Rapper Nipsey Hussle Dead at 33: Gunned Down Outside His Store

UPDATE: TMZ's sources have confirmed that Nipsey Hussle is dead at 33.

TMZ is reporting that rapper Nipsey Hussle, up for a Grammy for Best Rap Album just a month ago, was shot multiple times outside his Hyde Park, L.A., store, the Marathon Clothing Company.

Shots rang out Sunday — as many as six — felling the 33-year-old artist, who had just tweeted the cryptic message, "Having strong enemies is a blessing." He had also apparently just posed for a photo with a small child.

Along with Hussle, born Ermias Ashedom, two others were also shot, and TMZ has confirmed that one of the three died at a hospital. The identity of the deceased has not been officially confirmed. One man is reported to have left the scene in a vehicle after the shooting.

Hussle, who reportedly had ties with the Crips street gang, had opened the store in 2017.

More than a month before he was gunned down, Nipsey Hussle spoke with “Extra's” Tanika Ray at the Grammys, where he was joined by girlfriend Lauren London.

In December, he was involved in a massive brawl that wound up being a case of mistaken identity.

After news broke about his sudden death, Drake wrote on Instagram, "My whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this. We just linked for the first time in years and said we were gonna do a new song this summer cause it had been too long. You were having the best run and I was so happy watching from distance fam nobody ever talks down on your name you were a real one to your people and to the rest of us. I'm only doing this here cause I want the world to know I saw you as a man of respect and a don. Rest easy my g.”

Rihanna added, "This doesn't make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this! Dear God may His spirit Rest In Peace and May You grant divine comfort to all his loved ones! 💔🙏🏿 I'm so sorry this happened to you @nipseyhussle."

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