PROLIFIC.

This one word branded near Nipsey Hussle's right temple defines his character with such uncanny precision. Conscious of his place in the world, and compassionate beyond measure, Ermias Joseph Asghedom morphed into an individual who could never be categorized as just another rapper. A phenomenal father, husband, and provider for his loved ones, Nipsey Hussle was just what the doctor ordered in healing the poverty, oppression, and hopelessness that pervade far too many inner-city communities. His diligence and passion for growth and knowledge placed him in a position of power. Power in which he used for causes worthy of praise and recognition. Dropping jewels on even the simplest of topics like healthy eating, Nipsey intellectually elaborated on so many pivotal issues affecting our society today. He had solutions, he had substance, he had "the stuff".

He understood what it took to bring into fruition his vision of prosperity, not only for himself but also for those in his vicinity. He understood what is at stake when we don't embrace community and leadership roles. A product of the ghetto and its debilitating circumstances, he taught us that life is not always easy or perfect, but with diligence and resilience, Black men can emerge from the slums to be great. These characteristics deem him a paragon not limited to only Black men, but to black, brown and urban communities everywhere. Anyone can obtain money and success, but not anyone can use their influence to empower and instill values in others in effort to create a society we all can find happiness in. He did that. For this very reason, his untimely death has shaken the souls of people from all walks of life. Unfortunately, he could not do it all by himself, and should never have had to.

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Black men.. Black community we have got to dig deeper in order to find our true purpose just as Nipsey Hussle urged us to do. With the creation of his pristine album "Victory Lap" as well as other entrepreneurial feats, Nipsey put himself on the same playing field with other rap tycoons like Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and a few other community pillars. His character epitomized Black culture at its most refined state. He used his platform as a beacon, as a voice, a voice that genuinely cared. Dying prematurely at the stunningly young age of 33, he had the potential to become anything his heart desired. Activist, CEO, professor, maybe even the mayor of L.A.

Listen to his interview with Ebro at HOT97 which is one of his best presentations by far. He spoke on what it is like to be a derivative of a community infested with drugs and gang violence. A herald to his personal struggles, he even admitted foolish choices he made in his immature adolescence, stating that his past does not define who he has grown to be. As a young Black male who has made my share of mistakes, his words ring true. Before we can bloom into our full potential, we must give ourselves time to mature and make it through the years of adolescence where we are susceptible to error. Black men, we do not have to carry on unproductive tradition to the detriment of our communities. We must take into the future what is sustainable tradition, and shed the skin of harmful tradition for the better.

Thanks, Ermias for leaving some footsteps for us to follow.

Black Growth

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