EarCandy #2 - Love by Nipsey Hussle

So much more than a rapper, Nipsey Hussle spread hope, education, and anecdotes of how beautiful, yet brutal, survival can be. Nipsey's perception of life and its lessons were unique; continuing to thrive long after his existence. I could write millions of words on this man, but today, I would like to focus on one of his many masterpieces: Love.

The title, Love, is oxymoronic. Rather than expressing ideas of intimacy or affection, it does quite the opposite. Nipsey begins the track with the phrase: "Fake n****s don't show me love." (0:11). This line demonstrates his need for authentic relationships. He suggests that those who don't hold such a feat– their love will not be accepted. Nip does not become fazed with a lack of original character. Instead, he bestows his trust in items that aren't capable of inflicting pain on him or his family: "I got this pistol and a gang of hundreds." (0:17). This seems to be the underlying theme of the song: the independence that had cultured his success.

His distrust in people, although toxic, sparked a strive for success and wealth; a way out of dependence and potentially danger. Nipsey's roots lay at Crenshaw and Slauson in Los Angeles, CA– a notoriously dangerous area which birthed Nipsey's paranoia of people. Surrounded by death and violence, came a loss of connection. To explain the territory and trauma Nipsey became accustomed to, he rapped: "Told my mama I'm a gang bang graduate. Pioneered the transition of this crippin' wasn't easy n***a, but I mastered it... Slauson Ave. do you understand the averages? The fact I'm still standing speaks values to my savageness. We lust lavishness and aim for extravagance." (0:45). Here he is suggesting that his perseverance motivated him to change the narrative defined by his rocky past.

With this new lifestyle came new perspectives. Nipsey’s success allowed him to let his guard down, granting him the honor to bask in a lifestyle so rare and beautiful. Welcoming the opportunity money had brought him. Instead of running from what is promised to every individual: death, Nipsey instead prepared for it, so he could live his life as a free man. He wrote, "Trust funds for Emani, in case this life takes me I live it; to the fullest, never let this life break me. Thus far has been a cold demonstration. Number one question now is 'Did the fame change me?' F*cking right, young n***a, sh*t, I'd still be gang banging." (1:30). This new vantage point allowed Nipsey to live life as every person should: at liberty. Instead of fearing what he knew would happen, he prepared for it. A true scholar.

With the past in the past, Nipsey shifted from a gang led adolescence to a role model: Neighborhood Nip; an example of success, competence, and prolificness accomplished against all odds. Of course, Nipsey Hussle's paranoia proved to be true; on March 31st, 2019, Nipsey was gunned down in his own neighborhood, in front of his own store, alongside his own friends. Although gone too soon, Nipsey took the steps to ensure security for his friends and family while he was alive; taking care of them long after his physical presence had died.

Life is complicated. Seldom does it make any sense. There is nothing to take away from the pain of a soul gone too soon. A feeling a lot of us know too well. With that being said, it is important to live life as it is meant to be: freely.

Prepare for the worst, never hide from it. For it will suffocate you long before you draw your final breath.

"When you're dead, you're dead. But you're not quite so dead if you contribute something." - John Dunsworth

Love by Nipsey Hussle