Photo: Davi McNew/Getty Images After some reported ticketing delays at the door, the public memorial service for the late Nipsey Hussle got underway at the Staples Center in Los Angeles a week after the rapper was murdered in that same city he dedicated his life and career to serving. With some 21,000 in attendance, from a mix of fans, peers, and loved ones, there were performances from Stevie Wonder, Jhené Aiko, Marsha Ambrosius, and Anthony Hamilton, as well as tributes from YG, Snoop Dogg, and Hussle’s longtime love Lauren London. Read on for the full recap. Ahead of the memorial, photos of the program handed out at the service were shared on social media, revealing a heartbreaking poem Lauren wrote to Hussle, excerpted from a text message she sent to him in January. “You’ve been my turn up and church. I wouldn’t want to go thru this journey with anyone but you,” it reads. “I love you so much. Unconditionally. My truth is this. I’m never going to give up on you. My loyalty and devotion is to you.” The booklet also included a message from Jay-Z, which read, “The seeds you have planted are already bearing fruit … Sleep well, King. The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider.” "Sleep well King, The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider." JAY-Z remembers Nipsey Hussle 🏁💙 #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/aYNQgCIZhn — Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 11, 2019 Additionally, it featured a long message from Kendrick Lamar in which he shared memories of his days coming up in rap with Nipsey and watched him in awe of what he saw. “Was he a product of Crenshaw and Slauson? Was he a radical? Or was he a thinker?” he wrote. “That mystique kept me engaged throughout his life and career. The years progressed, and my admiration grew from up close and from afar.” Read Kendrick’s full message below: In 2009, I remember trekking cities alongside Nipsey and family. Both performing as opening acts on The Game LAX tour. Our sprinter van trailed their mobile home from state to state. Though I was there as support for my brother Jay Rock, Nipsey greeted me as one of his own. And that was very commendable. Casually, I would go out to the crowd and listen to the substance he spewed on stage. Thinking to myself, this is the type of talent I want to be a part of. His charisma and way with words was powerful. But his integrity as a person made me even more enthused. I watched a young, ambitious black male orchestrate fellowship amongst the men around him on that tour. Determined to execute one thing — and that was Greatness. Greatness in knowledge, greatness in wealth, and greatness in self. My curiosity about who he really was started to grow from that moment in time. Was he a product of Crenshaw and Slauson? Was he a radical? Or was he a thinker? That mystique kept me engaged throughout his life and career. The years progressed, and my admiration grew from up close and from afar. Watching his interviews, his philosophies, and his work amongst the black community. Time surely revealed itself. I realized Nipsey was all of those perspectives. But most importantly, he was a vessel from God. As my heart aches for him and his family, I understand that the Most High doesn’t make mistakes. I pray that Ermias Foundation continues to blossom. I pray for those who trespass against it. A true King will be tested in adversity. To stand in fearlessness in what he believes will impact on the earth, as well as in heaven. So thank you Nipsey the Radical. Nipsey the Thinker. Nipsey the Father. Nipsey the Brother. Nipsey the Husband. Nipsey the Friend. Nipsey the Great. And from now on, Nipsey the Messenger … Shalom. At the start of the service, following readings from Minister Reid Rich and Pastor Shep Crawford and a video montage of Hussle’s life set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Ambrosius sang a powerful cover of Mariah Cover’s “Fly Like a Bird.” Her performance was followed by Hussle’s friend and associate Karen Civil, who read a letter from Barack Obama written that same morning, saying he first learned of Hussle’s music through his daughters and familiarized himself with Hussle’s community work following his passing. “[He] set an example for young people to follow [and] is a legacy worthy of celebration,” it read. NEW: Letter from former Pres. Barack Obama read at memorial service for rapper Nipsey Hussle. "While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and only see gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope." https://t.co/nUyxFS4dWV pic.twitter.com/SRSJ27754k — Evan McMurry (@evanmcmurry) April 11, 2019 Thank you to @BarackObama for sending this letter for me to read celebrating @NipseyHussle’s life & legacy. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/qwEjjb6O9d — Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) April 11, 2019 Next, Louis Farrakhan offered a speech honoring Hussle who, he declared, “is to hip-hop and rap what Bob Marley was to reggae. He is the prophetic voice of all in that community.” Singer Anthony Hamilton followed that speech with a performance of his song “Do You Feel Me.” Father Thomas Uwal next read a scripture in the Eritrean language Tigrinya as a nod to Hussle’s Eritrean heritage (his birth name was Ermias Asghedom). Hussle’s daughter, son, and other young family members were then brought onstage, joined by Lauren London and Hussle’s sister, Samantha Smith. Only Kameron Carter, London’s son with Lil Wayne, was able to give a brief speech and encouraged the crowd to yell out “respect!” for Hussle. London and Hussle’s baby son, Kross, cooed into the microphone at one point as London offered Hussle’s daughter, Emani, words of encouragement before exiting