Definition of Urban Legend: When it’s bigger than Rap.

Some of us were very familiar with his story, his grind, and the come up regarding his music. While some of us recently became hip with his latest album “Victory Lap” (2018). What we all know for sure is that the community – our community, Hip Hop and many of our hoods around the way suffered a great loss this past weekend. For me Hip Hop music has served as a method of motivation, though many of the stories of drugs and street life do not personally relate to me, many of these stories are mirror images of my childhood experiences. Many of these stories resonate closely with me as the struggles of Hip Hop artists have much overlap with myself, the community and city at large in which I come from. Despite what media often projects as negative, there is something utterly beautiful about the poetry of pain, trials and triumphs that is often displayed through Rap and Hip Hop Music. There is something that lies between the sweet midst of the earth and our reality that has given the Brown and Black communities pieces of hope.

“Pressure on your shoulders, how you gon’ deal with it? Say it’s uncomfortable when you transition. But it’s all beautiful when you get rich in it.”

Nipsey Hussle was no different to these claims. Born Ermias Asghedom, stomping grounds rising from South LA Crenshaw area; Nipsey won the hearts, ears and support of many. This article is not to serve as a coverage of the story surrounding the tragic passing of Nipsey.

However, this article does serves as tribute to his overall mission and contribution to Hip Hop, our community and activism for our people. Rapper and American Icon, Tupac Shakur, tragically lost his life in 1996. At the time, I was a young 4-year old child. I have no memory of that moment in Hip Hop history, but I have countless memories growing up and listening to Keep Ya Head Up and I Ain’t Mad at Cha on hot summer Detroit Days. Tupac was indeed apart of my childhood. As I grew older, it was Tupac that I referred to in times of sadness, peace and straight up anger. Nipsey’s flow similar to Tupac, afforded me the modern day Urban Legend feel. Nipsey’s entrance on the Hip Hop scene changed my life drastically. I remember as an undergraduate student listening to Nipsey Hussle mixtapes as I walked to class.

“I spent my whole life tryna make it. Tryna chase it. The cycle of a black man divided. Tryna break it. You take a loss, shit don’t cry about it. Just embrace it. Minor setback for major comeback. That’s my favorite.”

Nipsey spoke to me, a young city college girl attending a Predominately White Institution. I knew this, but I wasn’t fully conscious enough to analyze his words and relate them to my past, as well as my college experiences. It wasn’t until Victory Lap,  there it was, at the mere age of 26, I fully understood. I heard his message and heard it clear. From that point forward, I became a true Nipsey fan, using his music to push forward in what felt, for the first time in my life – like much injustice and a need to further educate our communities through Black history and empowerment. Rap has always served as a platform for expression. Artists such as NWA, Tupac, Eric Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole just to name a few, have utilized their talents to spread awareness through their musical words. Nipsey was no exception to this movement. With his West Coast vibe and the picture that he painted with much resonation regarding many Brown and Black folk across the country. Nipsey’s original style and grace begin to provide us with something we may have been missing for many years. 

“This ain’t entertainment. It’s for n*****s on the slave ship. These songs just the spirituals. I swam against them waves with. Ended up on the shore, to they amazement. I hope the example I set not contagious. Lock us behind the gate. But they can’t tame us.”

I’ve matured since my first interaction with a Nipsey song. I’ve learned to appreciate his words and use them as wisdom for my own navigation through “society.” It is artists like Nipsey and Pac that fuel my fire to cross two worlds that may otherwise never exist together. If Nipsey and Pac could shake my world, I can only imagine the relatability these community and societal icons must have on our young men of color. My current struggle is one that I enjoy, one that I truly believe is apart of my destiny. Hip Hop and Rap allows us to bop our heads in unity, agreement and understanding. It’s been powerful since its inception, birthed out of the civil rights movement and the redlining of Black neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY. If Hip Hop has saved lives, that many can attest too; it can save retention and persistence rates for Black Male collegiate students. As a first year doctoral student in Education, my hopes are to bring the two together. In this unique marriage, Hip Hop can serve as a positive retention method that affords the opportunity for Black Men (who are nationally ranked at the lowest in receiving post-secondary degrees) to successfully graduate from Predominately White Institutions. 

“I grew up in a town they don’t make it out of. If you Black you dont live to see a man. You see 21, you done won the lottery. Talkin’ friend, when the streets there. Took a lot from me, I washed up from a robbery. Now your name 465723-9B state property. Yea, you had a dream, now you livin’ out a nightmare. You almost made it, you was right there. Now your release date is in another light year.”

The phrase Urban Legend is a term of endearment. In my eyes, an Urban Legend is one that exceeds statistics facts. One that completely changes the trajectory of their life through positive leadership, growth and purpose. Nipsey’s path may be one of many barriers, bumps and potholes; nonetheless, the narrative he chose to move towards rewards his legacy with much respect and dedication. It is no surprise that his latest album is titled Victory Lap as every true champion as traveled down a challenging road. Nipsey not only spoke of hope and change, he was hope and change. Through his music and actions, we witness young Hussle develop as a true activist, encouraging community members to work towards homeownership and entrepreneurship. Through his words, he kept and will continue to keep the community woke with messages that will live on.

Love a Black Man. Support a Black Man.

Rest Easy King Hussle.

“The conscious mind is a heavy load to carry…. Protect those who hold it.” – Courtney BrieAnn

“We break bread, we ain’t new to success. Bleed music, invest, enterprise, take lucrative steps. Cold game, but I knew it was chess. As a youth in the set. Learn the game, you a student at best. But it’s a couple things you can expect.”

Courtney BrieAnn is a 1st year Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership, her research focuses on Integrating Hip Hop Culture and Urban Education, as well as storytelling and using current events as teaching methods in the realm of Education. Courtney has a sub-interest in leadership development among urban education, students of color, community development and mental health amongst black communities. Courtney obtained her Associates of Arts from Schoolcraft College, Bachelors of Science in Health Administration (concentration in Social Work), Masters of Arts in Higher Education/Student Affairs and Graduate Certification in Academic Advising. Feel Free to connect with Courtney via email at Connect@BeMentallyRich.com or via instagram at @MsCourtneyBrieAnn