Los Angeles Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced that the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and West Slauson Avenue would be renamed in honor of slain rapper Nipsey Hussle. Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was murdered outside of the Marathon Clothing store he owned at the intersection.
Shortly after his death, a petition for the name change was filed on change.org. It's received over 500,000 signatures to date, with many fans calling the Grammy-nominated rapper an inspiration and pushing for an end to gun violence.
“Nipsey’s genuine nature allowed him to be a light to everyone he interacted with from family, friends, fans, and his larger community," Harris-Dawson said in a press release for Tuesday's announcement. "As a father, brother, and son, Nipsey was a rock helping to build an empire that will continue through generations."
"Nipsey was loved by so many in the community. He wanted to make an impact in the community by informing people about ownership and the importance of working together as a race," one fan wrote on the petition page. "Unfortunately he was gunned down and killed. We must end gun violence and protect one another."
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According to USA Today, autopsy results show that Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, died from gunshot wounds to the head and torso, so his death is being treated as a homicide. Police arrested Eric Holder, 29, in connection with the shooting death of the 33-year-old rapper.
Eric Holder, the suspected killer of Nipsey Hussle, has been arrested and is in police custody. Thank you to both our community for the heightened awareness/vigilance, and our partners at @LASDHQ. pic.twitter.com/0zujy89Yfm
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) April 2, 2019
Detectives believe Holder has gang ties, but the shooting was due to a personal dispute rather than gang violence. The Los Angeles Times reports Holder's arrest came after his alleged getaway driver turned herself in to police. The woman was later released without being arrested and claimed she didn't know that Holder had shot the rapper when he got in her car.
The Grammy-nominated artist invested heavily in South Los Angeles, including the community-inspired project Destination Crenshaw — a 1.3-mile outdoor cultural experience that celebrates Black Los Angeles.
"Nipsey will always be remembered for delivering a pure, authentic Los Angeles sound, his numerous philanthropic efforts, his innovative, community-focused business mindset, and his humble heart," Harris-Dawson stated.
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