Everyone from celebrities, musicians, athletes and the LA Police Department are honoring slain rapper, Nipsey Hussle, in their own ways – indicating how well-loved Nip was by so many people, across many different industries.
On March 31, Nipsey was shot and killed outside of his L.A. clothing store and everyone from LeBron James, Odell Beckham, and Russell Westbrook to J. Cole, Big Sean, and Kanye West have made tributes in honor of the Grammy-nominated rapper.
On Saturday night, J. Cole paused during his sold-out inaugural Dreamville Festival to pay tribute to Nipsey. Before a packed house of more than 40,000 of J. Cole’s supporters in Raleigh’s Dix Park, the North Carolina rapper dedicated his hit song “Love Yourz,” to the late West Coast rapper who used his voice and platform to better his community.
During the performance, J. Cole included a montage of video footage of the slain L.A. rapper on a huge monitor screen behind him. The crowd was into it, belting out the opening lyrics of Love Yourz before Cole even started rapping, according to TMZ. There also appeared to be a live band backing up the performance, TMZ added.
At the end of the song, J. Cole gave a shout out to Nip, urging his fans to keep their cellphones out and to make some noise. The crowd seemed excited to follow along.
READ MORE: Sen. Cory Booker’s emotional call to action in the wake of Nipsey Hussle’s death (WATCH)
Also honoring Nipsey Hussle with a special tribute was rapper Big Sean. During his Dreamville Festival performance, Big Sean brought the house down with a freestyle rap that may have been written especially for the performance.
Sean thanked Nipsey for using his voice and talents to help his community and he said he could still feel the rapper’s energy.
The next day, Kanye West paid tribute to Nipsey during his weekly Sunday Service outdoor concert.
Ye played some audio of Nipsey’s voice offering inspiration over a backdrop of music that he himself DJ’d. Afterwards, a choir and live band sing what appears to be a hymn in honor of Nipsey, according to TMZ. North West was feeling the vibe, TMZ adds.
Kanye paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle today at Sunday Service. ?
— Def Jam Recordings (@defjam) April 7, 2019
READ MORE: Nipsey Hussle’s memorial service to be held at famed L.A. Staples Center
Cleveland Cavaliers star, JR Smith, put his tribute to Nipsey on his leg. Smith, known for his body tattoos, got his newest one of Nip, reported TMZ.
“Praying for your family bro!” Smith said on Sunday. “WE GOT TO STOP KILLING EACH OTHER MAN THE SH*T SAD!!”
At Thursday’s game, LeBron James wore a Nipsey shirt and the Lakers had a moment of silence for the fallen rapper.
“Man Nip I promise I’ll continue to fly high for you bro!! The Marathon Must Continue On!!” Bron wrote on IG, adding “And while you’re resting and enjoying paradise I hope I can make you proud down here below.”
This upcoming Thursday, a memorial will be held for Nipsey in LA at the Staples Center. Details on what would be included during the memorial were not known.