JAY-Zpaid tribute to the late rapperNipsey Hussleduring an intimate concert in New York on Friday night.
The 49-year-old rapper, who was a close friend and collaborator with Hussle, performed a freestyle song in honor of the slain musician and activist, who waskilled in Los Angeleslast month.
During his performance at Webster Hall in New York City, JAY-Z took a break from his set list to perform the impromptu rap.
JAY-Z addressed Hussle again later in the rap, saying, “I told neighborhood Nipsey stay close/ There’s a hundred million dollars on your schedule, lay low … I never dreamed he’d be killed in a place that he called home.”
Earlier this month, the hip-hop mogul shared a tribute to Hussle (born Ermias Asghedom) in the program ofA Celebration of Life, the large public memorial for Hussle held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
“So, Top of the top – Nip,” said JAY-Z of Hussle, who worked closely with Hov’s record label Roc Nation and was a close friend.
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“The world just got to see a flash of your brilliance. You were a curious soul who was evolving at a speed that was truly inspiring. The seeds you have planted are already bearing fruit,” he continued.
“The outpouring of admiration is testimony to the love and respect you’ve farmed. Sleep well King. The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider. LOVE AND LIGHT JAY,” JAY-Z concluded.
The two rappers connected back in 2013, when Hussle released his independent albumCrenshaw, selling the CDs for $100 a piece. Hearing of the entrepreneurial rapper’s new project, JAY-Z reached out and arranged to purchase 100 copies of the disc for $10,000.
Husslediedon March 31 after being shot on the street near his clothing store is in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles; he was 33 years old. The next day, the Los Angeles Police Departmentnamed a suspectandreleased a statementasking the public’s help in locating suspect Eric Holder, 29.
On April 4, Holder entered a plea of not guilty in court. He could face a maximum sentence of life in state prison if convicted.
“I’m praying with every ounce of my heart for your family,’ Beyoncé wrote inan Instagram post. “Rest In Peace, Nipsey.”
source: people.com