the stage. Jhené Aiko next performed her song “Eternal Sunshine,” followed by a video interlude of footage from Hussle’s childhood. Family tributes began next, opening with a reading from his mother, Angelique Smith, who was joined by Hussle’s father, Dawit Asghedom, at her side as she called upon the names of Hussle’s Eritrean ancestors for Ermias’s safe passage home. She followed that with a passionate speech on her life as a single parent to Hussle and his brother, Samiel, and having reached a place of being at peace with the loss of her son. “Ermias was a legacy,” she said. “I’m very proud of my son. My son, Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was a great man.” Nipsey Hussle’s mom sounds like Nipsey was forecasting his own death 😨 but he would ALWAYS tell her he’s A1 💙 pic.twitter.com/tGlu9rbMc8 — VERSACEBOYENT (@VersaceBoyEnt2) April 11, 2019 Hussle’s brother, Samiel, spoke next and quoted his brother’s outlook on death at the top of his speech: “If I die today, I know the set proud, nigga!” He also shared the history of Nipsey’s entrepreneurial work, particularly his interest in funding STEM efforts and investing in property, when it was expected that they would’ve turned to less-legitimate means of opportunity. He said, “I want everybody to know Nip put his heart and soul on Crenshaw and Slauson … Bro stayed and he died on Crenshaw and Slauson. I love you.” London came up to the podium next, reciting the poem shared in the funeral’s program. But, “I had to write something because I’ve never felt this type of pain before,” she explained, and went on to share more words about the “love of my life.” “His soul was majestic,” she said, then addressed the city of Los Angeles: “This pain is really ours. We know what it meant to us. We won’t ever be the same. In Hussle’s words, ‘The game is gonna test you, never fold. Stay ten toes down. It’s not on you, it’s in you. And what’s in you they can’t take away.’” She ended, “Grief is the final act of love. I love you beyond this Earth. And until we meet again, the Marathon continues.” "I'm never going to give up on you. My loyalty and devotion is to you." 💙 Lauren London reads a text that she sent Nipsey #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/roQ3rM8xbk — Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 11, 2019 Both Nipsey’s sister, Samantha, and father, Dawit, also shared thoughtful, emotional words saying Nipsey’s was a life well-lived. “He did more in 33 years than most will ever do,” Dawit said. Next came Snoop Dogg, who celebrated Hussle’s family, calling London his “queen,” and thanking his parents for bringing Hussle into his life: “Immortalize this man. The things he wanted for me, he did for himself.” He added, in true Snoop color, “This man got a letter from Barack Obama, man!” Snoop tells the story about the first time he heard Nipsey Hussle. He was rolling a blunt on the CD, decided to listen to it in the car and then...."Damn, cuz is hard...the little homie hard" 😂#CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/oJeHhDL2Ug — Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 11, 2019 YG and DJ Mustard went up next, keeping things short and unfiltered with a message for Hussle on behalf of the city: “I wanna congratulate bro for his legacy … the motha fuckin Marathon continues!” Next, Adam Andebrhan, co-owner of Nipsey’s Marathon clothing store, where he was shot, gave the obituary, running down the long list of accomplishments — professional, philanthropic, and personal — Hussle saw through in his short life. Stevie Wonder joined the stage afterward, giving a speech on gun control, and then performing “Rocket Love.” Next, Pastor Shep Crawford returned to the service for an impassioned eulogy with quite the McDonald’s metaphor for Hussle’s life, concluding the service. YG speaks at Nipsey’s funeral pic.twitter.com/he5zAvoBNc — SOUND (@itsavibrator) April 11, 2019 The memorial moved on to a funeral procession throughout Los Angeles, passing by the Marathon store, and onto Hussle’s final resting place. After the service, London posted her memorial tattoo on her forearm. It features a large portrait of Hussle above the words “God will rise.” This post will be updated accordingly.<doc-sep>"I realized that Ermias told me what heaven was like, he told me it was paradise," Cameron Carter said about Hussle, as he stood next to his mother during the funeral. Hussle’s daughter Emani Asghedom, London’s son Cameron Carter, Hussle’s nephew Khalil Kimble and Hussle and London’s son Kross Asgehdom all walked on stage together as Cameron spoke in front of an estimated 21,000 people at the Staples Center downtown. Get push notifications with news, features and more. Calling Hussle by his given name Ermias Asghedom, 9-year-old Carter (the son of London and rapper Lil Wayne) spoke calmly and recalled a recent dream he had about Hussle. “On the night of April 2, I had a dream. I was in a paradise and I was playing in the ocean water when Ermias popped up right behind me. He said, ‘What up killa,’ ‘cuz that’s my nickname to him. I turned around and I yelled his name and gave him a hug. Shortly he was gone but it was still cool I guess,” he said. Lauren London Nipsey Hussle’s family at his memorial service. | Credit: Tidal “I told my mom about the dream and after I told her I was thinking about it. And I realized that Ermias told me what heaven was like. He told me it was paradise,” Cameron continued before leading the crowd to all say, “Respect,” out loud. Following his big brother, the couple’s 2-year-old Kross adorably took the mic and murmured into it as the crowd responded with cheers. London spoke briefly, telling the crowd: “Give the kids some love, they’re a little nervous.” One week after Hussle, 33, was gunned down outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles on March 31, the late star’s family gathered with London — whom Hussle dated for nearly six years and shared 2½-year-old son Kross with — at his grandmother’s home to share memories and comfort one another. 