Rapper Nipsy Hussle was fatally shot Sunday and two other men were wounded outside Hussle’s clothing store in South Los Angeles.
The shootings happened about 3:20 p.m. in the 3400 block of West Slauson Avenue, near Crenshaw Boulevard, in front of The Marathon Clothing, a business Hussle opened in 2017, authorities said.
The two wounded men were hospitalized in stable condition, sources from the Los Angeles police and fire departments told City News Service.
The 33-year-old Hussle — whose birth name was Ermias Asghedon — was pronounced dead at a hospital, reports said.
A suspect described only as a male black is being sought, the LAPD’s Chris Ramirez told a media gathering across from the killing scene shown on CBS2.
A motive for the gunfire has not been determined, Ramirez said.
Hussle was from the Crenshaw neighborhood and worked on music with members of both the Crips and Blood gangs, TMZ reported.
A variety of sources reported that about an hour before he was shot, Hussle tweeted: “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”
After news broke that Hussle died, a stream of condolences flooded the Internet.
Los Angeles Lakers all-star forward LeBron James tweeted, “So, so SAD man!! DAMN man this hurt.”
The rapper Drake posted on Instagram, “My whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this. We just linked for the first time in years and said we were gonna do a new song this summer cause it had been too long. I’m only doing this here cause I want the world to know I saw you as a man of respect and a don. Rest easy my G.”
Singer Rihanna tweeted, “This doesn’t make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this! Dear God may his spirit rest in peace and may you grant divine comfort to all his loved ones! I’m so sorry this happened to you.
Singer/Musician Pharrell Williams tweeted, “You were about something positive and for your community in every chance you had to speak … and because of that you inspired millions…millions who will uphold your legacy forever, Rest amongst the stars.”
Hundreds of fans have begun showing up outside his clothing store playing his music and leaving flowers.
The LAPD has advised motorists to avoid the area around Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw boulevard because of street closures and heavy traffic.