Meaning of Nipsey Hussle’s name explored as Lauren London pays tribute on rapper’s 5th death anniversary

On the fifth anniversary of rapper Nipsey Hussle’s death on March 31, 2024, actress Lauren London posted a tribute to her former boyfriend on her Instagram account.

“If you know me, you know March is always tough for me. 31 days of holding my breath. This day decided to fall on Easter Sunday this 2024. Interesting…. considering your name #GodWillRise. Energy never dies…. I love you. Eternal.”

The post included a photo of Nipsey Hussle, who tragically passed away at the age of 33 on March 31, 2019. He was fatally shot multiple times in the parking lot of his store Marathon Clothing in South Central Los Angeles.

Eric Ronald Holder Jr. was found guilty of first-degree murder and received a prison sentence of several decades in July 2022, three years after the crime was committed.

The post honoring London received numerous comments from his industry peers, such as Saweetie, Kehlani, La La Anthony, Sarunas J. Jackson, D.C. Young Fly, Issa Rae, and Reginae Carter, the daughter of Lil Wayne.

The Origin of Nipsey Hussle’s Stage Name

Ermias [Airmiess] Joseph Asghedom, also known as the late rapper, entrepreneur, and activist, was born with a name that holds a significant meaning. During a backstage interview with Hot New Hip Hop in October 2023, he shared that his original name translates to “God Will Rise”. This revelation was made before his WeEE Live Interview.

At the age of 17, he joined Butter vision, a creative multimedia digital guerilla movement led by Dexter Browne, and acquired his stage name Nipsey Hussle (often stylized as Nipsey Hu$$le) in 2002.

One of his childhood acquaintances who admired his strong work ethic bestowed upon him the moniker Nipsey Hussle during this phase. The name was inspired by comedian and game show panelist Nipsey Russell and became his professional alias when he released his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Vol. 1.

Memories and tributes to Nipsey Hussle from Lauren London

Nipsey Hussle and Lauren London were in a relationship starting in 2013 and remained together until her tragic passing in 2019. Three years into their relationship, they became parents to their son, Kross Ermias Asghedom, in 2016.

In addition to honoring him on the fifth anniversary of his death, Lauren London, age 39, also posted multiple photos of the late West Coast hip-hop artist on her Instagram Stories. This included sharing a clip of a previous interview he had with radio host, TV personality, and comedian Charlamagne Tha God.

On August 15, 2023, which marked the late rapper’s 38th birth anniversary, London had shared a heartfelt post.

“Honoring the day you blessed the Earth with your presence. Forever more. I love you,” she wrote on Instagram.

On the anniversary of his death last year as well, London took to Instagram to share a black-and-white photo of Nipsey Hussle and wrote a lengthy caption:

“I hold my breath all of March knowing I have to face the memory of the day you transitioned…. Holding on to ancient wisdom but the pain is the pain and nothing was ever the same… Eternal Being. Ermias Asghedom. I Love You.”

The long verse from Baha’i Sacred Writings was also included with it.

It is worth mentioning that Lauren and Nipsey each had children from previous relationships. Hussle’s first child and daughter, Emani Asghedom, whom he had with his ex-partner Tanisha Foster, and London’s son Kameron Carter with rapper Lil Wayne, are both left behind by the late rapper.