- Barack Obama praised Nipsey Hussle in a letter read at the singer's memorial service.
- He said his daughters introduced him to Hussle's music, and he admired the artist for investing in his community.
- Read the full letter below.
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Former president Barack Obama praised Nipsey Hussle in a letter read at his memorial service in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Karen Civil, Hussle's friend and former business partner, read the letter onstage between sobs. The memorial service attracted a crowd of thousands of people. Celebrities — including Stevie Wonder and Anthony Hamilton — as well as local leaders paid tribute to the hip-hop artist and community philanthropist.
In his letter, Obama said his daughters, Sasha and Malia, introduced Hussle's music to him. He praised the late artist and entrepreneur for recognizing the potential of his local community.
"While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and only see gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential," Obama wrote. "He saw hope. He saw a community that even through his flaws told him to keep going."
Read more:Nipsey Hussle's partner says she's 'completely lost' after the rapper's death
Read Obama's full remarks below:
I've never met Nipsey. But I've heard his music through my daughters. And after his passing, I had the chance to learn more about his music and his community work.
While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborbhood where he grew up and only see gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope. He saw a community that even through his flaws told him to keep going. His choice to invest in that community rather than to ignore it — to build a skills training center, a coworking space in Crenshaw, to lift up the Eritrean-American community — he set an example for young people to follow. And is a legacy worthy of celebration. I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it.
Michelle and I send our sympathies to Lauren [London], Emani, Kross, and entire Asghedom family and to all those who love Nipsey.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
- Read more:
- Thousands are expected to turn out to mourn rapper Nipsey Hussle at the same venue where Michael Jackson's memorial service was held
- Nipsey Hussle's partner says she's 'completely lost' after the rapper's death
- Los Angeles police say they've captured the person they suspect killed Nipsey Hussle