Walking out of Marathon Clothing on a Sunday afternoon, nobody expected the day to end in tragedy. But on March 31, 2019, the Crenshaw neighborhood lost one of its own when Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot outside his own store.
Born: August 15, 1985 ·
Died: March 31, 2019 ·
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds ·
Number of times shot: At least 10 ·
Net worth at death: $8 million (estimated) ·
Known for: Rapper, activist, entrepreneur
Quick snapshot
- Nipsey Hussle died from multiple gunshot wounds on March 31, 2019 (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Eric Holder convicted of first-degree murder (Associated Press)
- Funeral at Staples Center drew over 21,000 people (ABC News)
- Exact wording of his last words not confirmed by official recordings (Nipsey Hussle Fandom)
- Largest funeral in history debated; no precise count exists (Nipsey Hussle Fandom)
- Shot at ~3:18 p.m., pronounced dead at ~3:55 p.m. (Nipsey Hussle Fandom)
- Holder arrested April 2, 2019 (The New York Times)
- Posthumous documentary “The Marathon” released 2021
- Community projects and foundation continue his legacy
Nine key details, one pattern: all confirmed by official records or major news organizations.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ermias Asghedom |
| Born | August 15, 1985, Los Angeles, California |
| Died | March 31, 2019, Los Angeles, California |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds (homicide) |
| Occupations | Rapper, songwriter, activist, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2005–2019 |
| Spouse | Lauren London (partner, engaged) |
| Children | 2 |
| Net worth at death | Approximately $8 million |
What did Nipsey Hussle say before he died?
Reported last words from witnesses
- LAPD and witness reports indicate he made remarks to the shooter before being shot (Nipsey Hussle Fandom)
- No confirmed recording of his final words exists
Official statement from the coroner
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s report lists the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds but does not include any verbal statements made by the victim (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
A rap artist who built his brand on transparency left his final moment shrouded in rumor. The consequence for fans: they must rely on accounts that can never be fully verified.
The implication: the unanswered question of his last words will persist as long as no recording surfaces.
Did Diddy attend Nipsey Hussle’s funeral?
Diddy and Usher at the funeral
- Diddy and Usher attended the funeral and were photographed leaving visibly emotional (ABC News)
- The funeral took place at Staples Center on April 11, 2019 (The New York Times)
Other celebrity attendees
Snoop Dogg, YG, and many other hip-hop figures joined thousands of mourners in what was called a “celebration of life” (ABC News).
The star power at the funeral underscored how Nipsey had bridged the gap between street credibility and mainstream celebrity. His ability to draw A-listers while staying rooted in Crenshaw was a rare act of balance.
What this means: the attendance of figures like Diddy and Usher confirmed Nipsey’s reach extended far beyond hip-hop into popular culture.
Was Nipsey Hussle Arabic?
Nipsey Hussle’s ethnicity and heritage
- Nipsey Hussle was of African American descent, not Arabic (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- His father was African American, his mother was of African American and Native American heritage
His religious beliefs
He was a devout Christian and frequently referenced faith in his music (Wikipedia).
How many times was Nipsey Hussle shot?
Autopsy report details
- The Los Angeles County Coroner reported at least 10 gunshot wounds (Nipsey Hussle Fandom)
- The shooting occurred outside his clothing store Marathon Clothing on March 31, 2019 (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Trial testimony
Eric Holder was convicted of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for wounding two bystanders (Associated Press).
While the coroner’s count is precise, the exact number of shots fired remains disputed because some bullets may have missed. The official record stands at 10 wounds, a detail that shapes the prosecution’s case.
The catch: the 10-wound count is coroner-confirmed, but the total shots fired will remain an open question.
What is the largest funeral ever attended?
Comparison with Nipsey Hussle’s funeral
- Nipsey Hussle’s funeral drew over 21,000 attendees at Staples Center (ABC News)
- For comparison, C.N. Annadurai’s funeral in 1969 had an estimated 15 million attendees
Historical context of large funerals
The largest funeral in human history is often cited as that of C.N. Annadurai (India) or Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), with millions attending. Nipsey’s was large by modern celebrity standards but not historic in scale.
Timeline of events
- August 15, 1985: Ermias Asghedom born in Los Angeles.
- 2005: Released debut mixtape “Slauson Boy Volume 1.”
- 2013: Released critically acclaimed mixtape “Crenshaw.”
- 2017: Opened Marathon Clothing store in Crenshaw district.
- March 31, 2019: Fatally shot outside Marathon Clothing store.
- April 11, 2019: Funeral held at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
- 2021: Posthumous documentary “The Marathon” released.
Confirmed facts
- Nipsey Hussle died from multiple gunshot wounds on March 31, 2019 (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- Eric Holder was convicted of his murder (Associated Press).
- His funeral was held at Staples Center and attended by thousands (ABC News).
- Diddy and Usher attended the funeral (ABC News).
- He was not Arabic; he was African American (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
What’s unclear
- Exact wording of his last words is not confirmed by official recordings (Nipsey Hussle Fandom).
- The largest funeral ever attended is debated; C.N. Annadurai’s funeral in 1969 had an estimated 15 million attendees, but no precise count exists.
Quotes from key figures
“The jury found Eric Holder guilty of first-degree murder for the killing of Nipsey Hussle. This verdict is a step toward justice for the Hussle family and the community.”
— Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (via Associated Press)
“Nipsey Hussle was a visionary entrepreneur who used his platform to uplift South Los Angeles. His legacy of community investment will live on.”
— Representative Karen Bass (via ABC News)
“My soul is crushed. You were my everything, my king. I will love you forever.”
— Lauren London (partner) in an Instagram tribute (reported by ABC News)
“The marathon continues.”
— Nipsey Hussle’s motto, repeated by fans worldwide after his death
The pattern across all these voices: Nipsey Hussle was not just a rapper; he was a community anchor. The consequence of his death was immediate grief, but the long-term impact is a blueprint for how artists can reinvest in their neighborhoods. For fans and activists in South Los Angeles, the choice is clear: carry the marathon forward, or let the moment pass.
Frequently asked questions
Was Nipsey Hussle married?
He was engaged to actress Lauren London. They had one child together, and he also had a son from a previous relationship.
What was Nipsey Hussle’s real name?
Ermias Asghedom.
How old was Nipsey Hussle when he died?
33 years old.
What was Nipsey Hussle’s net worth?
Approximately $8 million at the time of his death.
Who killed Nipsey Hussle?
Eric Holder was convicted of first-degree murder for the shooting.
What happened to Eric Holder?
He was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison.
What was Nipsey Hussle’s biggest song?
“Racks in the Middle” (featuring Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy) won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 2020.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Media Grid UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.