Ermias Joseph Asghedom, AKA Nipsey Hussle (often stylized as Nipsey Hu$$le), was an American rapper, activist, and entrepreneur. Emerging from the West Coast Hip Hop scene in the mid-2000s, Nipsey independently released his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, which led to him being signed to Cinematic Music Group and Epic Records. From that point onwards, he released numerous mixtapes, including his Bullets Ain't Got No Name series, The Marathon, The Marathon Continues and Crenshaw. After much delay, his debut studio album Victory Lap was released in 2018 to much critical acclaim and commercial success. Nipsey was also know for his entrepreneurship and philanthropy as he started many endeavors to empower himself and his community as well. On March 31, 2019, Nipsey was fatally shot in his neighborhood outside his clothing store, The Marathon. Nipsey Hussle was one of the smartest and realest rappers of his generation and his life bears many lessons. Here are the top 10 lessons from Nipsey Hussle's life:
1-Make Real Sacrifices:
When Nipsey was active in the streets, he was at the top of his neighborhood, with expensive chains, watches, cars and men ready to die for him. However, the short life span of the street life, made Nipsey realize he must change his business and get into something legal, as most people in the position he was in at the time, ended up either dead or in jail. He decided to pursue his passion, music. At first, Nipsey had to sell all of his expensive belongings and invest into his music. For a few years, he downgraded his lifestyle and people were talking about him as if he fell off. He persevered through that transition period and released many popular mixtapes and singles. After a few years of consistent hard work, he signed a deal with Epic Records, which positioned him in the forefront of the LA rap scene. In order to achieve success, you must make real sacrifices and leave you're comfort zone.
2-Surround Yourself With Winners :
Nipsey had to change his surroundings in order to grow. Surrounded by gang members who would part take in deadly activities to survive, he realized he had to change his circle, or as he would call it "escaping survival mode". Nipsey made it his mission, to surround himself by like minded people that want growth and progress. He ended up with a million dollar circle, surrounded by people like: LA Business Man, Daivd Gross, who was Nipsey's partner in many of his businesses. Idris Sandu, a young entrepreneur and tech Guru who developed the high tech in The Marathon store. As well as, the many artists currently under the All Money In label, Carrying on Nipsey Hussle’s musical legacy. Including: J Stone, Cuzzy Capone, Killatown, Cobby Supreme, BH and PCD . Having such energy and expertise around him, helped him propel his career to the next level. As the saying goes "show me your friends and I'll show you your future". The more you surround your self with ambitious, high preforming people, the higher your chances are at becoming successful.
3- Invest In Yourself First:
In 2013, a young Nipsey did his first interview with HardknockTV. When asked about why he didn't wear a lot of jewelry , his answer stunned the journalist. Nipsey stated that he plans to spend his money bettering himself and his community, rather than blowing it on materialistic objects that lose value. When Nipsey made the transition from the streets to the studio, he started out by buying all the necessary equipment, spent hours practicing the skill and art of rap and attended every music industry workshop/conference that was being held, in order to ensure his success in the music industry. Once he got some success, he would invest his riches into property, businesses and empowering those around him, which enabled him to build the business empire that he owned. The most important and most valuable investment you can ever make is in your self. You can do that by buying/attending courses to improve your skills and craft, buying equipment that increase the quality and efficiency of your work, as well as buying assets that build wealth .
4-Always Give Out Opportunity When You Are In A Position Of Power:
Whenever Nipsey got an opportunity, whether it was a new deal or a new business he is starting, he always made sure to help those around him to be finically free. Most of the positions and jobs centered around his business empire, were held by his friends and family. His brother "Black Sam", ran the clothing brand "The Marathon", his mother, sister and childhood friends were co-owners in his other businesses. Make sure you empower those around you, That way, you will have a more solid team around you, make sure that your friends have your back if you were to take a fall and it serves as good karma as well.
