Nipsey Hussle

August 15, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

The late American rapper, entrepreneur, and activist, Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known by his stage name Nipsey Hussle, was born on August 15, 1985, in Los Angeles. Nipsey Hussle was one of the most influential names in West Coast rap, and his work is still loved and felt today. His passions included more than music, as he was a successful entrepreneur with a good sense of fashion. He decided to combine his passion for business and fashion when he opened his clothing store in 2017 called Marathon Clothing. He reached international fame in 2018 with the release of his debut album “Victory Lap,” but sadly lost his life at the young age of 33 in 2019.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Ermias Joseph Asghedom

Nickname:

Nipsey Hussle

Birth date:

August 15, 1985

Death date:

March 31, 2019 (age 33)

Zodiac Sign:

Leo

Height:

6' 3"

Net Worth:

$8 million

Background

Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known by his stage name Nipsey Hussle, was born on August 15, 1985, and grew up in South Los Angeles. He spent most of his childhood in the Crenshaw neighborhood, south of Los Angeles, with his brother and sister, Samual and Samantha Asghedom. Shortly after he dropped out of school, he left home to join the gang Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips but later in life, he focused on separating himself from that world and preventing it. He found his passion for entrepreneurship and activism when his father took him and his siblings on a three-month trip to Eritrea in 2004.

He started achieving moderate success when he independently released his first mixtape, “Slauson Boy Volume 1,” in December 2005. In 2009, he collaborated with the award-winning rapper Drake on the song ‘Killer’ and collaborated with Snoop Dog and Problem on ‘Upside Down.’ Nipsey Hussle got recognized by “XXL Magazine” in 2010 when they featured him in their Annual Freshman Top Ten selection of ten up-and-coming hip-hop artists to watch. After leaving the record label Epic, Nipsey Hussle started his record label called All Money In, which released its first mixtape called “Marathon” in December 2010. Major things happened in his life in 2013 because he co-founded Marathon Agency and met his long-term life partner Lauren London.

He became a dad in 2016 when London gave birth to their son. He began another big business venture in 2017 when he opened his clothing store, Marathon Clothing, on June 17 in Crenshaw’s commercial district. He released his debut album, “Victory Lap,” on February 16, 2018, which quickly climbed the charts. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, and several songs entered the Billboard Hot 100, including ‘Double Up,’ ‘Last Time I Checc’d,’ and ‘Dedication.’ The album also received a nomination for ‘Best Rap Album’ at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019.

Career timeline

2005

The Start of His Fame

He starts garnering national fame with the release of his first mixtape, “Slauson Boy Volume 1.”

2010

He is Featured in a Magazine

“XXL Magazine” features Nipsey Hussle in the ‘Annual Freshman Top Ten,’ where he is labeled as the most determined of his class.

2010

He Creates a Record Music Label

He launches his record label, All Money In, and releases the song ‘The Marathon,’ which includes Kokane and MGMT.

2013

He Becomes a Co-Founder

He co-founds the Marathon Agency, which focuses on attracting clients in all stages of their careers.

2017

He Opens a Clothing Store

He opens his clothing store in the Crenshaw commercial district called Marathon Clothing.

2018

His Debut Album

He releases his debut album, “Victory Lab,” which debuts at number four on the Billboard 200.

Why We Love Nipsey Hussle

He worked hard
Nipsey Hussle worked hard from an early age and held a few other jobs before entering the music industry. When he was 11, he used to shine shoes for cash so that he could buy school supplies. He also used to sell mixtapes at the neighborhood mall from a car.
His legacy lives on
Since his passing, his legacy has only gotten stronger because of how much of an influence he had on people's lives. DJ Khaled, Kirk Franklin, John Legend, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, and Y.G paid tribute to Hussle during the Grammy Awards in 2020 to honor his legacy. Puma even debuted the Marathon Clothing line, with 100% of net sales going to the Neighborhood "Nip" Foundation.
He was an inspiration to many
He was a rising star and undoubtedly one of rap's most successful businessmen. He was a popular figure because he constantly sought to encourage others, particularly people of color, to acquire property and establish themselves in positions of financial independence and authority.

5 Surprising Facts

He collaborated with big names
Nipsey Hussle collaborated with award-winning rapper Drake on the song 'Killer,' and with Snoop Dogg and Problem on the song 'Upside Down.'
He featured in well-known songs
In February 2010, Nipsey Hussle featured in the globally known song ‘We Are the World 25 for Haiti,’ alongside other prominent names in the industry.
One of his fans was Jay-Z
When he released “Crenshaw,” Jay Z personally bought 100 copies.
A Grammy nominee
His debut album “Victory Lap” was nominated at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards for ‘Best Rap Album.’
He fought against gangs
Despite having been a member of a gang in the past, Nipsey Hussle has worked hard to educate young people about the hazards of gang membership.

Nipsey Hussle FAQs

What was Nipsey Hussle’s purpose?

He wanted to focus on giving solutions and inspiration to young black men like him. He denounced gun violence through his music, influence, and community work. He spoke openly about his experiences with gang culture.

How did Nipsey Hussle impact the world?

He created a coworking space called Vector90 in South Central that focused on teaching STEM skills to the people he grew up around. He was involved in an investment fund, Our Opportunity, that sought to use tax incentives to further develop communities of color.