Barack Obama and JAY-Z share written tributes to Nipsey Hussle for late rapper’s funeral service
Obama sent in a letter which was read aloud during the service, while HOV’s message appeared in the funeral’s service book
Nipsey Hussle's funeral service, taking place at the Staples Center in L.A. today, has seen tributes and words of love from the late rapper's family members, and peers including Snoop Dogg, YG, Lauren London, and Stevie Wonder among others.
During the service, Barack Obama sent in a tribute letter to Nipsey which was read aloud. JAY-Z also wrote words of remembrance in the funeral's service book.
The former president acknowledged that while he never knew Hussle, he had learned of his work in his community. "I’d never met Nipsey Hussle," Obama wrote. "But I’d heard some of his music through my daughters, and after his passing, I had the chance to learn more about his transformation and his community work."
Read Obama's letter up above, and check out JAY's statement in full down below.
Renown late Professor, Dr, Howard Thurman introduced us – many years ago – to the existence of a new black man …..
“…. there is something in every one of us that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in ourselves and that IT is the only true guide that we would ever have. And that if we cannot hear it, we will all of our lives spend our days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls!”
“Top of the top,” this is how Nip always greeted me in the morning as if he was reminding me that he was steadfastly holding on to the top of the top of his own life string and destiny!
So, Top of the top – Nip
The world just got to see a flash of your brilliance.
You were a curious soul who was evolving at a speed that was truly inspiring.
The seeds you have planted are already bearing fruit.
The outpouring of admiration is testimony to the love and respect you’ve farmed.
Sleep well King, The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider.
LOVE AND LIGHT, JAY
Kendrick Lamar has also written a letter to Nipsey Hussle in the funeral service book. Photos of Lamar's words in the booklet have been obtained by TMZ.
In his letter, Lamar shared a story of first getting to know Hussle in 2009, while supporting his TDE labelmate Jay Rock on The Game's LAX tour.
Read letter in full below.
In 2009, I remember trekking cities alongside Nipsey and family. Both performing as opening acts on The Game LAX Tour. Our sprinter van trailed their mobile home from state to state.
Though I was a there as support for my brother Jay Rock, Nipsey greeted me as one of his own. And that was very commendable. Casually I would go out to the crowd and listen to the substance he spewed on stage. Thinking to myself, this is the type of talent I want to be apart of. His charisma and way with words was powerful. But his integrity as a person, made me even more enthused.
I watched a young, ambitious black male orchestrate fellowship amongst the men around him on that tour. Determined to execute one thing — and that was Greatness. Greatness in knowledge, greatness in wealth, and greatness in self.
My curiosity about who he really was started to grow from that moment in time. Was he a product if Crenshaw and Slauson? Was he a radical? Or was he a thinker? That mystique kept me engaged throughout his life career. The years progressed, and my admiration grew from up close and from afar. Watching his interviews, his philosophies, and his work amongst the black community.
Time surely revealed itself. I realized Nipsey was all of those perspectives. But most importantly, he was a vessel from God. As my heart aches for him and his family. I understand that the Most High doesn’t make mistakes. I pray that Ermias Foundation continues to blossom. I pray for those who trespass against it.
A true King will be tested in adversity. To stand in fearlessness in what he believes will impact on earth, as well as in heaven. So thank you Nipsey The Radical. Nipsey The Husband. Nipsey The Friend. Nipsey The Great. And from now on, Nipsey The Messenger…… Shalom.
Sean Gallup + Nicholas Hunt / Getty Images.