5-Tolerance Is A Trait That Will Get You A Long Way:
The environment that Nipsey grew up in is one that was dominated by gang culture. Members from different neighborhoods, streets, cities and gangs were at constant war for dominance and control over scarce resources in areas ignored by the state. This power struggle has been going on for decades, rivalries would pass down from generation to generation. Even though Nipsey was gang affiliated, he always made sure to keep an open mind, have empathy and be tolerant of everyone he comes across, even if they were considered rivals. This brought fourth many opportunities to Nipsey, as he was able to communicate with everyone and work with people he otherwise wouldn't have been able to work with. People such as Kendrick Lamar and YG. Tolerance and acceptance are traits that will take you a long way as, they bring opportunities and open doors.
6-Have A Community Behind You:
One of the major factors in Nipsey's rise to success was the fact that he had the city of Crenshaw and Los Angles as a whole behind him. That includes, people in the streets as well as other artists and celebrities from the city supporting him. He also had his family hold him down, he earned that support by taking care of both his family and community and making sure to give back whenever he could. It is important to have a community that follows and supports you on your journey to achieving your goals. It will serve as a support system that you will need. Having a community behind you will help you succeed, as you'll have a large group of people that have common background and goals, believing in you, supporting you and rooting for you at all times.
7-Diversify:
Nipsey was known for being a serial entrepreneur that was able to build a diverse portfolio of investments and business, which allowed him to achieve financial freedom. Nipsey's Business empire included a clothing brand/store, a marketing company, real estate, a co-working space and much more. All of those different businesses created multiple streams of income for Nipsey, which allowed him to live his life on his own terms. It was evident in his music, as Nipsey had the freedom to make music at the highest level, taking his time to perfect it to the smallest detail, since he wasn't under financial pressure to release it by a certain deadline. He did things how he wanted, when he wanted, thanks to the financial freedom awarded by his diverse portfolio of business activities. Diversification can maximize your returns as you will have different income yielding investments and endeavors that react differently to different events, which minimizes risk as well. It also ends up creating passive income in the long run, which means you will make money while you sleep. Allowing you the freedom to do what you want and when you want.
8-Think Outside Of The Box:
Nipsey was known for thinking outside of the box and always bringing something innovative to the game. One of the defining moments in Nipsey's career, is when he dropped his popular "Crenshaw" mixtape. Along with releasing it on all streaming platforms, he would make special CD packages and sell them for $100 each, in a campaign under the title "Proud To Pay". Many thought he was crazy for selling a mixtape for $100 dollars, especially with the fact that it was available online for free. However, that was the genius in it, that move resulted in Nipsey getting a lot of attention from the media, putting him in many headlines. He also added a package of exclusive content and experiences for those who bought the CD, which peeked many of his fan's interest, including his idol, hip hop legend
Jay-Z, who bought a hundred copies of the Crenshaw mixtape. Another one of Nipsey's innovative endeavors, is the technology in his store, The Marathon Clothing. The walls in the store and all the products have AI code in them, meaning you could scan the walls in The Marathon or any product you bought from there and Nipsey's latest song or music video will start playing on your phone. Such endeavors made Nipsey one of the most innovative artists in Hip Hop and a true disruptor in the game. Doing things differently and bringing innovation to your work/industry will award you heavily as it will give you a big advantage over your competitors.
9. Provide Value:
Every good musician has a certain edge and special feel to their music that makes them unique. Nipsey had his own edge, and it served as a big factor in building his fan base, it was providing value. There is no doubt that when you listen a Nipsey Hussle track, you are about to learn something new, be motivated or inspired. That made him stand out amongst his peers and built him create a loyal fan base that helped him reach the top. Providing value to people will pay off enormously. It will allow you to meet new people, gain new experiences, open yourself up to new opportunities for even more success and give you a sense of fulfilment.
10. Run A Marathon Not A Sprint:
As Nipsey once said in an interview with BigBoiTV, "The only difference between me and who ever else is doing this, is I never quit." The road to realizing one's goal, is one that is long and challenging. Progress must be taken step by step and one's vision must be long term. There is no such thing as overnight success, those who come up quick come down just as fast. Keep your head down and work hard. Your time will come!
REST IN POWER NIPSEY, THE MARATHON CONTINUES!
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