Slain rapper Nipsey Hussle's final music video for the track “Higher” dropped Friday, a collaboration with singer John Legend for producer DJ Khaled's latest album release.
Khaled announced via his social media pages on Wednesday that Nipsey would appear on his forthcoming studio album Father of Asahd.
"Recently, I embarked on a soul-searching journey down a road I never thought I would travel in a million years," he penned. "It began when a tragedy robbed the world of an enlightened soul, a brother, a father, a partner and my friend, Nipsey Hussle."
He continued: "Just days prior, he shared his energy and positivity with me on a video set for a song called, 'Higher.' After much prayer and reflection; and with the full blessing of the Asghedom family, I am sharing that moment with you."
Khaled concluded his statement by writing that all proceeds from "Higher" will go to Nipsey's two children, Emani and Kross.
Set in his hometown of Los Angeles, Nip begins the video reminiscing about his grandmother and the memories he created with family growing up.
“Los Angeles love, kinda of like Hussle and Boog,” Nipsey says of his longtime girlfriend Lauren London, using her nickname Boogie. Nipsey and Lauren share a 2-year-old son Kross.
Nip also references overcoming temptation in his life in order to grow into the man he ultimately wanted to be.
“Looking back at my life make my heart race. Dance with the devil and test our faith,” he raps. “I was thinking chess moves. But it was God’s grace.”
Legend plays a piano and sings the chorus. “You keep taking me higher and higher. But don’t you know that the devil’s a liar,” the 40-year-old croons. “I know they’d rather see me down, put my soul in the fire.”
The video concludes with a tribute to Hussle, which reads “Rest in Paradise Ermias ‘Nipsey Hussle’ Asghedom.”
Nip died on March 31 after being shot in the parking lot of his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles. Two other people were wounded during the ambush. His alleged killer, Eric Holder, was charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder following the incident.
"Higher" is not the only project Nipsey was working on before his demise. Per an earlier Blavity report, the 33-year-old was set to open a resort in Las Vegas in 2020.
Khaled's eleventh studio album, Father of Asahd, was released May 17. The album features a slew of famous voices, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Nas, SZA, Future, 21 Savage, Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott and Lil Wayne.
Watch the video for “Higher” below.