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals Lauren London and Nipsey Hussle | Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage “I’m going to keep my head high and always represent for my king to the fullest,” she said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “He loved his kids. He was a family man. His family came first.” London paid tribute to Hussle on Instagram last week, sharing a slideshow of photos of the couple together with their family. Among the pictures posted, London included a sweet image of Hussle throwing their son in the air. “I am completely lost,” London wrote. “I’ve lost my best friend, my sanctuary, my protector, my soul. We are lost without you babe — I have no words.” Hussle died from gunshot wounds of both the head and torso, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed last Monday. “Paramedics were called and [Hussle who was born Ermias Joseph Asghedom] was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m.,” the coroner said, in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. Eric Holder, 29, has since been charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, according to a release from the Los Angeles County’s District Attorney’s Office.<doc-sep>
Angelique Smith, Ermias "Nipsey Hussle" Asghedom's mother, unexpectedly presented attendees and viewers of her late son's memorial with poignant messages in spirituality. Family, friends and fans honored the life of the 33-year-old rapper on Thursday at the Staples Center. Smith, who has shared that she's at peace with her son's passing in several public statements, continued to uplift the community during her speech at Nipsey's funeral. Walking out to a standing ovation, Smith began by sharing she hadn't had the opportunity to write out her thoughts, but she had several messages she wanted to share. "I feel-- no, I know that we are all divine creatures," she started. "We are all divinity within. We don't need to look to the sky for a god. God is within. I have perfect peace. I am happy. I'm complete. I am strong. And if I can feel this way, so can you." "We come from royalty and regality," she added. "We are very loving and kind and spiritual race of people. I want to tell you that we are very traumatized and we are very pressurized people. I want to tell you that." Reading from her phone, the mother of the prolific rapper and motivational businessman read a prayer and poured a libation for her son, calling on his ancestors to accept him into the spiritual realm. "I hope that you get the understanding that we're calling those ancestors into the service," she said at the end of the deed. "We are also asking for Ermias to have safe transit to his final resting place and so, when he reaches his resting place, we are also asking for these ancestors to greet him." She shared that she attends African Spiritual Science church KRST Unity Center, the name of which she generously spelled out for the masses. Nipsey Hussle's mother: "We ask those ancestors of Ermias Joseph Asghedom to keep him company on his journey ... I would ask that all of our ancestors guide and protect us and give us the gift of perfect peace. "https://t.co/7LBiAqaknr pic.twitter.com/5hQoJDODLu — NBC News (@NBCNews) April 11, 2019 Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news. The Los Angeles native, who conceived Nipsey on her birthday, said she was always spiritually connected to her son and encouraged the audience and viewers around the world to take the opportunity to elevate their lifestyles. "I want to encourage you to choose a vegan lifestyle," she said. "I want to encourage you to limit your use of alcohol beverages and narcotic substances. I want to tell you that we come from royalty and regality. I want to tell you that we are very loving and kind, spiritual race of people. I want to tell you that we are very traumatized and we are very pressurized people." In doing this, she passed one of the messages Nipsey was also trying to relay to the community as he regularly advocated for nutritional awareness, particularly in Black communities. Veganism isn't just about the animals, it's about learning to respect ALL walks of life created by God himself & being able to be at peace within ourselves. Praise God & Nipsey's mother who promoted veganism & peace to the world during her son's memorial in LA 🙏🏽 #nipseyhussle pic.twitter.com/iDrtWryndV — Alanni Garnet (@alannigarnet) April 11, 2019 Nipsey's mother also shared that she felt a spiritual shift days before the South Central advocate's death. Echoing similar sentiments from days prior that she's at "perfect peace," as Blavity reported, she expressed that part of the reason is that she had always known the "I Don't Stress" rapper to be an extraordinary being. She expressed that she had full composure when officers informed her of her son's death. She then shared a compelling story about a young Nipsey to empower those in mourning to continue to move in purpose in his memory. "I was living as a single mother with the boys, and I just thought that I didn't need a man because I can make my own money. I had bought my own house," Smith said jovially. Around the time Nipsey was 8, 9 or 10 years old, she recalled learning how to change her car oil and feeling accomplished because of it. In celebration, she went on a ride with her son, and they drove a long way out. "All of a sudden, smoke started coming out of [the roof of my car]," she laughed.