Why Is 'RIP Nipsey' Trending and Twitter So Depressed?

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Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently lives in Chicago. In her free time, Kelly can be found writing (duh), exploring her city, and frequenting a handful of coffee shops. She's an avid reader, music listener, and dog lover. Kelly's writing talents have landed her in a variety of positions, including her current job as a Culture Writer at Newsweek, as well as formerly interning at Rolling Stone Magazine and writing about music at Atwood Magazine. She also runs the blog Just Cut The Bullshit which is known for its mental health advocacy. 

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Twitter is taking a moment to reflect on and remember the death of rapper Nipsey Hussle. Tuesday, March 31, marks the one-year anniversary of Hussle's murder, and fans are still mourning the "Racks in the Middle" musician.

Early on Tuesday, "Rip Nipsey" was a trending search on Twitter. When explored, the feed featured hundreds of photos and heartbroken thoughts on the loss.

Nipsey Hussle was allegedly assassinated by a fellow Rollin' 60s member—that's a Los Angeles gang—close to his L.A. clothing store in 2019. Two others were injured in the shooting, which killed Hussle.

Nipsey Hussle
Rapper Nipsey Hussle attends A Craft Syndicate Music Collaboration Unveiling Event at Opera Atlanta on December 10, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. Prince Williams/Wireimage/Getty

But the conversation sparked by fans on Twitter has nothing to do with the brutal nature of Hussle's death. Instead, it celebrates the musical legacy that Hussle left behind.

Rip Nipsey Hussle we haven’t forgot about you bro. ???

— HaHa Davis (@HaHaDavis) March 31, 2020

Grateful to have seen him live at the festival. Still doesn’t sit right with me that he’s not here. RIP Nipsey. TMC ??? https://t.co/eVRC4u3Koj

— Henny (@hgshutter) March 31, 2020

Can’t believe today marks 1 yr since nipsey hussle Lefted us 😢💔 RIP NIP 💙🏁 pic.twitter.com/rD8zDFrLJN

— .Tobaddd❤️ (@baddieez9) March 31, 2020

“We got turned down, we failed, had setbacks, had to start over a lot of times. But we kept going at it. In anybody’s case, that’s always the distinguishing factor.” - Nipsey Hussle The Great ?? #rip in honor of nip day pic.twitter.com/slRFcbyvkV

— Ever In My Flavor ? (@WildlingJawn) March 31, 2020

Others commented on where they were when they heard of Hussle's death, and how it still has a pull on them—especially during today's trying times.

Man I remember the day Nipsey died. I remember who I was with, what I was doing. So much was going on for me at that time then to hear he was killed smh. RIP NIP #TheMarathonContinues

— Jake (@bbyjake) March 31, 2020

GBNF RIP #NipseyHussle can't believe it's been one year already.... who knew one year later the world would be on lockdown with a global pandemic ...use your angel wings Nipsey to protect and serve other's Amen

— Jackie Rocks Celebrity Psychic #IchoseGOD not #GR (@jackietvpsychic) March 31, 2020

Eric Holder, a former friend and fellow Rollin' 60s gang member (Hussle was a proud member of the group according to his Facebook page, CNN reported in 2019), was allegedly the shooter.

A friendly conversation between the two quickly turned sour when Hussle told Holder his local reputation was beginning to paint him as a snitch, according to a 2019 piece in the Los Angeles Times. Holder left and, soon after, allegedly returned with two guns. It's then that Holder allegedly shot and killed Hussle, who said, "You got me," after he was wounded.

Holder has been indicted but is awaiting trial. He pleaded not guilty.

In January 2020, nearly a year after his death, Hussle was awarded two Grammy awards. His camp took home best Rap Performance for "Racks in the Middle" and best Rap/Sung Performance for "Higher," a DJ Khaled song that he's featured on with John Legend. He was also nominated for best Rap Song with "Racks in the Middle," though the award ultimately went to "A Lot" by 21 Savage and featuring J Cole.

Hussles' wife, Lauren London, daughter, sister and grandmother were all in attendance at the 2020 awards show to support his continued achievements. The ceremony also included an emotional tribute to the rapper.

Many comments that acknowledge the death of Hussle also pay respects to Selena, who was murdered on the same day in 1995.

Immediately after his death, a series of giant celebrities chimed in with grief and disbelief for the quick and unexpected way Hussle's life was taken. Rihanna, Drake, Meek Mill, Jada Pinkett Smith, LeBron James and more contributed to the conversation online.

"This doesn't make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this!" Rihanna wrote on Instagram. "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 @nipseyhussle."

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About the writer

Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently lives in Chicago. In her free time, Kelly can be found writing (duh), exploring her city, and frequenting a handful of coffee shops. She's an avid reader, music listener, and dog lover. Kelly's writing talents have landed her in a variety of positions, including her current job as a Culture Writer at Newsweek, as well as formerly interning at Rolling Stone Magazine and writing about music at Atwood Magazine. She also runs the blog Just Cut The Bullshit which is known for its mental health advocacy. 

Writers Page

Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more