The Los Angeles intersection between Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard will be renamed in tribute to the LA rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle.
Earlier this month (1 April), a petition was launched to rename the South LA intersection after Hussle. After gaining 245,000 signatures within two days, representatives for Change.Org called the uptake of signatures the “largest music-related petition spike” they’d ever seen on the site. Now, the Los Angeles County Council has responded to the petition, with council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson announcing yesterday (9 April) that the intersection will be named “Ermias ‘Nipsey Hussle’ Asghedom Square”.
“Nipsey’s genuine nature allowed him to be a light to everyone he interacted with from family, friends, fans, and his larger community,” Harris-Dawson said in a statement. “As a father, brother, and son, Nipsey was a rock helping to build an empire that will continue through generations. Nipsey will always be remembered for delivering a pure, authentic Los Angeles sound, his numerous philanthropic efforts, his innovative, community-focused business mindset, and his humble heart.”
Hussle (real name Ermias Asghedom) was killed outside of his clothing store on 31 March. He was 33 years old. Aside from his indie-rap sound, the late artist was known for his philanthropy and community work, having committed himself to improving levels of poverty within the West Coast area. According to the Los Angeles Times, his store Marathon Clothing was part of a broader plan to develop low-income apartments on the same strip.
Following the news of his death, Rihanna wrote on Twitter, “This doesn’t make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this!” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s also responded to the attack, saying, “Our hearts are with the loved ones of Nipsey Hussle and everyone touched by this awful tragedy.”