Ever since Nipsey Hussle was tragically killed in 2019, the world has come to appreciate his work ethic, business acumen and artistic vision more than ever. An artist that was truly ahead of his time, Hussle was also a fan of bold and meaningful body art. 

1. "Prolific" and "God Will Rise"

Prolific means to be plentiful and abundant, especially when it comes to output in terms of life's work. This sentiment and word summed up Nipsey perfectly — aside from being an independent musician he was also an astute and diverse entrepreneur. Hussle was constantly looking for opportunities to elevate and strengthen his community, as Blavity previously told y'all. Ermias (Asghedom) was Nipsey's given name, which means "God Will Rise" in an Eritrean tongue. 

2. His Daughter's Name

View this post on Instagram

who wanna bet us that we don't touch lettuce Stack cheddars forever, live treacherous, all the et ceteras

A post shared by Nipsey Hussle (@nipseyhussle) on

Emani Dior is the name of his daughter. He also shares a son, Kross, with actress Lauren London. 

3. The Crown

View this post on Instagram

Last night at work????

A post shared by Nipsey Hussle (@nipseyhussle) on

The meaning of Hussle's crown isn't documented, but it's safe to assume that Hussle knew he was a King. 

4. A "Slauson Boy"

Hussle was raised in the Crenshaw district of South Los Angeles and focused his organizing efforts on giving back to his community. Many of his business ventures were based off Slauson Avenue, a street he knew as home. 

5. Loose Lips Sink Ships 

View this post on Instagram

All MONEY IN

A post shared by Nipsey Hussle (@nipseyhussle) on

"Loose lips sink ships" is an American idiom that was born from World War II propaganda posters, warning soldiers against unguarded talk. In today's times, it's come to mean that real Gs move in silence. 

6. Hood Pt. 1

View this post on Instagram

Good Company ???????????????????? S/O all my @puma fam And especially @vegas_jones and @richhomiechief ???? @jenjphoto

A post shared by Nipsey Hussle (@nipseyhussle) on

Nipsey's tattoo which says, “H60DSTA," is what neighborhood crips call each other. It's one of his first tattoos, and he released a song in 2009 with the title, “Hoodstar.”

7. Hood Pt. 2

View this post on Instagram

????Money counter ????

A post shared by Nipsey Hussle (@nipseyhussle) on

It's not certain what "hood unit" means, but it serves as an interesting hand piece. 

8. The "S"

Hussle was a member of crips offshoot the Rollin' 60s. The '60s are known to wear Seattle Mariners sports memorabilia, especially those with an "S." It's not apparent if this is a Mariners' S, but it is in that style. 

9. The World Most Certainly Was His 

View this post on Instagram

And everything in it.

A post shared by Nipsey Hussle (@nipseyhussle) on

It's self-explanatory. Hussle arrived on the scene in 2013 as an unsigned rapper who was audacious enough to charge $100 for his mixtape Crenshaw. Some thought it was a gimmick but really it was a declaration of a man who wasn't afraid to bet on himself.