The culture suffered a devastating loss when rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was gunned down outside of his Marathon Clothing store in March 2019. Before his death, the Crenshaw native parlayed his humble beginnings of selling self-financed mixtapes for $100 into a multi-million-dollar diversified empire, as Blavity previously reported.

It would have been easy for Nipsey to hoard his knowledge of success and only stick to the typical rapper trope of flaunting material excess, but his brand remained a consistent source of encouragement and advocacy of financial literacy for his people.

There are more than a few quotes from the late rapper you can look to when feeling discouraged or lacking that extra push. Hell, I got inspired even writing this list!

Here are seven of them that will give you the motivation to finish the race.

1. “I’d rather invest in real estate — invest in some assets as opposed to trick all my money in diamonds and cars — it look good but at the end of the day you’re losing value. It ain’t appreciating, it’s depreciating. (I’m trying to get) a real asset. Take care of my people.”

Before Nipsey was anything, he was business-minded. Rap wasn't even a means to an end; it was just a piece in his vast portfolio to create and sustain wealth on his terms. In a resurfaced 2006 interview with Hard Knock TV, a 21-year-old Nipsey talks to Davey D at Russell Simmons' Get Your Money Summit. In the interview, the artist exhibits wisdom beyond his young years when talking about appreciating investments and community. 

2. "We don't want to wait on someone to hire us and give us a check. We want to create our own opportunities."

Nipsey touted financial independence. So it was no wonder that his investment portfolio strategically helped his community, like the reopening the legendary Crenshaw landmark World on Wheels. His philanthropy and never-ending support for his community helped cement his place as a Los Angeles icon.

3. “I’m focusing on the music, but I still got a cold library of books that I’ve either read or I plan on getting to.”

It may come as a surprise to many that rappers are, generally, intelligent. You can't write albums filled with analogies and double entendres if you're not well-read. That said, few mainstream rappers talk about books. Nipsey wasn't above letting the world know that even with everything going on in his life, staying educated was a top priority. 

4. “Be truthful with yourself and other people, and try your best to make decisions outside of your ego.”

Of course, being true to yourself is often a thrown-about cliché, but no one ever tells you to also be honest with other people and leave your ego at the door. 

5. "The most important thing, number one, is you gotta get rid of doubt. If you got doubt in what you're doing, it's not gonna work and the way to do that is you have a plan."

In a 2009 interview with WestCoastRydaz.com, Nip imparted that faith is the major key when it comes to getting what you want out of life. 


6. "Luck is just bein’ prepared at all times, so when the door opens you’re ready."

Most times we think that opportunities arise by happenstance and it's all a game of chance when something good happens to us. While opportunities can definitely pop up unexpectedly, you'll never be in a position to take advantage of them if you're unprepared. Nipsey told us we can make our own luck. 

6. “Instead of trying to build a brick wall, lay a brick every day. Eventually, you’ll look up and have a brick wall.”

It's easy to get down on yourself when you don't see the vision coming together as quickly as you'd like. But Nip reminded us that with work, consistent and daily, the overall vision can't help but be completed. 

7. “I hope my story inspires everyone out there to keep hustling and chasing their dream.”

Probably one of the most prolific to do it, Nip foresaw his story inspiring others to keep chasing their dreams. The vision came true. 

The marathon continues, indeed!

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