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Rapper Nipsey Hussle Shot and Killed in Los Angeles

West Coast rap star Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed in Los Angeles today outside of his Marathon Clothing Company store. He was 33 years old.

The perpetrator and motive of the shooting are unknown. Two other people were shot and are in critical condition, police told NBC News. Hours before his death, Hussle, born Ermias Davidson Asghedom, tweeted “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”

Hussle, who was born and raised in South Los Angeles, was known as a leading voice in West Coast rap. He broke onto the scene with a debut mixtape in 2005, and was nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for his album, Victory Lap.

Hussle was an entrepreneur and community activist, and opened a coworking space and learning center in 2018 with the goal of giving inner-city youth the tools to pursue careers in science and tech.

Hussle leaves behind two children and girlfriend Lauren London.

Copyright 2019 KQED