The Hussle Never Stops

Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was a multifaceted individual whose life exemplified dedication to personal relationships, community upliftment, and cultural pride. His partnership with actress Lauren London, which began in 2013, was marked by mutual respect and love, culminating in the birth of their son, Kross, in 2016. Beyond his personal life, Nipsey was deeply committed to the betterment of his South Los Angeles community.

He co-founded businesses like The Marathon Clothing store and the co-working space Vector 90, aiming to provide resources and opportunities to local residents. His brother, Samiel "Blacc Sam" Asghedom, was a pivotal partner in these ventures, sharing Nipsey's vision for economic empowerment and social change.

Nipsey's collaborations with artists such as Jay-Z further highlighted his influence in the music industry and his commitment to impactful artistry. Proud of his Eritrean heritage, he made a significant trip to Eritrea in 2004, which inspired his community activism and entrepreneurial spirit. Through his life's work, Nipsey Hussle seamlessly integrated his personal values with his professional endeavors, leaving a lasting legacy of love, community service, and cultural pride.

African Gen

Nipsey Hussle's engagement with blockchain and cryptocurrency showcased his dedication to leveraging technology for economic empowerment and innovation.

His efforts continue to inspire discussions on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Early Adoption and Investment: Nipsey Hussle began investing in Bitcoin around 2013, influenced by entrepreneur Marc Ecko. He foresaw the disruptive impact of decentralized currencies on traditional financial systems, viewing Bitcoin as a form of "karma" against the "crooked" banking industry.

Nipsey Hussle’s foray into Bitcoin and decentralized currencies began as early as 2013, a time when cryptocurrency was still a niche concept unfamiliar to the mainstream. Inspired by entrepreneur Marc Ecko, Nipsey was quick to grasp the transformative potential of blockchain technology. Unlike many contemporaries who dismissed Bitcoin as speculative or overly complex, Nipsey saw it as a groundbreaking innovation poised to disrupt traditional financial systems. He viewed Bitcoin and blockchain not just as technological advancements but as tools for creating equity and justice in an economic landscape that he believed was often exploitative, particularly towards marginalized communities. He referred to Bitcoin as a kind of "karma" for the "crooked" banking industry, emphasizing its ability to bypass institutional barriers and democratize financial access.

Business Ventures: Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Nipsey invested in Follow Coin, an Amsterdam-based cryptocurrency company aimed at making digital currencies more accessible. He announced this partnership in August 2017, expressing his passion for technology and plans to add value to the platform.

Nipsey Hussle's entrepreneurial journey was marked by a keen eye for innovation and a deep commitment to economic empowerment, as demonstrated by his investment in Follow Coin, an Amsterdam-based cryptocurrency company. Announced in August 2017, this partnership highlighted Nipsey’s forward-thinking approach and his passion for leveraging technology to create opportunities for underrepresented communities. Follow Coin aimed to bridge the gap between seasoned investors and newcomers to the cryptocurrency space by simplifying the process of investing in digital currencies. Recognizing the growing importance of blockchain technology, Nipsey viewed Follow Coin as an accessible tool for those who might otherwise be excluded from participating in this emerging financial landscape.

Advocacy and Education: Nipsey was dedicated to educating his community about blockchain and cryptocurrency. He emphasized the importance of understanding these technologies, especially for marginalized communities, to foster economic independence. In interviews, he discussed how blockchain could democratize financial systems and empower individuals.

Nipsey Hussle was a passionate advocate for educating his community about blockchain and cryptocurrency, emphasizing their potential to foster economic independence, especially in marginalized communities. He believed these technologies could democratize financial systems by removing traditional barriers and giving individuals control over their finances. Through interviews and public discussions, Nipsey highlighted the importance of understanding blockchain as a tool for empowerment and wealth creation. His efforts extended beyond advocacy, as he integrated blockchain into his businesses and investments, showcasing its practical applications. Nipsey’s dedication to education and innovation left a lasting legacy of economic empowerment and technological inclusivity.

Innovative Music Distribution: In 2013, Nipsey pioneered a unique approach by selling 1,000 physical copies of his mixtape "Crenshaw" for $100 each, despite offering it for free online. This strategy, which he repeated in 2015 with "Mailbox Money," where he sold 100 copies at $1,000 each, mirrored the scarcity and value principles later seen in Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

In 2013, Nipsey Hussle redefined music distribution with an innovative approach by selling 1,000 physical copies of his mixtape Crenshaw for $100 each while simultaneously offering it for free online. This bold strategy, known as the "#Proud2Pay" model, was rooted in creating exclusivity and value, encouraging fans to directly support his artistry. Building on its success, he repeated the concept in 2015 with Mailbox Money, selling 100 copies at $1,000 each. This approach anticipated the principles of scarcity and value later popularized by Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), showcasing Nipsey’s visionary understanding of how to blend art, technology, and economics.

Posthumous Developments: Following his passing in 2019, Nipsey's estate explored releasing his final album as an NFT, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to music distribution and blockchain's role in it.

Following Nipsey Hussle's passing in 2019, his estate has diligently continued his mission of promoting Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and ownership across various sectors. In 2022, unreleased tracks from Nipsey were made available as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), aligning with his innovative approach to music distribution and blockchain technology. Additionally, the estate partnered with the financial podcast "Earn Your Leisure" to launch a $100,000 pitch competition, providing emerging entrepreneurs with opportunities to scale their businesses. These initiatives reflect Nipsey's enduring legacy in fostering economic empowerment and technological advancement within the community.