Family, friends and fans mourn Nipsey Hussle at memorial service

The memorial service for the slain rapper and humanitarian Nipsey Hussle’s took place at the Los Angeles Staples Centre Thursday night.

Nipsey, whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was shot dead in front of his Los Angeles Clothing Store on Sunday 31 March 2019. He was aged 33.

Family members and friends remembered the dead rapper fondly and shared how he had impacted positively the lives of those he came into contact with him.

“My pain is for my two-year-old, who probably won’t remember how much his dad loved him,” says girlfriend Lauren London after she shared some beautiful messages Nipsey sent to her.

Nipsey’s mom says of her dead son: “Ermias was so close to me spiritually, I could feel him coming. I knew that I was going to get pregnant on my birthday and Ermias came.

“I felt spiritually within my soul as if Ermias was going to leave and I think that Ermias knew too.

“I’m very proud of my son. My son, Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was a great man.”

Some celebrities who eulogised the rapper include legendary musician Stevie Wonder and rapper Snoop Dogg, who said the two shared a kinship. Snoop also said what he will remember most is Nipsey’s “kind spirit” and how he served as a “peace advocate,” making music with rival gang members and showing love to everyone no matter the colours they flew, CNN reports.

“One thing me and Nip had [in common] was a kind spirit. A spirit of love. When we met each other it was like a magnet coming together.” – Snoop Dogg at the #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle pic.twitter.com/mghVhEQrgY

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 11, 2019

Stevie Wonder also took the stage to pay tribute to Nipsey. Stevie recalled meeting the rapper and said he hopes his death spurs the nation to take gun violence more seriously.

“I’m very happy that in his short life he was able to motivate people, and I hope that it motivates you to say, ‘Enough of people being killed by guns and violence,'” Stevie says.

The multi-platinum R&B singer and pianist then played Rocket Love, one of Nipsey’s favourite Stevie Wonder songs, and Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven.

Stevie Wonder delivered a truly touching performance at the #CelebrationOfNipseyHussle. pic.twitter.com/2yRADoDGN5

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 11, 2019

Former US president, Barack Obama sent a heartfelt letter, personally written, on Thursday morning.

“I’ve never met Nipsey but I’ve heard his music through my daughters,” part of the letter reads. “While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighbourhood [and see violence and gangs] … Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope.”

“His choice to invest in that community rather than to ignore it … set an example for young people to follow,” the letter continued. “I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw.”

Following the service, there was a funeral procession that ended at Angelus Funeral Home after a 25-mile procession through the city. Tens of thousands took to the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession, the Associated Press reported.

The hearse carrying the body made a stop at his clothing store, The Marathon. Onlookers threw flowers on the roof of the hearse and it moved through the crowd. The late rapper was finally laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in L.A.