to the scourge of gun violence. For healing to occur, even from this terrible incident, justice must be sought through legal means, and community peace must be found.”
Hussle, 33, whose birth name is Ermias Asghedom, had been scheduled to meet Monday with Los Angeles Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff and LAPD Chief Michael Moore to discuss ways of stopping gang violence.
“We (@LAPDChiefMoore and I) were meeting, at the request of @NipseyHussle with him and @rocnation tomorrow at 4pm to talk about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us help kids. I’m so very sad,” Soboroff tweeted.
An autopsy confirmed that Hussle died after being shot multiple times in the head and torso on the street where his clothing store, Marathon Clothing Company, is located in Los Angeles. So far, no arrests have been made.
In February, “Victory Lap,” Hussle’s major-label debut and his lone album released prior to his death, was nominated for best rap album at the Grammy Awards, but lost out to Cardi B.
He is survived by two children, one of whom he had with actress and longtime girlfriend Lauren London.